Ottawa - China Cultural Exchange Application

Ottawa - China Cultural Exchange Application

Application Form
Welcome to the application for the Otttawa-China Cultural Exchange. Please read through the application carefully. You can save your progress and come back to the application by setting up a free account. To do this click SAVE at the bottom of this page.

Priority will be given to students in the OCDSB's International Certificate Program but other students will be accepted.

May 7 - 18, 2026

Costs:

~$4300 depending upon the cost of flights

Information Session

The slides from our 2024 Information Session are linked here.

A short video of the exchange is linked here

Application Due: December 8, 2025
Please note that due to changing landscape of international travel, the exchange may need to be postponed or cancelled on short notice. Please refer to the Government of Canada's Travel website for the most current information.

Students participating will need to get an entry visa from the Embassy of China in Canada and may need to meet additional travel or entry requirements as outlined by the governments of Canada and China. More details and support will be provided if you are accepted.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Oussoren, OCDSB / OCENET International Education Coordinator sean.oussoren@ocdsb.ca
Application Deadline: December 8, 2025

All applicants will be notified the last week of December
Name*

First NameLast Name
Gender*

MaleFemaleOther
Preferred Pronouns*
Date of Birth*
The country of your passport. Put n/a if you don't have one*
When does it expire?

MonthDayYear
Date
Your grade*

9101112
Your school*
Your email*
Name of your guidance counsellor*
Are you currently enrolled in the OCDSB's International Certificate Program*

YesNot yet but thinking about itNo
Contact Details
Parent / Guardian #1*

First NameLast Name
Parent / Guardian #1 Email*
Parent / Guardian #1 Phone*
Occupation / Professional Activity*
Parent / Guardian #2

First NameLast Name
Parent / Guardian #2 Email
Parent / Guardian #2 Phone
Occupation / Professional Activity
Your Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityProvince

Postal Code
Your Health
Do you suffer from any physical disabilities/allergies?*

NoYes
If yes, please give details:
Are you receiving any medical or psychological treatment?*

NoYes
If so, please give details
Do you have any diet requirements (e.g vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerance, Kosher, Halal, etc)?*

NoYes
If so, please give details:
Your Background and Interests
In 300-400 words or a short video essay, please describe what your connection or interest is with global citizenship and your motivation for participating in the China Cultural Exchange. If uploading your essay below doesn't work, please email it directly to Mr. O (Sean Oussoren) sean.oussoren@ocdsb.ca*
Upload or link your video above or here.

Browse Files

Cancelof
Have you lived away from home before without your parents?*

YesNo
If yes, please explain.
Have you travelled outside of Canada? If so, please share when and where? If not, please put n/a*
Do you have any artistic interests? (visual arts, photography, drama, etc.) *
What are your preferred types of music to listen to?*
What types of sports are you interested in / involved in?*
What are some other hobbies and interests that you have?*
Choose 2-4 words that best describe you*

Self-confidentReservedSensitiveShyThoughtfulOutgoingAmbitiousPatientSpiritedCuriousHumorousCreativeOther
How would you plan for and manage missing 7 days of school?*
Teacher Reference Letters
Please open this document and email it or give it to two of your teachers other adults in your school (guidance counsellor / admin) who know you and can speak to your ability to participate in this Exchange. Ideally, they would be teachers who've worked with you this year.
Report Cards
Please scan / photograph and upload your most recent report card.

Browse Files

Cancelof
Student Declaration

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is committed to providing the best possible educational environment for its students. During your time in China, you serve as an ambassador not only of the OCDSB, but of Ontario and of Canada.
I understand that the cost of this program is approximately $4300 CAD. The final cost will depend upon flights, insurance and the number of students participating. A portion of the final cost will go to OCENET for exchange administration / chaperone costs and a portion going to the travel agent directly for flight and insurance. Our refund policy will be shared with you if you are accepted.*

YesNo
I am also aware that circumstances beyond the control of OCDSB / OCENET and Chengdu Board of Education such as, but not limited to, pandemics may precipitate a cancellation of all or part of the exchange. This could then result in the possibility that a significant portion of the fees may not be refunded. I will follow the most current travel and health advice from the Government of Canada, the local health unit and the Government of China when travelling there.*

YesNo
I declare that all information in this application is true.*

YesNo
I understand that I will travel to and return from China with the group.*

YesNo
I understand that I must participate in all the school activities organized by my host school in Chengdu. This is one of the main objectives of the exchange*

YesNo
During my stay in China, I understand that I may not travel alone.*

YesNo
While in China I will not engage in any inherently dangerous activity (extreme sports) and specifically will not hitch-hike or drive a motorized vehicle.*

YesNo
I understand that legislation abroad for the protection of children and young people makes it illegal to purchase or consume alcohol of any kind and it is therefore forbidden to do so. This is also valid for all kinds of drugs (except for those prescribed by a doctor).*

YesNo
I will abide by the laws of my host country and accept the direction and guidance of my host parents at all times. I agree to abide by the instructions given by the representatives and coordinators of the Chengdu Board of Education authorities, as well as by the exchange chaperones.*

YesNo
I agree that if, during my stay in the host country a major incident such as a family emergency or breaking of the program’s rules requires an early return, it will be the responsibility and cost of my home country’s (not host) family.*

YesNo
I will respect all people involved in the exchange program, and in a way that will not damage any person’s reputation, including that of my host family, the teachers and students, as well as other participants in the exchange group. I will not disseminate any information detrimental to the reputation of others, including through the use of email, text or social media such as Instagram, Snapchat and the like. I recognize that the dissemination of information which slanders, insults, hurts or damages others may result in legal action.*

YesNo
As a participant in this program, I will remember that I represent my country, my school and my family.*

YesNo
I will respect curfews, instructions and guidelines set by my host family in China.*

YesNo
I will stay with the family or group for all scheduled activities. Host family expectations regarding social outings will be followed.*

YesNo
I will always remain with a partner or in a group during unscheduled times (i.e. dinner at local restaurants, host family outings)*

YesNo
I understand that any continuous failure to abide by the above guidelines may result in my return to Ottawa. Students dismissed from the exchange may be sent home at their parents' expense without refund of fees.*

YesNo
Date*
Student Signature

Clear
Parent / Guardian Approval and Reflection
I authorize both the OCDSB and OCENET to share personal information (name / contact details) electronically with designated officials from the Chengdu Board of Education.*

YesNo
We declare that all the information that has been provided in this application form is complete and accurate.*

YesNo
I understand that for the duration of my child's time in China, they will be under the supervision and care of the host family and that chaperones from OCENET / OCDSB will be participating in all group / school activities.*

YesNo
We agree to participate in any pre-exchange meetings.*

YesNo
I give permission for my son / daughter to participate in any activity or trip organized by the host family, exchange chaperones or school officials in China.*

YesNo
I give permission to OCDSB, OCENET and our partners at the Chengdu Board of Education to use photos / videos of my child in any promotional and / or professional material.*

YesNo
I understand that any continuous failure to abide by the above guidelines may result in my child's dismissal from the exchange in China and return to Ottawa at my own expense without refund of fees.*

YesNo
I understand that the cost of this program is approximately $4300 CAD. The final cost will depend upon flights, insurance and the number of students participating. A portion of the final cost will go to OCENET for exchange administration / chaperone costs and a portion going to the travel agent directly for flight and insurance. Our refund policy will be shared with you if you are accepted.*

YesNo
Please note that students requiring financial assistance are eligible to apply for the OCENET Study Abroad Bursary. More details can be found here.
I am also aware that circumstances beyond the control of OCDSB / OCENET and Chengdu Board of Education such as, but not limited to, pandemics may precipitate a cancellation of all or part of the exchange. This could then result in the possibility that a significant portion of the fees may not be refunded. I will follow the most current travel and health advice from the Government of Canada, the local health unit and the Government of China when travelling there.*

YesNo
Please share any additional thoughts or questions here
The OCDSB / OCENET & Chengdu Board of Education, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives will not be held responsible for any loss or injury sustained by the candidate during the travel and study periods. If the applicant becomes ill or incapacitated, the OCDSB / OCENET & Chengdu Board of Education and its representatives may take measures they deem necessary, including obtaining medical treatment and transporting the patient home at his / her family's expense.

Each family must purchase health insurance from the travel agent as part of the overall exchange cost.

The undersigned hereby agrees to indemnify OCENET, OCDSB and Chengdu Board of Education for damages or expenses caused by our child's behavior or voluntary or negligent actions while in China.

Any inaccuracy in the application is grounds for the OCDSB/OCENET & Chengdu Board of Education to terminate the agreement and send the student home without refund and at the parents' own expense.

I have read, understand and agree to follow the rules and guidelines as outlined above.
Date*
Signature

Clear
Should be Empty:

Ottawa - China Cultural Exchange Application

Application Deadline: December 8, 2025

Contact Details

Your Health

Your Background and Interests

Teacher Reference Letters

Report Cards

Student Declaration

Parent / Guardian Approval and Reflection