Expand your horizons and explore the possibilities for exciting careers that you’ve never before imagined! Visit important Canadian institutions, meet famous and accomplished Canadians, develop your leadership skills and enjoy an extraordinary, bilingual experience. Select from one of 14 theme weeks. Stay tuned for additional weeks of programming to be added to our current list!
Don’t forget—first come, first served!
So register now!
The arts permit us to define ourselves, rather than allowing others to do it for us. Meeting professional artists (contemporary dance, theatre, percussion, multimedia, etc.), participants explore various mediums of expression that free their creativity. Through the means of arts and culture, they reinforce their belief in themselves, develop their creative thought, and find their own voice.
For the last few years, Ivory Coast drummer Fana Soro has been offering worksphops at Encounters with Canada's Arts & Culture week. More than just drumming, his performance gives students insights into the joys and richness of African Culture.
This week is for teens who dream of starting a business or play a key role in tomorrow’s business world. They will meet with successful business people in both traditional and online businesses; participate in a Dragon’s Den-type activity where participants can elaborate and submit business ideas to seasoned entrepreneurs.
EWC Business & Entrepreneurship 2019 participants took part in a game inspired by the TV show Dragon's Den. From new apps, to travelling gear, food ideas, and schedule aids - their business ideas were truely inspired!
Participants learn about the significance of Remembrance Day. They hear from Canadian veterans, explore the history of Canada at war while at the Canadian War Museum, and take part in the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa. Programmed by Veterans Affairs Canada.
In search of an adrenaline rush? This week explores action-filled careers, challenging those afraid of nothing. Participants meet police officers, firefighters and paramedics, who advise them of the demands of a career as a first responder. At the end of this exciting week, participants better understand how to handle emergency situations and receive certification from HeartSafe in CPR & defibrillation or Safetalk.
Encounters with Canada alumnus Brian Knowler (Science & Technology 1989) returned to EWC to meet with First Responders Participants.
Globalization, human rights, diplomacy. Participants open up their eyes to the world by meeting ambassadors, senior officials, development experts and NGO representatives. Participants engage in conflict resolution workshops, and visit the Diefenbunker and Canadian War Museums. They finish their week with a moving citizenship ceremony and witness people from around the world become new Canadians.
Encounters with Canada Global Affairs participants had the opportunity to discuss life as a diplomat with Teuku Faizasyah, Ambassador of Indonesia, Raoul Delcorde, Ambassador of Belgium, Kareen Rispal, Ambassador of France, Beat Nobs, Ambassador of Switzerland, Diego Stacy, Ambassador of Ecuador
Be it law enforcement, correctional or legal services, this week focuses on law and order. Participants review case studies with law and social services professionals. They expand their knowledge of Canada’s legal system with possible visits to the Supreme Court of Canada, an Ottawa Jail Hostel and a police station.
In this era of instant communications, electronic and social media are essential sources of information. Guided by communication specialists, participants develop their critical and creative thinking through hands-on learning activities and workshops. They also gain first-hand experience about the world of radio and television at CBC studios in Montreal.
This week I had the amazing opportunity to participate in an experience of a lifetime. Encounters with Canada is a program where students from all over Canada with similar interests gather together to learn career skills that you can carry with you into your adult years.
Looking for an amazing, one week trip to the nation’s capital, to explore potential career options, try new things, with kids aged 14-17, from coast to coast to coast, for under $1000? Then Encounters with Canada, Canada’s largest youth forum, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is the place for you.
I have had the opportunity this week to participate in the media and communications week at Encounters with Canada in Ottawa. It has been an unforgettable experience where I have met people from across Canada and was introduced to other cultures.
This week provides the opportunity to join people whose inspiration is to care for others. Participants tour medical facilities and laboratories, study genetics and health research and explore medical ethics. They attend workshops such as midwifery, DNA and art therapy, and participate in discussions with recent university health science graduates, who provide valuable insights and information on future career options.
On March 25, 2019, Dr. Adrienne Junek spoke to Encounters with Canada Health & Medicine participants. She told them about health-related careers and gave them pointers on how to be successful in that field. Ms.
Participants Julie Van and Nicole Regular talk about their experience during the Medicine & Health week at Encounters with Canada.
Find out more about EWC's Medicine & Health and other theme weeks.
Participants discover fields ranging from DNA, forensics, robotics and space exploration. They tour research institutes and laboratories, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the newly redesigned Canada Science and Technology Museum. A Let’s Talk Science panel, featuring recent university science and technology graduates, provides valuable insights and information when considering future careers in these fields.
Encounters with Canada is proud to announce its partnership with Lockheed Martin Canada [NYSE: LMT] for this fall’s Science & Technology week, set for November 11-17, 2018.
Participants may start their adventure with dragon boating, wall-climbing, skiing, martial arts, Kin-Ball, Ultimate Frisbee and fitness boot camp, to name a few. They hear from accomplished athletes, Olympians and fitness experts, and participate in discussions about ethics in the world of sports.
For one week, Sports & Fitness participants got to try out a number of indoor and outdoor activities. They also talked to sports professionals about careers in the field of sports & fitness.
A new theme for the 2020/2021 academic year!
Dreaming about seeing the world? This week offers students interested in exploring our planet the opportunity to learn about travel and tourism. Whether they’re looking to go on an adventure or to launch a career in the industry, this week has it all. Participants will discover the travel world through talking with industry professionals and participating in workshops lead by seasoned hospitality experts. From food and beverage to entertainment and culture, this week explores elements of hospitality and tourism within Canada’s capital region and opens a window to the rest of the world.
“I think I can speak for the majority of EWC participants when I say that this was one of the most memorable weeks of my life this far.I have formed valuable connections with other youth across Canada and gained so much knowledge pertaining to subjects I am interested in. I definitely recommend it!"
"This week has changed me as a person and I have grown so much during my time in Ottawa. I benefited tremendously from EWC, and I think many other northern youth would too. I sometimes feel isolated up in Yellowknife and coming to Ottawa boosted my confidence."
“EWC is a wonderful program that allows students to experience more of Canada’s culture and meet with other students with similar interests. This week gave me a lot of insight about what career option I could choose after high school. I even got CPR certified while being at the Centre!”
“This week has been one of the best in my life. I have made friends with youth from across Canada and I have participated in activities that I would not have the opportunity to do at home. I even helped with the research of minnows and aquatic invertebrates at the St-Laurence Research Institute!"
“It was an awesome experience that I would love to do again. I became CPR and defibrillation certified and talked to many first responders like firemen and paramedics, this really helped me to choose what I want to do when I’m older. I made friends from all over Canada who I will never forget.”
"Over the course of the week, we met diplomats of France, Switzerland, Ecuador, Indonesia and a UN peacekeeper! It impacted me greatly and inspired me to be a better citizen, a global citizen. In return, I will go back to my home city and tell my friends and teacher about this unforgettable week!”
"I was able to meet like-minded students from all other areas of the country, therefore allowing me to better understand and appreciate other parts of Canada. As well, I was able to gain long lasting friendships that broadened my horizons and opened my eyes to those around me."
"I was so lucky to meet so many people and learn about their culture and where they come from. I also was acquainted with many Francophones which allowed me to speak more in French. I was so lucky to come on this eye-opening experience!”
“Throughout this week,I have learned about my country, but more importantly, I learned to appreciate what I have. I have learned about our past and how people are trying to change our future. I have listened to the trumpet in the dark cemetery and seen the light in the veterans’ eyes."
“I met so many friends and learned more about my country in 7 days than I have in my 17 years. We got to see Parliament Hill, many museums holding our nation’s history and played different sports our country enjoys from sea to sea. This week was amazing!”
"Participating in Encounters with Canada has allowed me to exercise my social skills. It has also inspired me to consider becoming a science teacher. I have always had a passion for learning and this week has allowed me to discover the various provinces and territories of Canada in a whole new way."
“Meeting with Canadian youth from across Canada with similar career goals and learning more about Canada’s government, history and sparking interest in medicine and health has been very effective in my personal development and motivation. It inspired me to take action in my community!"
"I primarily speak English and this trip gave me the chance to get to know Francophones and really immerse myself in their language - my French has been vastly improved! Additionally, I got to explore many career opportunities and feel much better equipped to head off to post-secondary."
“This week has helped to give me a new perspective on the struggles faced by soldiers in the First World War. I really appreciate this opportunity to travel our country’s capital to learn about our history. I’ve made so many good friends here and learned so much!”
"This week has been one of the best of my life! Even though I myself am in cadets, everything was a new experience for me. Taking part in the ceremonies gave me a wonderful sense of purpose; it made a big impact on me. This whole week was a humbling experience and meant the world to me."
"I loved how educational, fun and truly inspiring this program has been and I am changed by the overall experience. I am now much more passionate about my country and proud of it as a whole. People around me were fantastic and I found the positive and non-judgmental attitude truly inspiring."
"After a week of laughter, meeting new friends, learning about our Canadian history and forming ties across the country, I’ve realized that this experience is one of the most valuable we young Canadians should encounter.”
"This past week has changed my life. All the workshops, visits and sessions I've attend here in Ottawa have broaden my perspective on the medical profession. I have truly never felt so motivated to pursue any career in my 17 years of existence!"
“One of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life. We participated in many different activities. Dragon boating, B-boy break dancing, mini golf and boot camp are only a few of the physical activities I participated in. We also went to museums, guided tours of the city, a ghost walk, etc.!"
“This time has allowed me to grow as a person, build long lasting relationships, learn about different lifestyles and discover the wonders of Canada. I hope to never forget some of the moments I’ve shared at EWC and that many other students my age will have the chance to live the same thing!”
“This experience has been a fantastic learning opportunity and allowed me to connect with students my age from across the country. It has also aided me in narrowing down my interests for future careers and post-secondary education. The memories I have made here will never be forgotten."
“This is an incredible experience! The personal growth you experience is outstanding and you make connections with people all across Canada. This, without a doubt, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe every student should have the chance to participate in.”
“Such a good program, really life changing. I met so many new people here, some even closer to my friends back home. You get to meet people with the same interests as you and everyone and the staff are super friendly and nice. I would recommend this program and opportunity to anyone."
“I’ve just had the best week of my life! I was astonished to see how many people shared the same desire to pursue a career in the medical field. I quickly became friends with individuals from all over Canada. I have never experienced anything as life-changing as Encounters!”
“I have never had this sort of surreal experience before in my life, and I will never forget the week. One of my greatest ambitions in life is to one day become a lawyer working at the Supreme Court of Canada, and I felt like a dream come true when we got the chance to tour the Supreme Court!"
"I really enjoyed marching in the National Ceremony with a cadet corp in the parade at the Cenotaph. But the major highlight was the wartime supper with the veterans. I was chosen as the representative for all army cadets in the province of NL, so I have a deep appreciation for our veterans."
“This program was so great and I am extremely glad I came. I made many connections with youth who are interested in similar things as I am. To travel across Canada for such an amazing experience was truly life changing. I hope more students like me have the chance to participate in this program.”
"EWC give students the chance to learn, have fun and make new friends! We visited the Parliament, toured the city of Ottawa, and had a full day workshop at the St. Lawrence River Institute. There, we caught and tagged fish and invertebrates, identified bugs/insects a and learned about biodiversity."
"My experience at EWC was the most memorable high school experience I’ve had in my life. We had an amazing time going to all the workshops and activities. I’ve made friends from all across the country and relationships that will last a lifetime. I will recommend to many friends to attend!"
“I developed bonds with motivated young adults and was given the opportunity to explore a potential career path through various workshops and visits. I gained a deeper insight into Canadian medical research and greater appreciation for the diversity of Canada.”
“It has been the best week of my life! I got to go to multiple cultural workshops, including slam poetry with Nathaniel Larochette and pastel self-portraits in the style of Frida Khalo. This program is a great experience for any and all teenagers to become aware of things they can do in Canada."
