YMCA Virtual Exchange Program

At YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC) we have been busy working with leaders and young people from Coast to Coast to Coast to facilitate meaningful and engaging exchanges between groups of youth aged 12-17 from all across this country. We are ready to offer our new Virtual Exchange Program so that you and your students can connect with others, learn about each other's community and explore the cultural diversity of another part of Canada.

A virtual exchange program includes many elements of our traditional in-person exchanges, providing participants an opportunity to learn more about Canada, connect with new people and develop new skills. Instead of travelling between communities, youth will develop and complete activities virtually, share their communities with each other, and build relationships via technology.

As with our in-person exchanges, YEC has project cost funding to support groups with barriers to participation. This year these funds will be used to support the infrastructure of the virtual exchange program such as internet, cellular data, or a webcam, and funding activity related costs, such as food and supplies. We are committed to making both of our exchange options as accessible as possible for all Canadian youth.

This program is available for groups of 10-30 youth, from 12 to 17 years of age. Thanks to the Department of Canadian Heritage, we are able to support groups through providing guidance, training and project costs.

Check us out at https://yec.ymcagta.org or call 1-877-639-9987 for more information!