Discover Canada – Cultural Exchange Program

Effective Date: September 15, 2026

These Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy (“Terms”) govern applications, registrations, selections and participation in cultural exchange programs, educational and cultural activities, study visits, community experiences, tours and related events organized under the Discover Canada – Cultural Exchange Program (“Discover Canada”, “the Program”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

Discover Canada operates as a non-profit cultural exchange initiative and organizes programs intended to promote cultural exchange, intercultural understanding, educational experiences and meaningful engagement with Canadian communities and culture.

By submitting an application, completing a registration, paying an applicable fee, accepting an offered participation category, or participating in a Discover Canada program, the applicant or participant acknowledges that they have reviewed and accepted the Terms applicable to their participation.

Where applicable law requires express consent, acceptance will be obtained through an affirmative action such as selecting an “I Agree” checkbox or otherwise expressly confirming acceptance.

1. ELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

Participation in Discover Canada programs is voluntary.

Applicants are responsible for reviewing the eligibility requirements applicable to the specific program before submitting an application.

Eligibility requirements, age limits, selection criteria, program capacity and participation categories may vary between programs and will be communicated through the official website, application portal or official communications.

Submitting an application does not create an entitlement to selection, funding, visa issuance, travel support or participation.

2. APPLICATION AND SELECTION

Where a program uses a competitive selection process, applications may be assessed according to criteria established for that particular program, including eligibility, suitability, available capacity, geographic diversity, program objectives and other relevant considerations.

Discover Canada may offer different participation categories, including, where applicable:

• Fully Funded Participation;
• Partially Funded Participation;
• Self-Funded Participation;
• Direct Participation; and
• Online or Virtual Participation.

The availability and benefits associated with each category may vary by program.

Selection decisions are made according to the applicable program criteria and available capacity.

Discover Canada reserves the right to reject incomplete, inaccurate, duplicate, fraudulent or otherwise ineligible applications.

3. APPLICATION / PROCESSING FEE

Where an application fee is required, the standard application/processing fee is:

USD $52

Unless expressly stated otherwise for a specific program, the application/processing fee covers administrative and operational costs associated with receiving, processing and reviewing the application and maintaining the application system.

Payment of the fee:

• does not guarantee selection;
• does not guarantee funded participation;
• does not guarantee admission to a program;
• does not guarantee issuance of an invitation letter;
• does not guarantee a visa or immigration decision; and
• does not create any preferential treatment in the selection process.

The applicable fee and payment requirements will be clearly disclosed before payment is completed.

4. REFUND POLICY

Unless otherwise expressly stated for a specific program, the USD $52 application/processing fee is non-refundable once the application has been submitted and processing has begun, including where:

• the applicant is not selected;
• the applicant withdraws the application;
• the applicant changes their plans;
• the applicant is unable to travel;
• the applicant fails to complete required steps;
• the applicant is refused a visa; or
• the applicant does not participate after being selected.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes any refund, cancellation or other consumer right that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.

If Discover Canada charges a fee in error, processes a duplicate payment, or a refund is otherwise required by applicable law, the matter will be reviewed and handled accordingly.

5. ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

Applicants must provide complete, current and truthful information.

Documents submitted in connection with an application must be authentic and must not be altered, falsified or misleading.

Discover Canada may reject an application, withdraw an offer, terminate participation or take other appropriate action where it reasonably determines that an applicant or participant has:

• submitted false or misleading information;
• provided fraudulent or altered documents;
• impersonated another person;
• concealed material information relevant to eligibility; or
• otherwise attempted to manipulate the application or selection process.

Where appropriate, suspected unlawful activity may be reported to the relevant authorities.

6. VERIFICATION

Discover Canada may take reasonable steps to verify information submitted by an applicant where verification is necessary for eligibility, program administration, fraud prevention, safety or legal compliance.

Where appropriate and legally required, consent will be obtained before contacting third parties or conducting verification involving personal information.

7. INVITATION LETTERS AND VISA DISCLAIMER

Where applicable, official invitation or participation confirmation letters may be provided to confirmed participants.

Invitation letters are not sold separately.

An invitation letter is provided solely in connection with legitimate participation in a Discover Canada program and may be used by a participant as supporting documentation where appropriate.

Discover Canada:

• does not issue visas;
• does not guarantee visas;
• does not control visa processing times;
• does not influence immigration authorities;
• does not have special arrangements with embassies or consulates; and
• cannot guarantee the approval of any visa, permit or entry authorization.

All immigration and visa decisions are made independently by the relevant governmental authorities.

Participants are solely responsible for obtaining the visas, permits, passports, travel authorizations and other documents required for travel.

8. FUNDED PARTICIPATION

Where Fully Funded or Partially Funded participation is offered, the exact benefits will be stated in the applicable program announcement or official offer.

Benefits may include, depending on the program:

• airfare or travel support;
• accommodation;
• local transportation;
• meals or meal allowances;
• program admission;
• cultural activities; and
• other specifically identified program expenses.

No benefit should be assumed unless it is expressly included in the participant’s official participation category.

Where airfare or other significant travel arrangements are included, Discover Canada may require proof that the participant has obtained all necessary travel authorization before purchasing or confirming such arrangements.

Deadlines for submitting visa or travel documentation may be established for operational purposes.

Failure to satisfy these requirements within the communicated deadline may result in modification, postponement or cancellation of funded benefits where reasonably necessary.

9. PERSONAL AND EXCLUDED EXPENSES

Unless expressly included in the participant’s official participation package, participants are responsible for their own expenses, including:

• visa and immigration fees;
• passport expenses;
• travel insurance;
• medical expenses;
• personal purchases;
• baggage charges;
• transportation outside the official program;
• meals outside the provided program arrangements;
• additional accommodation;
• optional activities; and
• other personal expenses.

10. PROGRAM CHANGES

Programs may be affected by circumstances outside Discover Canada’s reasonable control.

Discover Canada may reasonably modify schedules, venues, speakers, accommodation, transportation arrangements, activities or other program components where necessary for operational, logistical or safety reasons.

Where a material change occurs, affected participants will be informed as reasonably practicable.

11. FORCE MAJEURE

Discover Canada will not be responsible for failure or delay caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including:

• severe weather;
• natural disasters;
• public health emergencies;
• strikes;
• transportation disruptions;
• governmental restrictions;
• border closures;
• civil disturbances;
• security incidents;
• venue closures; or
• other comparable events beyond reasonable organizational control.

Where such circumstances occur, Discover Canada may postpone, relocate, modify, move online or cancel all or part of a program as reasonably necessary.

Any refund entitlement arising from such circumstances will be determined according to the applicable program terms and applicable law.

12. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT

Participants are expected to behave respectfully, lawfully and professionally.

Harassment, discrimination, threats, violence, serious disruption, deliberate damage, unlawful conduct or behaviour that creates a material safety risk to participants, staff or third parties will not be tolerated.

Discover Canada may remove or suspend a participant where reasonably necessary to protect safety, maintain the integrity of the program or respond to serious violations of these Terms.

Removal for serious misconduct may occur without refund, subject to applicable law.

13. DAMAGE AND PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY

Participants may be held responsible for loss or damage directly caused by their intentional misconduct, negligence or violation of applicable rules, to the extent permitted by law.

Discover Canada may seek reimbursement for documented and reasonable costs directly attributable to such conduct.

14. HEALTH, ACCESSIBILITY AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Participants are encouraged to inform Discover Canada in advance of relevant accessibility requirements, dietary restrictions or other accommodations necessary for participation.

Discover Canada will make reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed requirements where reasonably practicable but cannot guarantee that every request can be fulfilled.

Participants remain responsible for determining whether they are medically and physically able to participate and for obtaining appropriate travel or medical insurance where necessary.

15. TRAVEL AND PERSONAL SAFETY

Participants are responsible for complying with Canadian law, immigration requirements, accommodation rules, transportation requirements and reasonable safety instructions communicated during the program.

Participants are encouraged to obtain appropriate travel, health and personal insurance.

Discover Canada is not an insurer and does not replace insurance coverage.

16. OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION

Official communications may be delivered through:

• official Discover Canada email addresses;
• the official Discover Canada website or participant portal;
• authorized organizational email domains; or
• verified official social media accounts.

Applicants are responsible for providing a valid email address and checking their inbox, including spam or junk folders.

Discover Canada is not responsible for delays caused by incorrect contact information supplied by the applicant or by email filtering systems outside its control.

17. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Discover Canada names, logos, program materials, graphics, photographs, publications and other protected materials may not be reproduced, altered or commercially exploited without authorization except where permitted by law.

Nothing in these Terms restricts lawful quotation, review, criticism, reporting or other uses permitted by applicable law.

18. MEDIA, PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING

Photography, video and audio recording may occur during Discover Canada programs for legitimate organizational purposes, including documentation, reporting, educational materials and promotion of cultural exchange activities.

Where required by applicable law or appropriate due to the nature of the intended use, participants will be informed and consent will be obtained.

Participants may contact Discover Canada regarding privacy concerns associated with identifiable media.

Separate or additional consent may be requested for uses that materially exceed the reasonable expectations associated with event documentation.

19. PERSONAL INFORMATION

Discover Canada may collect personal information reasonably necessary to administer its programs, including information such as:

• name;
• contact information;
• nationality and country of residence;
• date of birth where necessary;
• application information;
• educational or professional information;
• passport or travel information where required;
• visa status or related documentation where necessary;
• payment and transaction information; and
• accommodation, dietary or accessibility information where voluntarily provided or otherwise necessary.

Discover Canada will limit collection to information reasonably required for identified and legitimate purposes.

20. PURPOSES FOR USING PERSONAL INFORMATION

Personal information may be used for purposes including:

• processing applications;
• assessing eligibility;
• administering selection;
• communicating with applicants and participants;
• issuing participation documentation;
• arranging program logistics;
• arranging funded travel or accommodation where applicable;
• maintaining program and financial records;
• preventing fraud and misuse;
• protecting participant safety; and
• complying with applicable legal obligations.

Personal information will not be sold.

21. DISCLOSURE TO SERVICE PROVIDERS AND THIRD PARTIES

Where reasonably necessary for program delivery, personal information may be shared with appropriate service providers or partners, such as:

• accommodation providers;
• transportation providers;
• payment processors;
• technology and hosting providers;
• insurers or emergency service providers where applicable;
• program delivery partners; and
• governmental or legal authorities where disclosure is required or permitted by law.

Only information reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose should be disclosed.

22. INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS AND CROSS-BORDER PROCESSING

Discover Canada accepts participants from different countries.

As a result, personal information may in some circumstances be processed, transmitted or accessed across provincial or national borders through service providers, communications systems or program operations.

Where applicable, Discover Canada will handle personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy requirements and any other privacy legislation legally applicable to the relevant processing activity.

23. DATA SECURITY AND RETENTION

Discover Canada will use reasonable administrative, technical and organizational safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the personal information under its control.

Personal information will be retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, legitimate organizational record-keeping, dispute resolution, fraud prevention and applicable legal requirements.

Information that is no longer reasonably required will be securely deleted, destroyed or anonymized where appropriate.

24. PRIVACY REQUESTS

Subject to applicable law, individuals may contact Discover Canada regarding:

• access to their personal information;
• correction of inaccurate information;
• questions regarding collection or use;
• withdrawal of consent where consent is the applicable legal basis and withdrawal is legally available; or
• privacy complaints.

Certain information may need to be retained despite a deletion or withdrawal request where required or permitted by law.

25. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS

Discover Canada respects participants’ lawful rights to express opinions and share their experiences.

Participants must not knowingly publish false statements, unlawfully disclose another person’s private information, impersonate Discover Canada or falsely represent themselves as authorized spokespersons for the organization.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to prevent lawful criticism, reviews, complaints, reporting to authorities or the exercise of rights protected by applicable law.

26. LIMITATION OF RESPONSIBILITY

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Discover Canada is not responsible for losses arising solely from circumstances outside its reasonable control, including immigration decisions, airline disruptions, government actions, weather events, personal decisions or third-party services not controlled by Discover Canada.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability or statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

27. TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION

Discover Canada may suspend or terminate participation where a participant:

• materially violates these Terms;
• provides fraudulent information;
• creates a serious safety or security risk;
• engages in unlawful conduct;
• seriously disrupts the program; or
• fails to satisfy essential participation requirements.

Where reasonably practicable, the participant will be informed of the reason for the decision.

28. ELECTRONIC ACCEPTANCE

These Terms may be accepted electronically.

Where applicants are required to select an “I Agree” checkbox, submit an application following presentation of these Terms or otherwise provide affirmative electronic acceptance, Discover Canada may maintain records of the transaction, including the date and time, account information, application identifier, version of the Terms accepted and technical information reasonably necessary to document the transaction.

Electronic acceptance will be treated in accordance with applicable Canadian law.

29. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

Discover Canada may update these Terms periodically to reflect changes to programs, operational practices or applicable legal requirements.

The effective date of the current version will be displayed on the official website.

Material changes will not be applied retroactively where doing so would unlawfully alter an existing participant’s rights or obligations.

30. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms and participation in Discover Canada programs are governed by the applicable laws of Canada and, where applicable, the laws of the Canadian province or territory having jurisdiction.

Nothing in these Terms prevents a participant from exercising mandatory rights or remedies available under applicable consumer protection, privacy or other legislation.

31. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is determined by a competent court or authority to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

32. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms, together with the specific conditions published for an individual program, participation offer and any additional agreement expressly accepted by the participant, constitute the applicable terms governing participation.

Where a specific program term conflicts with these general Terms, the specific term will apply to that program to the extent permitted by law.

33. CONTACT

Questions concerning these Terms, applications, participation or privacy matters should be submitted through the official contact information published on the Discover Canada – Cultural Exchange Program website.

Applicants should rely only on official Discover Canada communication channels.

APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Before submitting an application, the applicant should be required to affirmatively confirm:

“I confirm that I have read and understood the Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy of the Discover Canada – Cultural Exchange Program. I understand that the USD $52 application/processing fee, where applicable, does not guarantee selection, funded participation, an invitation letter, visa approval or admission to a program. I agree to these Terms and consent to the processing of my personal information as described in the Privacy Policy.”

Effective Date: September 15, 2026