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Year-Long Teacher Exchange Program with Hamburg, Germany

Embark on an enriching professional journey with the School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) Teacher Exchange Program. Spend a year in Hamburg, Germany, where you can immerse yourself in a new educational environment, learn innovative teaching methods, and gain fresh perspectives on school leadership. This program allows you to step beyond your comfort zone, collaborate with peers abroad, and bring valuable insights back to your community. It offers a unique opportunity to experience a different educational system while maintaining your employment status and benefits in your home district.

Deadline for the 2025-2026 school year: April 30, 2025

 

Overview of the Year-Long Exchange 

This year-long program entails a complete role swap. You will be partnered with a teacher buddy and teach at their school and live in their accommodation, while your teacher buddy will do the same in your place.  

Duration and Location 

The exchange spans a full year, from August 1 to July 15, and takes place in Hamburg, Germany.

Your Commitments 

You will cover your travel expenses, including visa and teacher certification costs, and provide accommodation for your counterpart in British Columbia.

Support from SD8 

SD8 will assist in finding a suitable match and offer guidance both before and after your exchange.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible, you must:

  • Hold a full-time continuous contract and a permanent teaching certificate.
  • Obtain approval from your superintendent.
  • Meet any additional district-specific requirements, such as 3 years of teaching experience.
  • You must be a Canadian citizen and possess a permanent teaching certificate. (Permanent Residents may also qualify.)
  • Approval from your principal and a minimum of three years teaching experience are required.

Application Process 

For teachers in School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake), applications must be submitted through the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office at STOffice@sd8.bc.ca by April 30, approximately 15 months before departure. 

Ensure that your application is complete and received by School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) within that deadline.

Further Information and Resources

For questions and application submission, please contact the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office at STOffice@sd8.bc.ca.