Isfeld Student Exchange – Italy 2026/2027

Cultural Exchange Application Form    Application deadline: January 31, 2026

What is a cultural exchange?

Are you interested in a fun, exciting and memorable adventure next year, building lasting international connections and friendships? Consider joining our Isfeld group on cultural exchange with students in Verbania, Italy. This is an amazing opportunity for students in Grades 10-12 who would like to experience another culture for a short term. You will be paired with a student from Verbania, Italy who will come and stay in your home and experience your culture, and then we will travel as a group to Italy where you will stay in their home and experience their culture.

Who is the exchange for?

Students who will be in Grades 10 -12 as of September 2026 that are wanting to connect with students and families of another culture. Families and students must be willing to host an Italian student in October 2026 for approximately two weeks. Students will need to be able to travel to Italy at least a week prior to and including at least a week of Spring Break of 2027 for a duration of approximately 14 days and willing to be hosted by an Italian student’s family while staying in Italy. Exact dates of the exchange on both ends will not be known until May 2026.

A maximum of 25 students can go on this exchange. Applications are due by January 31, 2026. Selected students will be required to pay a $500.00 deposit to secure their spot.

Who are the sponsor teachers?

Ms. Jones (sarah.jones@sd71.bc.ca) and one of our EAs Dawn Sheppard are the two sponsors for this exchange. We encourage any students or families with questions to come speak to Ms.Jones at the school or through email.

Comox Valley homestay for the Italy students

While the students are in the Comox Valley, it is expected that the homestay family will welcome them in and give them local experiences such as Tofino, Qualicum/Parksville, Denman/Hornby, Mt. Washington, etc.  Students will stay with families each night while they are here, except for one night where they will be on an overnight trip. During the school week while the Isfeld students are in school, the students will participate in day excursions that may include (Vancouver, Elk Falls, Mt. Washington hike, Cathedral Grove, Deep Bay Marine Station, Big House experience, or a trip to Victoria).

It is important that families are committed to spending time with their Italian student and should consider suspending extra-curricular activities during this time if the student is unable to take part. Parents who are hosting a student as part of this exchange will need a criminal record check, parent volunteer form, and driver’s abstract. All found here:

Cost: Will be announced 

Until the trip details have been finalized, we can not have a confirmed cost. The cost, however, is estimated to be between $4000-$5000. The price includes both the outbound trip as well as the hosting side field trips. This is a very rough estimate as price changes on airfare and insurance, costs for “add-on” adventures, and costs of local trips for our Italian guests will have a role in determining our final trip budget. Traditionally the cost of this trip is lower than typical international trips, as we do not need to pay for accommodations. Isfeld students will probably want some spending money for our time there.

Some fundraising opportunities may be available, determined by participating students and their families if they choose. This could help offset some trip costs.

Deposit – A $500.00 deposit will be needed to secure your spot on the trip.

Passports and documentation……please inquire ASAP!

PASSPORT INFORMATION

Students will need a passport that will not expire within six (6) months of the return date of the trip. Students will also fill in detailed permission slips, a parent consent form which will need to be notarized, medical form and a standard letter giving Ms. Jones and Ms. Sheppard permission to take you on international travel.

If your parents are divorced / separated you must make sure BOTH sets of parents fill out all these documents.

Cultural Exchange Application Form  Application deadline: January 31, 2026.