For the first time in Brandon, the YMCA is running the Summer Work Student Exchange program, guaranteeing participants a summer full of travel, fun, and money.

“The program is a six-week-long exchange between a community in Quebec and Brandon between the start of July and the end of August,” said Natalie Poiron, Local Coordinator for the SWSE.
“It’s a reciprocal exchange – students go live with the other family in Quebec and vice-versa. But if the student’s family isn’t able to host, that isn’t a problem, we are looking for alternative host families.”

The exchange is open to 16 and 17-year-olds, although this year being the first in Brandon, it may also accept 18-year-olds. Students accepted are sent to Quebec to work full-time at a job at the YMCA or another non-profit organization, while being treated to special events on weekends.

“The kids get to be exposed to a different language and a different culture, all while making money at a guaranteed full-time job we find for them,” said Poiron.
“The students who come to Brandon will be doing things like zip-lining and camping on the weekends, so the kids going to Quebec will probably be doing similar fun activities.”

The SWSE program is put on by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, with strong goals of helping participants learn a second language while bridging two communities, and has started this year in Brandon due to the seemingly “huge potential” for the program.
“We want to have eight openings for students, which means we also need eight organizations to work with us,” said Poiron.
“So far we only have three of the positions filled, so we are still recruiting businesses n the non-profit sector. So far we have confirmed employment at the YMCA, at the Y Daycare, and at the splash parks and community pools.”

Students interested in the great opportunity can apply online at www.summer-work.com.
The only requirements are age and small knowledge of the French language. Families or businesses interested in hosting students can also find information on that website, and are encouraged to email brandon.swse@ymcagta.org.