Cultural Exchange Program

This program matches people who are travelling abroad to complete their studies, with international families that will provide them with accommodations and meals in exchange for some help as a nanny or caregiver for the family's children or elderly members.

If you have previous nanny or caregiver experience or healthcare training and want to travel to study and learn new skills, then becoming an international cultural exchange student is something you should consider.

As a helper, you will be expected to follow your host family's daily schedule and routine. Families are fully screened and carefully matched with students in order to ensure a successful placement.

With this program, you can expect to help around the house and with the kids in exchange for room, board & partial tuition, and have time off to explore your destination. It is through regular monitoring that CareerQuest ensures that you are comfortable with your host family and that the needs of everyone involved are being met.

Please choose one of the following options:


Cultural Exchange Students

Remember, host families are pre-screened to allow you peace of mind while you travel and study.

Program Outline
 Program Length** 6 Months (Minimum)
 Program Fees

What your program fee covers

  • Private Room and Board (3 meals per day)
  • Tuition coverage at CareerQuest College
  • Two way airfare reimbursement after 52 weeks of program (Restrictions apply)
  • Orientation Program during first week of your program (i.e., emergency protocol)

Additional Costs:

  • Airfare
  • VISA Application Fees
  • Weekend Excursions
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
 What to Expect

Cultural Exchange

  • Private Room & Accommodations
  • Meals provided by Host Family
  • Assist the children when you’re not studying
  • Minimum 1 Weekend Off per Month
  • Regular Contact with Cultural Exchange Program Co-ordinator
  • Nearby Access to Public Transit
  • Weekend Excursions Available
  • Wifi Availability at Home and School
 Some Tasks
  • Provide care, warmth, and security in the absence of parents, maintaining a patient, cheerful, and helpful attitude while on duty
  • Participate and supervise daily activities with children, which would include: games, walks, play dates, playground outings and reading
  • Introduce/plan activities using your language(s) to children
  • Actively participate in the children's special areas and interests and serve as a resource for problem solving
  • If necessary, administer medication as directed by parents.
  • Plan and prepare nutritious snacks and meals for children during scheduled hours
  • Comply with Family's discipline and child-rearing preferences
  • Provide reasonable flexibility in times of emergency or unexpected schedule changes
  • Light household cleaning as directed
  • Assist with other family needs and activities as directed
 Program Requirements
  • Age 21 and up
  • Working Holiday Visa under IEC (International Experience Canada). Click here for a list of eligible countries. Or other acceptable entry visas including a Study and Work Visa.
  • Successful completion of Canadian secondary school equivalent at CareerQuest College
  • Recommended/preferred at least six months of full-time classroom training or at least one year of work experience as a child or elderly caregiver or in a related field or occupation within the last three years.
  • The ability to speak, read and understand English so that he/she can function in an unsupervised setting
  • Pass medical, security and criminal clearances
  • Medical insurance coverage and/or related travel insurance applicable valid for entire length of stay
  • Must provide a vulnerable sector search through your local police department
  • Successful completion of "Orientation Program provided during first week of program.(i.e., emergency protocol)"
 Registration Fee
  • $495 CDN, non-refundable fee

**Length of program may be adjusted to suit your preferred schedule; program fee will vary.

Cultural Exchange Host Families

CareerQuest will match you with a qualified and fully screened nanny or caregiver that suits your family's unique needs. Whether you need an extra pair of hands to assist you with your young children or someone to care for an elderly or disabled member of your family while you are at work, we ensure that your needs are met with a live-in Cultural Exchange Student.

Our nannies and caregivers are students travelling abroad to complete their studies or to gain work experience and are in need of accommodations. As a participating host family, you will be receiving the help that you desire while at the same time providing the student with an affordable alternative to independent living while they are pursuing part-time education. As a host family, you can expect your Cultural Exchange student to adhere to your family schedule and respect your household lifestyle.

Program Outline
 Program Length** 6 Months (Minimum)
 Program Fees

What your program fee covers

  • Partial tuition coverage
  • Monitoring Services
  • Agreement Signed by student
  • Partial contribution towards flights
 Cultural Exchange
 Student Tasks
  • Provide care, warmth, and security in the absence of parents, maintaining a patient, cheerful, and helpful attitude while on duty
  • Participate and supervise daily activities with children, which would include: games, walks, play dates, playground outings and reading
  • Introduce/plan activities using your language(s) to children
  • Actively participate in the children's special areas and interests and serve as a resource for problem solving
  • If necessary, administer medication as directed by parents.
  • Plan and prepare nutritious snacks and meals for children during scheduled hours
  • Comply with Family's discipline and child-rearing preferences
  • Provide reasonable flexibility in times of emergency or unexpected schedule changes
  • Light household cleaning as directed
  • Assist with other family needs and activities as directed
 Host Family Responsibilities
  • Provide private room & board (3 meals per day)
  • Include Cultural Exchange student in family meals & activities
  • Assist Cultural Exchange student with language training and cultural transition where applicable
  • Provide Cultural Exchange student with clear guidelines regarding family discipline and child-rearing preferences
  • Give reasonable advanced notice in regard to weekly schedule and any changes to family routine
  • Allow for weekends and vacation time off whenever possible
 Program Requirements
  • Must be primary caregiver of all dependent children/family members that require care
  • Pass medical, security and criminal clearances
  • Submit signed agreement with Cultural Exchange student
  • Must be able to provide private accommodations in home for Cultural Exchange student

**Length of program may be adjusted to suit your preferred schedule; program fee will vary.