The TED-Canada Student Exchange Programme lets students at TED schools study for one month, one semester or one school year at public schools in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is based on the Canada Education Agreement signed between the Turkish Education Association (TED) and the Nova Scotia Department of Education. At TED Üsküdar College, students in grades 7 and 8 can join the one-month programme, and high school students can choose any of the three options. Students returning from a semester or a year obtain Turkish Ministry of National Education equivalence and continue at the next grade level.
How does the programme work?
Students are placed at a public school in the province through the Nova Scotia International Student Program (NSISP). They study the Canadian curriculum in the same classes as Canadian students.
According to Nova Scotia's official education website, the programme:
- accepts students in grades 7-12;
- welcomes more than 1,200 students from 35 countries every year;
- places students across dozens of the province's public schools;
- offers semester and full-year programmes starting in September or February;
- places students with Canadian homestay families that the programme itself selects and supervises;
- offers instruction in English or French.
Which length suits whom?
| Length | Who can take part at TED Üsküdar | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| One month | Grades 7 and 8, high school | A short school experience, using English in daily life, getting used to living with a host family |
| One semester | High school | A full term at a Canadian school, clear progress in English, experience of independent living |
| One school year | High school | Full experience of the Canadian education system, advanced English, strong preparation for university abroad |
The one-month programme is a good start for families who want to see whether their child is ready to be away for longer. Semester and full-year programmes make more sense for high school students considering university abroad.
Equivalence and progression on return
Time spent in Canada is not lost. According to TED, students who complete a one-semester or one-year programme can obtain equivalence from the Ministry of National Education on their return and continue at their TED school at the next grade level.
Equivalence requires the transcript from the Canadian school. Course choices can affect equivalence and preparation for Turkey's national exams (LGS, YKS), so they should be planned with the school's guidance office before departure.
What makes up the cost?
The cost of the programme has several parts:
- Tuition: the Nova Scotia programme fee for a semester or a year
- Homestay: paid monthly, multiplied by the number of months
- Health insurance: compulsory for the duration of the programme
- Application and orientation fees: one-off
- Travel and documents: flights, visa and, where needed, study permit costs
- Pocket money: school trips, transport, personal spending
Fees are set in Canadian dollars and updated every year. Current amounts and any conditions specific to applying through TED are available from the school's Admissions Office.
Visas and study permits
Turkish citizens need the appropriate travel document to enter Canada (a visa or, where eligible, an electronic travel authorisation). According to the Government of Canada, a study permit is not needed for programmes of six months or less; longer programmes such as a full school year require one. Processing times vary, so start on the paperwork several months before the programme.
7 questions to ask before deciding
- Is my child ready? Living away from home and adapting to a new family and school takes maturity as well as language skills.
- Is their English good enough? All lessons in Canada are in English; ask the school's English teachers for their view.
- Which term is best? Avoid clashes with the LGS exam in grade 8, the YKS exam in grade 12 and the IB Diploma Programme timetable.
- Which courses should they take for equivalence? Plan course choices with the guidance office in advance.
- How are host families chosen, and how will we stay in touch? Ask about the programme's selection criteria and emergency support.
- What will the total cost be? Ask for all items in writing.
- How will the school support them on return? Discuss catching up on missed topics and exam preparation.
International programmes at TED Üsküdar College
The TED-Canada programme is one of TED Üsküdar College's international programmes. The school is also an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme in high school, and it runs a two-week summer school in England for students in grades 6-8. The Overseas University Preparation office supports students who plan to study at university abroad.
For more information, see the International Programmes page, read How to Choose a High School Offering the IB Diploma, or contact the school through the Registration page. The Admissions Office can be reached on +90 216 424 44 44.