International Opportunities

An ISE normally spans 2 years and frequently occurs in the summer months of the year. An ISE normally involves both Scouting and touring and each leg of the exchange is approximately 2 weeks duration. The activities of the ISE are normally planned and organized by the Scout Group in the country that is the host.

Yes, an ISE could be a non-Canadian Group coming to Canada or a Canadian Group going to another country with no return exchange trip.

You may indicate interest to Scouts Canada by completing the International Exchange Request Form. When completing this form indicate which country or countries you would like to exchange with.

You may mail or e-mail the completed form to Scouts Canada’s International Commissioner: intl@scouts.ca. They will then contact other Scout associations on your behalf to begin a dialogue to help you partner with a group and begin planning your exchange program.

You may download and complete the International Exchange Request Form and forward it to the International Committee of your own NSO.

If your NSO has its own International Exchange Request Form you may complete it and forward it to your International Committee.

In addition to the normal risk factors associated with Scouting Activities it will be necessary to consider factors such as the availability of medical treatment, general sanitation and the availability of reliable drinking water and possible questions of geo-political uncertainty in the region. Scouts Canada, through its contacts with the NSOs in the Countries in the region can assist with the assessment of such risk factors and, where the risk is unacceptable will advise Groups not to pursue an ISE in certain specific countries or regions.

The activities associated with an ISE typically include a mix of Scouting and touring. The Scouting activities normally include: camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, etc. and the touring activities include visits to points of interest, taking in a sporting or theatre event, visits to a shopping mall, etc.

As much as possible both host and guest Groups cover their own costs. Inevitably the host Group will incur a few costs associated with hosting, which are not possible to recover from the guests, but, this will be a reciprocal situation, which should come close to balancing out in the end.

You may complete an International Exchange Request Form and forward it to the International Committee who will forward it to all of the Scouting Groups in your Area recommending that they consider you in any International Exchange plans which they may have.

Your first step should always be to contact the International Committee. This way we can ensure that the partner NSO is aware of the exchange, to provide additional support. We can also check that all parties in the partner country are members of Scouting. By contacting the International Committee and completing the International Exchange Request Form, we are also able to help support you, making sure you get the best possible experience.

First, you’ll want to find a number of people who will serve as the core of your team. Then, check out the Community Development Project Request Form and Planning Your International Development Project guide, which will give you the basics. When you’re ready, you can start to fill out whatever information you have in the IDP Request Form.

It’s important to remember that this form is really just a way to start a dialogue with the International Committee. We’re here to support you and your team to help you be successful. By filling out the form as completely as you can (with any information you can give us), we can help you to work towards filling out the rest. The hardest part is getting started. The rest, we can help you with. We’re at your service.

You may email the completed form to intl@scouts.ca, or mail it to Scouts Canada’s International Commissioner at the National Office:

International Commissioner, Scouts Canada
1345 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K2C 0A7
Canada

Yes, the Canadian Scout Brotherhood Fund, which was created directly after World War II to help rebuild scouting in Europe, is available to help cover the material costs of an IDP. Today, the Brotherhood Fund is maintained through money coming from the annual Scoutrees Campaign.

There are requirements for this funding however. Funding can only be granted where Scouts Canada’s youth will be directly involved in the completion of the project. Funds can only be used towards project materials, not transportation or program, or any other expenses. As well, when a group receives funding for their project, they will be required to complete a Final Report to share the story of their project with everyone.

This is one of the ways the International Committee can help. We have the means and the network to contact every NSO in the world. By filling out your CDP Request Form, you can help us make a connection with another NSO.

The most important characteristics of a good IDP are sustainability and relevance. Neither of these are possible without the input and guidance from the partner NSO. Remember, this is a partnership. By talking with the partner NSO and the local community, you’ll be able to better understand their priorities and together, you’ll be able to accomplish a sustainable and relevant project.

How creative are you? Sales, service, volunteer efforts, and soliciting donations are just a few of the possibilities. Be creative, and remember to follow Scouts Canada’s Bylaws, Policies and Procedures. Talk to you Group Commissioner to learn more about policies surrounding fundraising efforts.

There are all sorts of resources, one of which is the Planning Your International Development Project guide. In this guide, you’ll find a checklist of things you’ll need to consider while doing your planning and preparations

As soon as you’ve submitted your IDP Request Form, a member of the International Committee will be assigned to your project. This volunteer will be your key contact and your support throughout the entire planning and execution of you IDP. They are full of information and are ready to answer all your questions. You can also refer to the Planning Your International Development Project guide, and take our e-learning course.

In almost all cases, you’ll need to apply. In some cases, applications are received on a continuous basis for ongoing programs. In other cases, applications are received for a very specific event or time frame. Whenever an opportunity exists though, there will be instructions on how you can apply.

Costs associated with volunteering abroad will vary considerably. There will be some opportunities where all costs are covered through sponsorship and there will be opportunities where you may need to pay for your transportation or other costs. There are always ways to help alleviate costs by fundraising.

It’s always a good idea to discuss international opportunities with the International Committee. The reason is actually one of security. We can verify that any opportunity you’re interested in is authorized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. We might also be able to give you more information for your application! We want to you to lead the world, but first and foremost, we want you to do so safely.

First step, contact the International Committee at intl@scouts.ca. We can get in touch with another country’s Scout association to find out what might be available for you.

As with so many other things, it’s all about what you bring to an experience. You can get so much out of these opportunities, but generally, you can expect to learn about global issues, make contacts in different parts of the world, gain self-confidence, get some really cool pictures and stories, gain experience that you can put on a resume, and make your mark on the world.

The biggest challenges can sometimes be finances, depending on the opportunity. This can easily be overcome by fundraising. The second biggest challenge is a fear of the unknown. What will the food be like? Who’s going to take care of my dog? Is it safe? Do I need a visa?

The good thing is, with all of this, the International Committee is dedicated to supporting you and helping you through every step of the way. We are passionate about international Scouting and we are at your service.