The YMCA Youth Exchange Canada program is open to groups of young people who belong to a recognized community organization or school. To participate in the program, you must:

• Be part of a group of 10 to 30 youth
• Be between the ages of 12 and 17
• Be prepared to live with another family for at least five days (not including travel time)
• Participate in activities before, during, and after the exchange to help you get ready for the experience
• Organize fundraising events to help cover the cost of activities and local transportation
• Agree to pay a registration fee or qualify for financial assistance

Although this program is open to all Canadian youth, we do give priority to groups who have at least 30% of their participants from traditionally under-represented groups:

• Youth from low-income households
• Aboriginal youth
• Youth with disabilities
• Youth from rural or isolated areas
• Visible minority youth