Do I have to speak French ?
You will be working in your second official language - French - for six weeks, from late June until mid-August - so it is important you have basic French-language skills. Those skills will greatly improve over the course of the program.
Who is eligible for the program ?
If your community is participating in the program and you will be 16 or 17 years of age during the program (you must be at least 16 on June 30 and no older than 17 years of age on August 9), you are eligible.
What types of jobs are provided ?
Employers are non-profit, public-sector and community organizations that set aside jobs for program participants. For example, you could be working as a junior monitor in a day camp or help organize a community program. Jobs must be located near the students' place of residence, so you must keep an open mind.
Is there a program fee ?
Yes, there is a $50 non-refundable participant fee to secure your space once you have been selected. However, your return trip (to your host community and home again by train or bus) is paid for by the Summer Work
Student Exchange Program. You will stay with a host family and a student
will stay with your family and work in your community. You are responsible,
however, for your own expenses, just as you would be at home. A program
of activities will be prepared for your group. The programs vary from one
community to the next. Although the Local Host Organization will pay for
most activities, you may be asked to pay for a portion.Who sponsors the program ?
The Summer Work
Student Exchange program is administered by the YMCA of Greater Toronto and is sponsored by VIA RAIL There is minimal cost to participants thanks to the Department of Canadian Heritage, which supports this program financially through Exchanges Canada.
I don't have a social insurance number. What should I do?
You must have a social insurance number (SIN) to work in