Students, Families, Credit Granting and Schools
Students will need to make arrangements with their school to ensure that they are receiving credits while abroad on their exchange. There are a number of ways that you can complete Ontario credit requirements while away.
You can enrol in an eLearning course, either through your school’s virtual learning program or through a virtual school.
Speak with your guidance department and see if it is viable to continue with your courses while on exchange, through the classes’ virtual learning environment.
Enrol in the online ISE Exchange Credit Granting Program opportunity. This program is delivered by Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) and is available for students in any board. Students can take one or more of AWQ2O: Visual Arts: Photography, FSF2D: Core French and HRT3M: World Religion (see more details below).
Credit Granting Options
ISE Ontario and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) offer students in Grades 8–12 the opportunity to earn up to three secondary school credits at no additional cost while participating in a school-year exchange.
Designed specifically for exchange students, these flexible courses complement your experience abroad. Live classes are held just once or twice a week, with schedules designed to accommodate students in Europe. Many assignments connect directly to experiences you’ll already have while on exchange.
Complete your courses abroad and return home with less to catch up on.
Courses do not have traditional exams but include a Course Culminating Task (CCT). The Grade 10 French course also introduces students to the CEFR and helps prepare them for the DELF exam in Grade 12.
Students must apply and enrol through SMCDSB Continuing Education. Participation in an ISE exchange does not automatically grant credits. Course prerequisites, minimum enrolment requirements, and other restrictions apply. Classes may be cancelled if minimum enrolment is not met.
Link to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGtXU9J-tKit8g7GTKioioFstlZk0ZQbXtQxMrsEfhSl9LMQ/viewform
ISE Credit Granting Program
Hosting Tips For Parents
Welcome them as family, not a guest. Include your exchange partner in your family’s routines, meals, activities, and responsibilities. Your family rules should apply equally, and you will assume parental responsibility throughout the nine-week hosting period.
Create opportunities to connect and learn. Spend quality time together through everyday activities like meals, grocery shopping, games, outings, and time with friends and family. Speak English at home and encourage them to learn new words in a fun, natural way.
Be patient, supportive, and open-minded. Remember that your exchange partner is adapting to a new family, culture, and language. Misunderstandings are normal, so communicate openly, offer guidance, and embrace cultural differences as part of the experience. Reach out to ISE whenever you have questions or concerns.
Your exchange partner should be added to your school’s timetable. While a mated schedule is optimum, schools cannot make this guarantee. The only requirement of the exchange is maximum exposure to the English language at school and at home.
You will need to make arrangements with your guidance department to ensure that they are attending classes while they are in Canada, along with arranging any transportation.
It is important for you to know that they are not being granted a credit. They are 'auditing' the classroom as a visitor and attending classes for the English language and cultural experience. Their participation will not result in credits being granted.
Educators are not expected to provide additional work and/or grade the work of exchange students. Class attendance and participation is required as a condition of participation.
Your Exchange Partner's Schooling
Roles and Responsibilities
ISE's Role
Receiving and processing student applications
Matching students with suitable applicants from abroad
Overseeing the hosting period in Ontario
Organizing the period away for Ontario students
Providing students and families with support and a point of contact should issues arise
Providing schools with support and a point of contact for any questions or concerns
Providing necessary insurance coverage
Assuming all liability and risk
Helping ensure participating students are following school policies, procedures and protocols
Providing school boards with a list of participating students
School’s Role
ISE is a non-profit organization with official partnership agreements with most school boards in Ontario. We work closely with schools and boards to support students throughout their exchange experience and ensure a smooth process for everyone involved.
We thank our affiliated schools and boards for helping promote and support this valuable initiative.
Our affiliated schools and boards help support ISE exchange programs by:
Supporting Ontario students in completing credit requirements when they are abroad
When possible, support exchange students by adding them to the timetable of the student they are visiting
Taking exchange student attendance, for safety reasons
Sharing digital & print promotional material with students
Inviting ISE into schools for information sessions
Exempting exchange students from payment of tuition fees
Sign off on the school approval form in support of the exchange
Educator’s Role
Every classroom is different, so these suggestions are intended to help make the exchange experience positive and manageable for you and your students.
Here are some suggestions for a smooth transition:
Ask for designated volunteers in class who may be willing to support the student when needed
Allow the student to practice their English as much as possible
Help the student become involved with classroom activities
Encourage the student to participate in school events and activities, including field trips and clubs
Understand that even though exchange students may have had significant English instruction, it still may take them a while to adjust to a completely English classroom environment
Consider inviting visiting students to share connections with what you are teaching and how it may be similar or different to their experiences in their country
Recognize that visiting students are also expected to keep up with classwork from their home country while they are here. Since no grades are being offered for your work and classroom activities, any flexibility you provide is appreciated
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the host family and/or ISE if you have any questions or concerns