Student exchange planned with Quebec twin city

Saint-Laurent, Quebec, is the official twin city of Lethbridge.

The two communities entered into a formal city-to-city twinning arrangement in 1967 as part of a Canadian Centennial project to promote cultural and social relationships between Eastern and Western Canada. Exchanges occur annually, alternately involving seniors and students.

This year the City of Lethbridge and the Borough of Saint-Laurent will be hosting an exchange for youth aged 14–16.

The exchange will start with the Saint-Laurent delegation travelling to Lethbridge from July 10–17 and will be then followed by a Lethbridge delegation travelling to Saint-Laurent from Aug. 7–14.

Participants are matched, or twinned, based on their common interests. Visitors stay at their twin’s home for seven nights.

During each of these weeks, group activities are organized to provide the visitors with an opportunity to get to know one another and discover their regions. The program consists of organized activities as well as free time. When no group activities are planned, the participants are entertained by their twin. Two days of free time are scheduled during each stay.

The costs associated with the exchange, such as airplane tickets, public transportation, touring activities, and meals during group excursions, are covered by the municipalities.

Knowledge of French is not necessary for the exchange.

One employee and one elected official from the City of Lethbridge accompany the participants to Quebec and can be reached at any time in case of emergency.

To be eligible, youth must be:

• A resident of Lethbridge.

• 14–16 years of age, as of Jan. 1, 2024.

• Able to participate in scheduled activities that may involve walking in excess of 5,000 steps per day.

• Willing to represent as an ambassador for the City of Lethbridge

• Any other residents in the youth’s home over the age of 18 must be able to pass the required criminal background check.

• Willing, and have the facilities (private bedroom), to host an individual at home for the duration of the exchange.

• Willing to stay in the home of the twin while visiting Saint-Laurent for the duration of the exchange.

The City says this information is being collected for the Lethbridge/Saint-Laurent Student Exchange 2024 purposes only, and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information will be managed in compliance with the provisions of the FOIP Act.