This is a legacy provincial website of the ATA. Visit our new website here.

Short-Term Virtual or Short-Term In-Person Exchanges

Educator Exchange Programs (EEP) provides a suite of international professional development opportunities for school leaders and teachers. 

NOTE: Please download any application form prior to filling it out.

There are two streams of short-term exchanges:

In-person and Virtual (E-exchange)

Download the flyer

Dates and Deadlines for E-Exchanges and Short-Term In-Person Exchanges

 

IN-PERSON


How does it work?

  • Short-term in-person exchanges are a one-to two-week experience.
  • You are billeted by your exchange counterpart and go with them to their school for one to two weeks.
  • You then host your counterpart for one to two weeks so they can experience the Alberta education system.
  • Administrators and teachers arrange cultural visits to correspond with the interests of both parties.

When does the in-person short-term exchange happen?

  • Exchanges typically occur over breaks and holidays that stagger with the host country’s school schedule.

How much does it cost?

  • You cover airfare and associated travel costs. We secure the exchange and provide program support throughout the exchange process.

Who is eligible?

  • Fluency in the destination country language is not required, as the overseas teacher will be fluent in English.
  • Teachers (K-12) must be Canadian citizens, have a permanent teaching certificate, have district approval and possess a minimum of five years of teaching experience.
  • Applicants should demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, intercultural skills and a strong capacity to act as an ambassador for their school authority and the exchange program.
  • Proven communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative and community involvement are all desirable attributes.

Download the Application 


VIRTUAL


Short-Term E-Exchanges

Collaborating with another education system is an effective and enjoyable way to promote cultural understanding and to reflect upon and enhance practice. The exchange offers a unique opportunity for teachers to learn and to compare and contrast various aspects of education between systems.


How do e-exchanges work? 

  • This is a one-on-one virtual exchange where you are paired with another teacher or school leader with similar educational interests.
  • Matches can be within the province, within Canada or with our international partners in Spain, and may also be available in Germany, Iceland and Australia.
  • Matches are made based on common educational interests.
  • Projects/online exchange activities are for an approximate four to six weeks.
  • Examples of possible projects: student wellness, global citizenship, technology and innovation in the classroom, instructional leadership, women in leadership, rural and remote schools, immigration, second language learning, STEM, inclusion.
  • You and your exchange partner engage in discussions and video chats outside of class hours, much like a virtual pen pal, around educational topics. The frequency you connect is up to you. We recommend at minimum a couple of times per week during the exchange period.

When does the e-exchange happen? 

The e-exchange happens throughout the school year, with the exact timing to be determined based on school calendars


How much does it cost? 

There is no cost; EEP will provide program support throughout the exchange process.


Who is eligible?

  • Fluency in the destination country language is not required, as the overseas teacher will be fluent in English.
  • Teachers (K–12) must be Canadian citizens, have a permanent teaching certificate, have district approval and possess a minimum of five years of teaching experience.
  • Applicants should demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, intercultural skills and a strong capacity to act as an ambassador for their school authority and the exchange program.
  • Proficiency with web-based learning management systems is an asset.
  • Proven communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative and community involvement are all desirable attributes.

Download the Short-Term E-Exchange Application 

Téléchargez le formulaire de candidature 

If you are a teacher/school leader working at one of Alberta's Accredited International Schools, please use this application:

Short-Term E-Exchange for Alberta Accredited International School Applicants  

More questions?

Please see our resources page.

 

Subject to change without notice.


Contact

Carolyn Freed
Exchange Liaison
Educator Exchange Programs
carolyn.freed@ata.ab.ca or exchanges@ata.ab.ca
780-447-9404 or 1-800-232-7208