More than a trip: A group leader’s perspective on youth exchange

Some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom.

For students from YMCA Academy in Toronto, a YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC) exchange with Father Gamache Memorial School in Fond-du-Lac offered a chance to visit a part of Canada they had never experienced before — and to build connections with youth from a community very different from their own.

For Luka, Special Education Supervisor and teacher at YMCA Academy, that’s what made the exchange so valuable.

"None of our students had previously visited a Northern Indigenous community, and likewise, none of their students had experienced Toronto," he explains. "It created a meaningful opportunity for everyone to learn from one another, gain a deeper appreciation for each other's communities and cultures, and build relationships that extended far beyond the classroom."

Stepping outside their comfort zones

Before the exchange, one of the main goals was to give students a chance to try something new while building independence, confidence, and self-advocacy.

Luka saw that growth happen firsthand.

When the YMCA Academy students first arrived at Father Gamache Memorial School, many were anxious and reserved. By the end of their visit, those initial nerves had faded.

"By the time we left, many were in tears because they had formed such meaningful connections with the community members and didn't want the experience to end."

Through the exchange, students were challenged to adapt to unfamiliar situations, communicate with new people, and become more independent. Luka says participants developed skills such as resilience, confidence, communication, collaboration, self-advocacy, and cultural awareness.

Learning about Canada in a new way

A youth exchange offers something difficult to recreate through a textbook or lesson. 

"Learning about Canada in a classroom and experiencing it firsthand are two very different things," Luka says.

By spending time together, participants learned directly from each other's lived experiences, traditions, and perspectives.

Despite coming from very different communities, the youth also quickly discovered how much they had in common. Sports, games, music, and everyday moments helped them connect, build friendships, and learn from one another.

For Luka, those face-to-face connections are particularly valuable.

"Experiences like this encourage students to broaden their perspectives, challenge assumptions, develop empathy, and appreciate the many ways people live, learn, and contribute to their communities across Canada."

Memories that last beyond the exchange

Of course, an exchange is also about creating memories.

Seeing the northern lights was one of the highlights of the trip — something Luka says the participants will remember for the rest of their lives.

But the farewell showed just how much the exchange had meant to them.

At the end of the visit, the group gathered at the cultural centre to say goodbye to the community members who had welcomed them. Seeing how emotional students were about leaving, and how grateful they were for the friendships they’d formed, made the impact of the experience clear.

The relationships they had built, lessons they had learned, and memories they had made would last well beyond the trip.

Why lead a youth exchange?

Youth exchanges aren't only learning experiences for participants. Group leaders get to see young people outside their usual environments and discover what they're capable of when given new responsibilities and challenges.

"When students are trusted, supported, and given meaningful opportunities, they often exceed their own expectations," Luka says.

For teachers, coaches, and youth workers considering YEC, his advice is simple: take the leap.

While leading an exchange requires planning and commitment, Luka says building relationships, getting to know different communities, and watching young people grow makes it worthwhile.

Would he lead another exchange?

"Absolutely."

For Luka, the experience can be summed up in one idea:

"The youth exchange brings learning to life by building meaningful connections, broadening perspectives, and inspiring personal growth."

Bring learning beyond the classroom

YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada gives groups of young people ages 12 to 17 a chance to connect with another Canadian community by visiting and hosting one another.

Through travel, cultural exchange, community activities, and new relationships, participants build skills, broaden their perspectives, and create memories that stay with them long after they return home.

Interested in organizing an exchange for your youth group?

Learn more about YEC and start planning your exchange at ymcagta.org/yec/en.