New year, new skills: How exchanges shape youth goals
With the year coming to an end, now is a good time to pause, reflect on what 2025 brought us, and look ahead to 2026. Some people set big goals; others prefer steady, manageable ones.
Youth who want to gain confidence, experience new places, meet new friends, or explore future career paths in the new year should consider joining a YMCA exchange. Through the Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC) program or the Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE), participants can check off goals for 2026 and grow through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Here, we share key skills youth gain through our exchanges.
Communication & leadership
Exchanges take youth to new environments where communication is essential. Whether they’re collaborating with peers, expressing their needs, or navigating new routines, participants learn to speak up with confidence.
These experiences also nurture leadership. Youth begin to take initiative, share their ideas, and support others as they adapt to their new setting. By the end of their exchange, many discover they have become stronger communicators and emerging leaders within their group and community.
Problem-solving & independence
Living in a new city, settling into a new schedule, and adapting to a different social environment foster independence. With the support of coordinators, hosts, and group leaders, youth learn to make decisions, solve daily challenges, and manage their responsibilities.
Whether it's figuring out transportation, adjusting to workplace expectations, or balancing activities with new friends, each moment strengthens their confidence. These skills continue to serve them academically, professionally, and personally long after the exchange.
Cultural awareness & bilingualism
Exploring another part of Canada means stepping into a new culture and new traditions, and, for some, a new language. Youth gain a deeper understanding of Canada’s diversity by living in and engaging with a new community.
For many participants, it’s also a chance to practise their second official language in everyday interactions. Over time, this regular practice helps build fluency, comfort, and confidence in communicating in English or French.
Professional experience & budgeting
For SWSE participants, skill-building extends to the workplace. Youth gain practical experience working full-time in their second official language while contributing to local organizations and businesses.
From customer service to administrative tasks to supporting camps, these early career experiences help participants understand workplace expectations, including showing up on time, collaborating with colleagues, and taking responsibility.
Many youth also receive their first pay cheque through SWSE. During the six-week exchange, they learn how to manage their budget as they explore their new city with friends, balancing fun with financial responsibility.
Exchanges offer youth a chance to develop crucial skills while exploring new places, meeting new people, and building meaningful memories.
As 2026 approaches, we encourage youth and families to imagine the skills they want to grow in the new year and consider how changing their surroundings might be the spark that sets everything in motion.
Join a YMCA exchange program
Our exchanges are here to foster growth. YEC runs year-round, connecting groups across Canada, and SWSE is a summer exchange for individuals.
With SWSE, youths ages 16 and 17 explore a new city in Canada, get a full-time paid job, and learn their second official language for six weeks, guided by our coordinators and host families.
With YEC, groups of youths ages 12 to 17 explore a new city in Canada for a week and visit their twin groups guided by their program leaders and our coordinators.
Participating in YEC or SWSE offers youth a unique path to long-lasting connections. By choosing immersion, you do more than travel; you create new relationships.
If you want to learn more about YMCA exchange programs, please visit our websites or contact us. And spread the word: tell your friends about our exchange programs so they can begin their journey toward becoming bilingual, while discovering a new part of Canada.
YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC):
Website: ymcagta.org/yec
Email: Info.yec@ymcagta.org
YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE):
Website: ymcagta.org/swse
Email: Info.swse@ymcagta.org
Article written by Benita Ngwela
