Congratulations on your exchange and welcome to Alberta! This page was designed to be a resource for teachers that are new to Alberta and are looking for information about Alberta, the Alberta school system, our exchange procedures and guidelines and ATA codes of conduct.

Teachers that are participating in the Post to Post (year long) exchange will also find information on the exchange teachers club, transportation, banking, taxation and medical insurance below.

Exchange Teachers' Club

Whether you could use a support network or are eager to get out and experience everything that Alberta has to offer, the Exchange Teachers' Club can help.

The Exchange Teachers' Club is composed of Alberta teachers who have been on exchange. While abroad, they enjoyed the hospitality of similar groups in other countries and want to return some of the hospitality.

The Club organizes various social activities throughout the year and invites exchange teachers in their region to participate.

The Exchange Teachers' Club is also a great resource for information. They can explain the cultural idiosyncrasies that are particular to Alberta and Canada. They can also be great hosts so if you need some help arranging a weekend in another city, check with the Exchange Teachers Club. You may be able to stay at someone's home rather than spend money on hotels.

You will be introduced to representatives of the Exchange Teachers' Club at your welcome orientation.

Transportation

Vehicle Exchanges
Vehicle exchanges are not advised. However, if you do arrange a car exchange, please be aware of the following:

  • Driving habits differ significantly
  • Car repairs and replacement costs differ from country to country
  • Insurance liability must be considered. Insurance in Alberta is quite expensive.

If you exchange cars, an agreement similar to the accommodation agreement should be considered so that variables such as insurance, repairs, mileage, will be clearly understood at the outset. If you wish to have a limit on the distance or have the car used only for transport to and from school, these conditions should be clearly understood in writing to avoid later misunderstanding.

Driving in Alberta
Before driving in Alberta, you should review the driving regulations in Alberta. They are available from Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation's website at http://www.saferoads.com/. Also, if you are unfamiliar with driving in winter, please consult the Driving on Winter Roads page.

Current road conditions are available on the Alberta Motor Association website at www.ama.ab.ca.

Purchasing a Vehicle
If you want to purchase a vehicle for your stay in Alberta, consult with staff, friends of your exchange partner, or Alberta Exchange Teachers' Club members. They may help you contact reputable dealers and give advice as to reasonable prices.

Before you purchase a vehicle, ensure that the vehicle has no liens against it. This is particularly important when making a private purchase.

Vehicle Registration
All vehicles in Alberta need to be registered. You can register your vehicle at any Alberta registry. To do this you will need:

  • Proof of ownership (e.g. bill of sale)
  • Proof of valid insurance coverage (see below)
  • A valid operator's license or personal picture identification

Vehicle Insurance
Insuring vehicles is very expensive in Alberta, however some insurance companies have special plans for teachers. Be sure to inquire about this. If you are having problems insuring your vehicle, it may be helpful to have your home insurance company fax a letter of introduction and your driving record to the Alberta insurance company.

Finances

Transfer of Salary
During your stay in Alberta, your salary will be paid by your home jurisdiction. It is your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements with your bank for the transfer of your salary, and any additional monies, to a bank near your residence or school in Alberta.

The main banking institutions in Alberta are: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Scotiabank, Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Canada Trust) and Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB).

You may have already considered various methods of transferring money from one country to another. Among them are:

  • Mail transfer
  • Bank draft
  • Telegraphic transfer
  • Letter of credit
  • post-dated cheques
  • Bank cards/Visa advances

It is best that you consult with your bank manager before adopting any of the above.

It is advisable that you have sufficient capital to cover all expenses until receipt of the first salary payment. The amount needed will vary depending upon the local cost of living, individual housing arrangements and the number of accompanying dependents. A "comfortable cushion" of one month's salary is advised, as problems with money transfers could occur anytime during the exchange year.

Opening a bank account
Former exchange teachers have found that having a letter from their home school authorities verifying their salary and a letter of introduction from their home bank helps speed the process of opening a bank account.

Credit Cards
It is important to check with the bank or organization that issued the card to determine the validity of your card in Canada and the maximum amount that can be charged in another country. The method of payment for this arrangement should also be discussed with your home bank manager and your power of attorney. Credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in Canada.

You should contact your credit card company to determine whether or not:

  • additional charges will be added to the credit card transactions you make while in Alberta; or
  • there is a maximum number of international transactions or cash withdrawals permitted on your card.

Taxation Conventions

Incoming exchange teachers will be provided with the most current tax information at their orientation meeting

Medical Insurance

Incoming exchange teachers in Alberta are eligible to register for Alberta Health Care coverage (at a monthly cost).

Detail on this coverage will be mailed to exchange teachers from our educator exchange coordinator  after the exchange has been confirmed