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It is easy to understand why Canada is attracting a growing number of high school students – the country has something for everyone! You might think of Canada and imagine snowy mountains and winter activities and yes, Canada is a winter paradise and the place to go if you love snow. However, the country is so much more than just snow and mountains. The magnificent nature offers a wide range of fun outdoor activities all year round. You will find beautiful coastlines with sandy beaches, magnificent islands, big open plains, and metropolitan cities with beautiful architecture and amazing food.
Canada is known worldwide for its schools, so no matter where in Canada you find yourself, you will be in a great school. With STS High School Select in Canada, you customise your exchange year (or semester) abroad to have it just the way you want it. If you need a particular subject, want to make sure you can join a top-level hockey academy, or just want to live in a specific location in Canada, the STS High School Select programme is the perfect for you.
Canada is a bilingual country, meaning it has two official languages. English is the most common, but for a large part of the population French is the native language. As an exchange student in Canada, you may get the opportunity to learn both. With STS High School Select you can choose a full English, French or bilingual experience. Imagine coming back home being fluent in two new languages!
Area: Nearly 10 million km2
Population: 35 million
Capital: Ottawa
Largest city: Toronto
Official language: English and French
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Country Code: +1
Canadian families are open to cultural difference and love to make you feel right at home. Families across the country differs and can be English, French or bilingual households depending on your school choice.
Responsibility, safety and quality that’s been our motto since 1958. We have the passion and the experience that will make your adventure as an exchange student a memorable success.
Digital media, adventure tourism, horse riding or ice hockey. Yes, those kinds of classes can be on your schedule if you go to high school in Canada. The Canadian school system has an excellent reputation. Great results from the international PISA survey can confirm the high level of education. There is usually a close relationship between teachers and students, creating a positive atmosphere that will help you feel welcome and right at home.
The Canadian school has 12 grades, with high school beginning year 9. Most exchange students are placed in year 10, 11 or 12. Your placement will depend on your age, previous grades and local school rules. The school year starts in September and ends in July, with a Christmas break in December and spring break in March. In addition to these, you will have several long weekends off, perfect for exploring your new home.
Do you want to speak English or French during your exchange year? That is up to you. We offer schools in both English and French speaking areas. To have the possibility to influence the rest of your schedule, our STS Select programme is the programme for you. Upon arrival in Canada, you will meet with a counsellor who will help you prepare the perfect schedule.
Canadian families are open to cultural difference and love to make you feel right at home. They all go through the same quality screening and motivation check. The language spoken in your host family will depend on where in Canada you are placed. Some families speak English, some speak French, some are bilingual, and all are welcoming and friendly!
If your schedules are compatible you may go with your host mom or dad to school. Otherwise you will probably go by school bus. Just like any family around the world, there will be days where your schedules are compatible and you sit down for breakfast together, while other days it may not work out that way. Many students are very busy with afternoon activities either through the school teams and clubs, or with friends. But most evenings you will meet for dinner and do the usual chores together. If your family is the sporty kind – not uncommon at all in Canada – you might exercise and watch games together. Other typical family activities are weekend outings and excursions.
Canadians are rightly proud of their big nation's mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. And they know how to enjoy nature all year round. The country is known for ice hockey but it is a winter sports paradise in a broader sense. Curling, dog sledding, ice fishing, luge, skating, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling... you name it. Bring your winter clothes and join the fun!
When the snow melts in spring there will still be plenty of things to do outside. Spring and summer time is perfect for camping, hiking, canoeing or kayaking in cool mountain rivers. Other popular sports are soccer, baseball, American football, golf and tennis. Needless to say, Canada is the place to go if you are sporty and love to spend time outside. Canada is also the place to go if you enjoy big cities, beatiful architecture, and cuisine from around the world! The metropolitan cities of Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa are as varied in scenery as they are in culture! You will find concerts, festivals, shopping, and everything else you expect from big city living!
Enjoy a high school year in Canada, with its great nature and vibrant cities. Here are some quick facts about school life here, and what is included your High School Select package.
Interested in choosing where you want to study and where you want to live? STS can help you choose the school of your liking that supports your favorite sport, academic etc.
The easiest way to apply is to visit the page of your favorite destination and click the "Apply now" button. Your application is not binding, and you make your final decision once you have been accepted.
Yes, no matter where you go, we have a local representative on your location. He or she selects our host families, has contact with schools and will be your supporter and advisor during your exchange.
Yes, we have several scholarships to apply for each year. We are also happy to guide you in the application for other grants.
You can choose if you want to attend a public or a private school with High School Select.
Yes, with High School Select you have an increased possibility to choose schools depending on their specific sport profiles.