Canadian high schools

Canadian schools are the ideal place to learn a new language – whether it’s English or French – make new friends and experience new things. You will never regret your student exchange in Canada.

Your life as a Canadian exchange student

Canadian high schools are intimate, with small student populations and a variety of classes, activities and clubs. You will attend basketball games, socialize with friends over lunch in the school cafeteria and engage in serious classroom discussions led by Canada’s world-class teachers. Students at Canadian high schools are busy with academic work, after-school activities and friends. You will be, too.

After-school activities

Try to get involved in after-school activities as soon as possible. You will make friends, become part of the school community and practice your new language. Hockey, soccer, football, basketball and volleyball are popular sports. Some common clubs include drama, music, photography, computers, and dance. You might:

• Try out for the soccer team
• Participate in a film club
• Join an international student society
• Write for the school newspaper
• Run for election to the student council

The Canadian school system

The Canadian school system has 12 grades, except in the province of Quebec, where they have 11. EF high school year students usually attend grades 10 or 11.

Senior High School in Canada

Senior high school is the last four years: grade 9 through 12. Most high schools have two semesters, starting in September and January. EF students are usually placed in grades 10 or 11, depending on age, previous education and the school’s policy.  In Quebec, due to the school system, students cannot be 18 or turn 18 during their stay.

English and French schools

Canada is a bilingual country, and EF students can study in either a French or English school. Both English and French schools are available in most Canadian provinces. The size of school depends on the community. Usually, schools have between 100 to 1400 students.

Friendly and personal atmosphere

Because schools are relatively small – between 100 and 1400 students – they are usually tight communities where students and teachers know each other. This gives you the opportunity to receive personal attention in school and express your individuality.

Choosing course subjects

You will take a few compulsory courses. Usually these are:

• Canadian history
• English
• Geography
• French

In addition, most students also take:

• Mathematics
• Science

In some schools, you may have the opportunity to take other courses, such as a photography, art or a third foreign language. Each school is different.