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High School in Canada

Discover Canada's beautiful, expansive landscapes, warm sense of community, and rich Francophone history!

Study Abroad in Canada

Living with a French-speaking host family in the province of Quebec, you will learn to speak French with a North American touch and have the opportunity to utilize your language skills within your host family and community. Lovers of the great outdoors will find great adventure in exploring Quebec’s natural world, which changes with the seasons. Canada’s welcoming culture will charm you and the relationships you build are sure to last a lifetime!

Canada is a paradise for outdoor lovers and campers, with its lakes, forests, mountains and oceans. Because of the extent of its territory, Canada boasts communities from a wide variety of backgrounds; like the U.S., many people emigrate from countries like India, China, and the Philippines, so you’re sure to encounter different cultures everywhere you go. In Quebec, you’ll quickly find that Québécois people are proud of their history and strive to embody their unique traditions through elements like cuisine, local events, architecture, and of course, language!

Things to know about Canada

Canadians are known to be close-knit and hospitable, with a strong sense of community and pride in their Francophone culture, especially in French-speaking Quebec. During your time in Canada, you’ll likely spend much of your time meeting new people, participating in community-based events, and uncovering Canada’s history in the process! Many people you encounter will share their values and habits with pleasure and generosity. Canadians adapt to the climate whatever the season, and there is no good reason not to go out and enjoy the outdoors, cultural activities, great restaurants, festivals, and family reunions!

Embracing the beauty of winter is a magical experience in Canada – from ice skating to night skiing, from snow shoeing to ice fishing, you will be amazed by the multitude of possibilities that the winter weather can offer. Many placements are in the suburbs or countryside of Quebec, but wherever you live, there are always festivals and activities to brighten your weekends, even when it’s cold out!

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? No, high school graduates are not eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 3.0
Age Range (at program start) 15 years and 5 months to 17 years and 5 months
Language Skills French A2 Having a knowledge of French upon arrival will be extremely beneficial to participants and their integration in Quebec.

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Canada

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Canada will begin when you land in Quebec, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers. You’ll then attend orientation with other AFS students before traveling to your new community. Your host family will likely live in the suburbs or the countryside.

Canada_Host Family

Your Accommodations

Meeting Your Host Family in Canada

During your time in Canada, you will live with a host family and join their everyday routines. Because you’ll be placed in the province of Quebec, your host family will speak both French and English, and you will be expected to learn French. Canadian families come in all shapes and sizes. Some host families have single parents; some have young children and some don’t. In many Canadian households, both parents work outside of the home, and everyone pitches in to take care of the daily chores and meals. Canadian families come in many forms, and you may be living with multiple cultures under one roof! This is your chance to experience what daily life is like in their community and try some of the popular foods like poutine (French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy) or croutons, a spread similar to French rillettes consisting of fatty spiced pork with toasted bread. You’ll spend a lot of time bonding with your host family, and they will be a great resource for learning about different aspects of French-Canadian culture!

Canada_School

Your High School in Canada

Your school experience will be unique not only because every Canadian community is unique, but also because Canadian schools are primarily controlled by local school boards. Canadians are very proud of this tradition of local control; it means, however, that your school might be very different from others nearby. Additionally, local schools are comprehensive; they try to meet the educational needs of all school-age children in the community, often in one building. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of interests and join clubs for different academic subjects and hobbies, such as orchestra, band, yearbook, or drama. These are an important part of school life and an excellent way to make friends!

Canada_Food

Food You’ll Encounter

While living with your host family, the foods you encounter may be dependent on their own culture and traditions, including those often found in Quebec specifically. Common foods you may try include crepes or soupe au pois, a pork and vegetable soup especially enjoyed during cold winter months. During the holidays, you’ll likely try tourtière, a traditional meat pie served as a popular Quebecois delicacy. Sweet foods that may be familiar to you are also popular in Canada, like croissants, maple syrup, and taffy!

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • School enrollment fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

Learn More

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Canada? If the program is under six months, then no visa is required.
If the program is over six months, then yes, a visa is required.
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country) Online.
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex) Average
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses
($ – $$$)		 $$$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home from your study abroad in Canada, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning. It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Canada.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.