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VCI experiences Canada

The young people of the 21st century have numerous opportunities compared to previous generations. Youth can virtually travel the planet through the internet and social media.
Experiences Canada

The young people of the 21st century have numerous opportunities compared to previous generations. Youth can virtually travel the planet through the internet and social media. Because of participation in sports, music or other extracurricular programs, teenagers can visit different areas by car, bus and maybe plane. It was a rarity to journey out of the country let alone off the continent; now it seems commonplace. Given the rat race of life and the constant activity, when was the last time young people explored their own country or their own backyard?

Experiences Canada, a national charitable organization that has existed since 1936, allows Canadian youth to appreciate and treasure their country through a home-stay exchange program. So far, 370,000 young people have benefited from the experience. Previously, 37 Virden Collegiate alumni have been part of these exchanges (under its previous name “SEVEC”) in 2007 and 2013.

Because 2017 is the 150th anniversary of Confederation, Experiences Canada is committed to increasing the number of exchange opportunities. Fifteen VCI students are looking forward to the challenge and the chance of learning outside the classroom.

The adventure will begin February 10 as they fly to Quebec City to meet 20 high school students from Collège Saint-Charles-Grenier. Martin Tremblay and his Quebec group have organized an action-packed, informative week: VCI students will see the closing weekend of the 2017 Carnaval de Quebec, explore historical Vieux Quebec, and get immersed into the French language and culture. There will be so much to see, hear and experience.

Manitoba will get a chance to showcase her majesty when the Collège Saint-Charles-Grenier students come westward on Apr. 21. VCI students will journey into Winnipeg to meet their Quebec “twins” and begin the week in Winnipeg. Because of the generosity of Great West Life and Experiences Canada, the Quebec and Manitoba students will be engaged in activities at the Canadian Human Rights Museum during an overnight stay. Then after a transition from urban to rural life, the Quebec students will experience the sights and sounds of Southwestern Manitoba. After a week here, the group from Quebec will return home after using their English skills and encountering small town, prairie culture.

Although this exchange is primarily a linguistic one, one-third of the exchange activities must assist in increasing the participants’ knowledge and appreciation of Canadian history and heritage. In addition to the “lessons” in language and history, youth will learn first-hand about Canada’s geography, industry, communities and cultures.

Good luck to all the participants and bon voyage.

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