The City of Lethbridge is once again holding an exchange program with its twin city of Saint-Laurent, Quebec in summer 2024. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge youths invited to apply for exchange program with Quebec borough

Mar 1, 2024 | 11:10 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Youths in the community will have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with Lethbridge’s twin city this summer.

Saint-Laurent, Quebec, and Lethbridge entered a formal city-to-city twinning arrangement in 1967 as part of a Canadian Centennial project. The project aimed to promote cultural and social relationships between eastern and western Canada.

Exchanges happen every year, alternatively involving seniors and students. In 2023, seniors were invited to visit Saint-Laurent.

READ MORE: Lethbridge seniors invited to partake in exchange with city in Quebec

This year’s exchange starts with the Saint-Laurent delegation traveling to Lethbridge from July 10 to 17, 2024. Youths from Lethbridge will then visit the Quebec community from August 7 to 14.

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The program will involve youths aged 14 to 16 as of January 1, 2024.

Participants from Lethbridge are matched with a youth from Saint-Laurent, based on their common interests. Visitors stay at their matches home for seven nights.

During the week-long stays, activities are planned to give visitors an overview of their respective communities. The program includes pre-planned activities as well as free time. Two days of free time are planned during each stay.

The City of Lethbridge said the costs associated with the exchange, including airfare, public transportation, touring activities, and meals during group excursions, are covered by the respective municipalities. Officials added that knowledge of French is not required for this exchange.

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

Eligibility to participate is as follows:

• Youths must be a resident of Lethbridge
• Youths must be 14-16 years of age as of January 1, 2024
• Youths must be able to participate in scheduled activities that may involve walking more than 5,000 steps per day
• Youths must be willing to represent themselves as an ambassador for the City of Lethbridge
• Any other residents in a participant’s home over the age of 18 must be able to pass the required criminal background check
• Must be willing and have the facilities (private bedroom) to host an individual in participant’s home for the duration of the exchange
• Must be willing to stay in the home of their match (a.k.a. twin) while visiting Saint-Laurent for the duration of the exchange

An application form to participate in the program is available at the City of Lethbridge website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge seniors invited to partake in exchange with city in Quebec

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