The Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC) is currently accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year.
SEVEC creates cultural awareness in students aged 12-17 and promotes the study of a second language. The out-of-classroom learning environment nurtures self-confidence and sets the stage for friendships that last a lifetime.
The cultural diversity of Canada is extraordinary. A patchwork of rich regional culture determined by language and customs defines our country, in part. With the Saskatchewan government deeming 2012 the year of the Fransaskoise (the French who call Saskatchewan their home), what better way to celebrate than to embrace that culture?
Over 5,000 students participate in a SEVEC home-stay exchange annually, whether it be through their school or a community group.
The Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada is a program offered through Exchanges Canada, a division of Heritage Canada, and has been offered for over 75 years. The aim of the program is to instil cultural awareness in youth, making them more knowledgeable about their country and even region, as well as practising a second language and immersing themselves in a brand new culture.
The program is an opportunity like no other. Transportation is free, provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage, so the cost to do this program is minimal compared to the experience as a whole.
I have participated in two SEVEC exchanges, both being to Quebec. For five days, I was immersed into the Québécoise culture, seeing, hearing and speaking only French. I didn't just experience the culture and language, I lived it.
During those five days, I stayed in a classic Quebec household with a girl my age and her family. The challenge of speaking only French for five days was frustrating at first but after awhile, it became second nature and my French really did develop.
By visiting those small Québécoise communities, I had the opportunity to visit the Carnaval in Quebec City, qeocache on snowshoes, snowtube down giant hills, dogsled, and visit a sugar shack to see the traditional process of making maple syrup. These opportunities may only come once in a lifetime, and to experience them with old friends and new friends was priceless.
The SEVEC program opens endless doors for alumni, as well. SEVEC has created an alumni group in which past participants can keep in contact and receive news about SEVEC and changes to the program.
As well, a great deal of the continuity and improvement in the SEVEC program comes from alumni feedback. That is what the Youth Advisory Committee is for. Each year, one or two students are chosen from each province to represent the youth within that province. The committee meets in Ottawa, Ont. for an annual general meeting with the board of directors at SEVEC.
I have had the opportunity of being the secretary of this committee and sharing all of my ideas about the program. If you have participated in a SEVEC exchange, this opportunity is available to you simply by visiting sevec.ca and clicking under "participants" on Youth Advisory Committee. You can also visit the Facebook page, sevec.ca, for more updates and exciting things happening with SEVEC. Share your story.
Contact me at taylor.raiche@gmail.com if you are looking to apply for an exchange or if you are an alumnus wanting to join the Youth Advisory Forum.
