Brazilian Students Discover Canada Through the SSC and São Luiz Exchange Program

This year's exchange program between Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur (SSC) in Québec, Canada, and São Luiz School in Brazil was another unforgettable success, providing Brazilian students with a true immersion into Canadian life, education, language, and culture. From the moment they arrived in Canada, the students were warmly welcomed by SSC and their Canadian host families. Living with local families allowed them to experience everyday Canadian life, discover local traditions, and create meaningful connections that will last long after the program ends.

One of the highlights of the exchange was the opportunity to attend regular classes alongside Canadian students at SSC. By participating in daily school life, the Brazilian students gained firsthand experience of the Québec education system while making new friends and sharing their own culture. Throughout their stay, they also began learning French, taking their first steps toward mastering one of Canada's official languages.

The program was filled with enriching cultural and educational activities. In Montréal, students visited the magnificent Saint Joseph’s Oratory, one of Canada's most important religious landmarks. They also visited the SCJ Community in Montréal, where they met community members and learned more about their mission and way of life.

The students traveled to Ottawa, Canada's capital city, where they explored Parliament Hill and enjoyed a walking tour through the downtown area. They visited the Canadian Museum of History, discovering the people, cultures, and events that helped shape Canada. As always, the journeys between destinations became memorable moments as students sang Brazilian songs together, filling the cars with laughter and joy.

Another special visit took place at the SCJ Community in Ottawa. The priests warmly welcomed the students, shared a meal with them, and offered words of encouragement and advice. The encounter provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection, friendship, and cultural exchange.

One of the most exciting days of the program was the visit to Montebello, one of Québec's most charming villages. Students admired the famous Fairmont Le Château Montebello, tasted delicious local chocolates at ChocoMotive, sampled regional cheeses at Fromagerie Montebello, and discovered Canadian wildlife at Parc Omega. The day offered a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local traditions.

The program also included many recreational activities that helped students build friendships and create lifelong memories. Students enjoyed their first rafting adventure, spent a wonderful day kayaking, challenged themselves during an action-packed paintball outing, and explored the region through various excursions and activities.
The adventure continued in Gatineau, where students experienced one of Canada's favorite sports by attending a hockey game. For many, it was their first time watching hockey live, and the atmosphere in the arena was unforgettable.

Food became another bridge between cultures. Students enjoyed a special cooking class with SSC's talented chef, Marie-Josée, where they prepared delicious desserts made with authentic Québec maple syrup. Cooking together provided an opportunity to learn about Canadian culture while sharing moments of fun and teamwork.

One of the most memorable cultural experiences was attending the Festival Ripon Trad, where students discovered the rich traditions of Québec folk music. They sang, danced, and immersed themselves in local culture. A special surprise awaited them when SSC Principal Mr. Christian Lavergne performed on stage with his band, La Tuque Bleue, making the experience even more meaningful.

Throughout the exchange, students attended school, practiced French, explored Montréal, Ottawa, Gatineau, and Montebello, and experienced life with Canadian families. Whether learning in the classroom, discovering Canadian history, enjoying local traditions, or simply sharing songs during a road trip, every moment became an opportunity for growth and connection.

The annual exchange program between Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur and São Luiz School is much more than a trip. It is an invitation to discover new perspectives, embrace diversity, build lifelong friendships, and become part of a global community. As the visit came to an end, one thing was certain: the memories created, the friendships formed, and the experiences shared will continue to connect Canada and Brazil for many years to come. In two weeks, these new friends will reunite in Brazil, where they will spend another two weeks together, this time discovering Brazil and its rich culture.

Anastasiia Lavrynets