High School Programs Abroad Program - Explore the World, Travel Abroad!

Australia

Melbourne:
Sydney:
Adelaide:
Gold Coast:
Perth:
Brisbane:
New South Wales:
Queensland:
Northern Territory:
South Australia:
Victoria:
Tasmania:
Sunshine Coast:

Austria

Salzburg:
Vienna:

Belgium

Brussels:

Denmark

Other Cities in Denmark:

Ecuador

Quito:
Galapagos Islands:
All Other Regions of Ecuador:

England

London:

Finland

Other Cities in Finland:

France

Paris:
Lyon:

Germany

Berlin:
Munich:

Hungary

Other Cities in Hungary:

Italy

Florence:
Rome:
Venice:
Milan:
All Other Areas in Italy:
Sicily:

Japan

Tokyo:
All Other Areas:

Norway

Other Cities in Norway:

Poland

Other Cities in Poland:

Switzerland

Other Cities in Switzerland:

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: January-December

Description: Shecana International Schools Ltd. offers international student exchange and gap-year travel programs. We have 17 years of experience with student exchanges and student travel. Based in Prince George, BC, we partner with trusted international student exchange and travel organizations to fulfill our mission to provide safe, positive educational travel choices for Canadians age 14 to 25.

Each year many young Canadians go abroad with Shecana to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Asia. Approximately 100 of our students from countries throughout the world come each year to live with host families in western Canada.

* For high school exchanges, we assist students and their families through the application process, ensure placement with a suitable host family, ensure that all necessary documentation and insurance are in place, and make travel arrangements. After departure, we facilitate communication between the students family in Canada and the host country, monitor the placement and assist as needed.

* For high school graduates, we offer gap-year programs including study abroad, working holidays and cultural exchanges. Many programs feature pre-arranged accommodation and an on-site representative to meet and assist the traveler at his or her destination. Working holidays include a confirmed job before leaving Canada. We provide assistance and advice regarding visas and other documentation, and assist with travel arrangements.

Highlights: Safely experience the excitement, pleasure, challenge and confidence that come with international travel: Shecana can get you going!

School: We pre-arrange a high-school placement for you in your host country. Many students earn credits for courses they complete abroad, but not all your courses will transfer to your Canadian school. It's a good idea to check with your school counsellor about your individual situation and courses. Our staff are also happy to provide you with advice. Depending on your destination country, you may need to wear a school uniform (not included in your program fee).

Leisure time: Make the most of your time away: you'll have the opportunity to participate in sports, try new activities, get to know your host family and their friends and relatives, and meet other students. Students always return to Canada with many new international connections and friends. Optional tours are available if you want to see more of your adopted country with fellow exchange students.

Language: Most countries do not require that you speak their language before you arrive. Naturally, it's a little easier for everyone if you learn some basic phrases before you go, but students find that they very quickly pick up enough language to get by, and by the time they return home they can speak a new language just as the locals do. France, Switzerland and Germany have a language requirement: you need to be fluent in French or German in order to qualify for exchange in these countries.

Support: You will have a local representative while you're away. He or she is there to provide orientation, support and monitor the host family/student relationship, and generally see that the program works as planned. Your area rep will also ensure open communication between your host country and Canada.

Rules: There are standard expectations that apply to all students on our exchanges to ensure that the experience is safe and pleasant for all involved.

Price: The prices depend on your destination country and length of exchange. Please contact us for a free quote for the country and length of stay you'd like a semester (5 months) or school year (10 months).

    * guidance and assistance from our experienced staff for you and your parents
    * local area representative support during your time abroad
    * accommodation [room and board] with your volunteer host family
    * 24-hour support and assistance
    * enrolment in a local high school
    * information on your host family and high school prior to departure
    * online orientation for parents and students prior to departure
    * orientation with host families and fellow exchange students following arrival in host country
    * program handbook
    * t-shirt and backpack

Shecana International Schools's Mission Statement: Shecana's mission is to provide an array of safe, positive, educational travel opportunities for youth.