High School Exchange in Canada - Preferred
Canada: Choose the school that you desire
Why choose preferred?
Make your educational journey to the breathtaking landscapes of Canada a personalized adventure with our preferred programme. Our programme gives students the unique opportunity to handpick not only their preferred location but also the school that best aligns with their academic aspirations. From the majestic mountains of British Columbia to the vibrant cities of Ontario, our Canada Preferred Programme ensures that students can shape their learning experience to embrace specific interests and excel in chosen subjects. Discover the beauty of Canada while crafting a tailored education that opens doors to a world of possibilities.
We also have an optional orientation camp for Canada.
Please note that the preferred programme prices are subject to change.
British Columbia is the westernmost province in Canada and is located on the Pacific Ocean. Important cities include the capital Victoria, Vanvouver and Abbotsford.
The province has 5.1 million inhabitants (2019), covers an area of 944,735 km² and is the third largest of Canada’s provinces both in terms of population and area. British Columbia became a province in 1871. The economy has traditionally been based on forestry.
Watch video about British Columbia HERE. Below you will find the school districts you can choose from in the province of British Columbia.
Central Okanagan School district
The Central Okanagan School District is ranked as the 5th largest district in British Columbia. The district works to educate and inspire its students to be successful in today’s global society. The district also has partnerships with neighboring universities, providing several opportunities for international students looking to study further in Canada.
The Okanagan Valley is known as a popular tourist destination. The area is famous for skiing and snowboarding, as well as the picturesque Okanagan Lake. The region is considered to be one of the best places to live in Canada as the climate is relatively temperate.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement Courses
- Athletic Academies
- Extracurricular Activities
Abbotsford School District
Just an hour from Vancouver, Abbotsford is located in the beautiful Fraser Valley. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the warm, dry summers and mild winters make Abbotsford a comfortable place to live. It’s a smaller city that has everything the big city offers – shopping malls, multiplex movie theatre, a wide variety of restaurants, bakeries and coffeeshops, yoga, gyms, martial arts, virtual arcades, and sporting facilities. Students study hard but are welcome to take part in trips to nearby Vancouver, or Victoria, as well as ski at world famous Whistler mountain. Abbotsford also offers access to adventure outings including whitewater rafting, skiing/snowboarding, rock climbing, paddleboarding, extended hiking and camping, mountain biking, caving, and paintballing. Choose Abbotsford for a complete Canadian experience!
Maple Ridge School District
The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District has been accepting international students since 1993. The district offers comprehensive academic options at each of its schools, providing opportunities for every type of student. The Maple Ridge-Pitt
Meadows School District also maintains partnerships with local colleges and universities, offering students options for continuing education.
The towns of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are safe, family-oriented communities located just 45 minutes east of Vancouver. Residents enjoy art galleries, local festivals, and many other cultural events. The area consists of beautiful mountains and lakes, providing recreational opportunities.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement courses
- Athletic Academies
- International Baccalaureate Program
Saanich School District
All levels of education are available in Saanich and the Greater Victoria region. Being an educational destination and the capital of British Columbia results in an ideal setting to live and learn. International students studying high school in Saanich can continue to college, university, post graduate studies and even permanent residency. The balanced, “laid back”, west coast lifestyle is sought by tourists and international students annually. All amenities are available in a smaller, more personal setting. Become immersed in a community of English speakers as you work toward a short or long term international education experience.
Saanich is located in British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province. It is situated on the southern tip of beautiful Vancouver Island on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Home to 350,000 people, Greater Victoria is located on the Saanich Peninsula Saanich and the Greater Victoria area are international tourist destinations.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement courses
- Athletic programs
- International Bacalaureate
Manitoba is a province located in central Canada. Manitoba is over 2 times larger than the UK, but is only the 6th largest of the ten Canadian provinces.
In Manitoba you will find everything Canada has to offer and you will quickly discover how many possibilities and contrasts there are in this province. If you dream of skiing, hiking, climbing or exploring nature in other ways, most things can be done here. If, on the other hand, you prefer the quieter nature or perhaps a big city, then you will find both parts around the district’s capital Winnipeg, which is located in the middle of the vast prairies close to the border with the USA.
River East Transcona School District
The River East Transcona School District offers students an innovative and challenging academic program. Many schools in the district have received national and international recognition for their strong curriculum. River East also has a purposeful low international student enrollment rate, ensuring students will be integrated into classes and activities with fellow Canadian students.
Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, is a vibrant and multicultural city. The city has grown to be a major destination with many restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout the area. Despite being a large city, Winnipeg is widely known to be very welcoming and friendly.
- French Immersion
- Adavanced Placement Courses
- Specialised Courses
- International Baccalaureate Program
In the easternmost part of Canada, the local people of Newfoundland and Labrador are ready to welcome you with open arms. The population is known for its friendliness, hospitality and its many different English dialects. Newfoundland and Labrador consists of the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador. The area is approx. 1.75 times larger than the UK and is also known for its large stretch of coastline which means that you are always close to the sea. The location on the cold Atlantic makes it possible to go whale watching, discover icebergs or go on kayak and canoe trips. There is a rich wildlife here. You can e.g. see Atlantic puffins. When the first Vikings arrived in Canada, it was here, on the northwestern tip of the Newfoundland island, that they landed.
Newfoundland & Labrador School District
Newfoundland & Labrador Schools provide students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Canadian culture. Students will study alongside English-speaking students during their academic program. The program also offers students a proven
online learning tool to help accelerate English development. The warm and friendly environment in the district provides great opportunities for students to succeed.
St. John’s is a city rich in culture and tradition. Its vibrant downtown is home to great restaurants, unique architecture, and musical performances. St. John’s is also located along the coast, allowing residents to enjoy whale watching, boating, and
many more activities on the bay.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement courses
- Athletic Academies
- International Baccalaureate Program
Welcome to Ontario, the most populous of the Canadian provinces. With big cities like Toronto with its beautiful skyline and the country’s capital Ottawa, there is plenty of opportunity to experience history, architecture and big city life in an absolutely special class. The biggest attraction is and will probably be the well-known Niagara Falls, which is located on the border between Canada and the USA and is only a relatively short drive away from Toronto. The Niagara River flows north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. On its way, the river falls over a series of rock outcrops which become the three waterfalls, the largest of which is almost 700 m wide. But Ontario’s Great Lakes, which are one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoirs, are also an impressive sight.
Lambton Kent School District
The Lambton Kent School District is committed to providing a strong learning environment to its 23,000 students. The staff is highly regarded for its enthusiasm, caring nature, and use of the latest educational technology. International students attending this district are encouraged to not only get academically involved, but to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs as well.
The Chatham-Kent area is best known for its cultural attractions. These attractions include art galleries, theaters, and more. The area also consists of many small towns that provide access to a variety of beaches and parks. Chatham-Kent’s location offers easy access to Toronto.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement courses
- Extracurricular Activities
- Athletic Academies
Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic
The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board provides a premium international education program that is known for its inclusion and cultural integration, specifically offering the ultimate Canadian experience to foreign students. ALCDSB is pleased to offer a full range of academic programs for international students. Our international education program provides a variety of services to our international students, making their time in Canada an experience they will never forget.
The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) is situated midway between Toronto and Montreal, and only two hours from Ottawa. The school board hosts the oldest English Catholic High School in Canada and its location has great importance in Canadian history as a major early settlement territory. The ALCDSB borders the world famous Algonquin Provincial Park, the mouth of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal, the famous Thousand Islands and many Aboriginal communities.
The ALCDSB works closely with its post-secondary partners including Queen’s University, Loyalist College and St Lawrence College. ALCDSB focuses on a Universal Design for Learning Framework, which allows the board to meet the needs of all learners by removing barriers and designing learning supports that are necessary for some but good for all learners.
Avon Maitland School District
The Avon Maitland School District is home to an inclusive and diverse student community. The district offers a high level academic program along with specialty programs for students who would like to pursue personal interests in subjects such as the arts, information technology, and much more. Avon Maitland is also known to be a leader in motivating and engaging its students.
Huron County is full of charming towns rich with cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities. Residents of the area often enjoy hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and much more. Perth County is considered an international arts hub that is highlighted by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement courses
- Athletic Academies
- International Baccalaureate Program
Niagara District School Board
All students have their own individual perspectives, skills, and interests. Despite their distinctive strengths and needs, young people also share some common traits with one another. They have a need to be heard, to create, and to learn in ways meaningful to them.
At the DSBN, that understanding forms the basis of all our work. We understand that education is personal. It is a process of self-discovery as much as it is discovery about the world and how it works. We all learn at our own pace, in our own way.
We’re committed to working with each student to understand who they are, and to reflect that in the supports and programming we provide. That commitment forms the basis of the DSBN’s strategic plan, entitled “I Matter.” It is why we have made a concerted effort to ensure our schools offer a wide range of academic, athletic, and extra-curricular programs to challenge and delight students.
Nearly 8 million people live in Canada’s largest district, Quebec. The official language has been French since 1977 and the district is historically and culturally marked by the many immigrants from France in particular. The province is sparsely populated in the north and most people live around the big city of Montréal, which is also the economic and financial centre. Another city worth mentioning is the capital of the province of Quebec City, which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Outside the populated areas, you will find some of the most beautiful national parks in eastern Canada, such as “Forillon” and “La Maurice”, which are known for their beautiful cliffs and green and hilly coastal landscapes.
Central Quebec School District
The Central Québec School District provides students the opportunity to study in a district with high academic standards and a tradition of academic excellence. The district provides a safe and supportive learning environment, which allows students to focus on developing the skills they need for the future. Students have the opportunity to pursue the district’s curriculum in both English and French.
Québec City is known for having a European feel with its cobblestone streets and amazing river views. In Old Québec, the streets are filled with horse-drawn carriages, street entertainers, and other lively displays. The city is also home to many historic sights, including the Place Royale.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement courses
- 50/50 English and French Program
- International Baccalaureate Program
Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s maritime provinces, has a population of around a million people. English is the official language, and the province boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by its historic ties to both Scotland and France. The population is concentrated around vibrant cities like Halifax, the provincial capital and a hub for commerce and culture. Nova Scotia is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, dotted with charming fishing villages and picturesque lighthouses. Additionally, the province is home to some of Canada’s oldest and most historically significant sites, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and a source of pride for locals.
Nova Scotia Public Schools
Nova Scotia Public Schools consist of a collection of schools with friendly and inviting atmospheres. Each school is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities. Students have the chance to choose from a variety of academic subjects, as well as the opportunity to participate in an assortment of extracurricular clubs and sports.
Nova Scotia is known to be one on the friendliest places in the world. The province is rich in history and culture, and is home to people from all around the world. Being almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, residents of Nova Scotia enjoy
opportunities for sailing, surfing, and swimming.
- French Immersion
- Advanced Placement courses
- Athletic Academies
- International Baccalaureate Program