INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE - ONTARIO, a registered not-for-profit corporation, is offering to Ontario students a variety of reciprocal exchange programs in Europe. Affordable student exchanges with an educational focus were first organized by The Ontario Ministry of Education in the 1970s and the Ministry continues to support such programs. Included among the ISE ONTARIO. European exchange partners are the Ministry of Education offices that were exchange partners of the Ontario Ministry until it ceased its direct involvement in student exchanges.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION and TIME LINE

These ISE ONTARIO programs are reciprocal school-based student exchanges that focus on language learning, cultural understanding, appreciation and acceptance of others, self-awareness and lasting contacts. Students apply in one school year and the exchange takes place during the next school year:

• December through March & April ... Students complete the application process with school approval.

• late April, May ... Successful applicants are matched with a student of similar age and interests.

• June, July ... Students receive information about a proposed partner and upon acceptance begin corresponding.

• August to November ... Visiting students arrive in mid-August and spend between nine and twelve weeks in their partner’s home and school.

• February to May ... Ontario students leave in mid-February to spend a similar period with their exchange partner.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Students applying for ISE ONTARIO programs must:

• Be no more than 17 years old during the school year of the exchange

• Be enrolled in school for the entire school year of the exchange

• Have above average academic standing and good attendance record

• Be active, outgoing, well-liked, responsible

• Be recommended by their teachers and school principal

• Have a home that: is clean and orderly; has adequate space for the visiting partner; is free of substance abuse, physical abuse, or any other form of abuse

• Have a family that: is warm, caring and open to other peoples; can host a student in a supervised, safe and comfortable atmosphere; can provide for all meals and cost of family activities for their guest student during the hosting period

• Have a family that is willing and able to speak English at home during the hosting period ( *most visiting students view an exchange as an English language experience )

• Have parent (s) / guardian (s) who can provide a clear criminal record check and secure home environment

• Have at least one course in or have acquired a basic knowledge of the language of the exchange country

• Plan courses during the exchange year with care and arrange with teachers in advance to complete requirements for credits

PROGRAM COSTS

Participation costs for the 2012-2013 program are $2550 ($2750 where connecting flight within Ontario to/from Toronto are required ), with payment by installments during the exchange year. Program fees include:

• $450 application fee

• International air travel in economy class on regular airlines, accompanied by Ontario escort(s)

• Connecting surface travel in Ontario and surface or air travel in the host country, where required

• Travel insurance:  cancellation and interruption, AND emergency medical / hospital

• Orientation tour or activity day in the host country

• ISE administration fee

Not included in the program fee is personal spending money, excess baggage charges imposed by the airline, and

expenses resulting from travel changes caused by events beyond the control of ISE Ontario.

For travel arrangements, ISE Ontario is registered with TICO # 4023792 under Planet France Inc.