Canada Study Tour & Leadership Exchange Program (11th edition)
25th October – 8th November 2025
The Canada Study Tour brought together a carefully selected group of students from across Poland for an intensive, transformative journey through two Canadian provinces. Throughout the tour, students explored who they are as individuals and emerging leaders, learned self-leadership skills, and experienced Canadian culture from the inside — through schools, universities, families, and meaningful leadership encounters.
Starting point: Vancouver Island & British Columbia
This edition of Canada Study Tour began on Vancouver Island, where students were immersed immediately in Canadian educational and cultural life. They visited Saanich School District schools, experiencing authentic Canadian high-school environments and daily student life. A special highlight was taking part in Halloween celebrations in Canada — from school activities to community traditions — which gave participants a joyful, real-life insight into Canadian culture, friendships, and openness.
At the University of Victoria, students took part in leadership sessions and academic meetings focused on empathy, future-ready learning, and values-based leadership. They explored how Canadian universities prepare young people not only for careers, but for meaningful lives and responsible citizenship.
On Vancouver Island, students were also welcomed by Canadian host families, experiencing genuine hospitality and everyday Canadian life. Leadership workshops emphasized kindness, empathy, emotional intelligence, and authenticity, allowing participants to reflect deeply on themselves and their relationships with others. Meetings with the Indigenous community of Vancouver Island introduced students to Indigenous values, ethics, history, and perspectives, making this part of the journey particularly moving and eye-opening.
Ontario: leadership on a national stage
After British Columbia, the group travelled to Ontario, where leadership took on a national and international dimension. Students participated in the Ontario Student Leadership Conference, engaging with Canadian students, educators, and leaders from across the province. Through keynote speeches, workshops, and collaborative activities, participants reflected on what it truly means to become the best version of oneself — both personally and professionally — and how emotions, courage, and vulnerability are inseparable from real leadership.
The Ontario part of the tour also included sightseeing and cultural exploration, including Toronto and Niagara Falls. Students visited Canadian universities, met inspiring individuals, and discussed global and local issues shaping modern Canada. As part of CST tradition, students wrote postcards with messages of support to Ukraine’s Defenders, embracing the challenge of writing in Ukrainian and reflecting on solidarity, responsibility, and compassion.
Leadership Camp & community
During the Ontario stage, students also took part in an intensive Leadership Camp Experience, filled with outdoor activities such as canoeing and kayaking, combined with deep leadership reflection. Participants shared that this environment allowed them to feel safe, accepted, and free from judgment. They noticed that Canadians valued them for who they are — not for status or achievements — and treated everyone with equal respect.
A journey that stays for life
Beyond leadership sessions and academic visits, the Canada Study Tour offered unforgettable moments in nature, meaningful conversations in Canadian homes, and friendships that will last far beyond the program. Over 15 days, students grew into a close, supportive community — one that found it difficult to say goodbye at the end of the journey.
The group returned to Poland on 8 November, carrying not only memories of breathtaking places, Canadian schools, and Halloween celebrations, but also a deeper understanding of themselves, leadership with heart, and the power of empathy and connection.
Canada Study Tour is not just a trip — it is a life-changing leadership experience that continues to shape our students long after they return home.
Canada Study Tour is organized by the Polish Academy of Canada
in association with Young Leaders.World (Alberta, Canada), Peregrine Leadership, and University of Victoria.
The program is built around one guiding idea:
Canadian Leadership with Heart
— leadership grounded in empathy, self-awareness, courage, and community.
