Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
- What does the Vimy Foundation look for in a candidate?
Some things we look for when reviewing applications and during the interview stage:
- Authenticity. Candidates should be themselves in all elements of their application and if selected for an interview.
- A genuine interest in meeting and connecting with other youth from across Canada.
- A genuine interest in learning more about First World War history.
- A team player. VPA recipients live and learn alongside 19 other youth, as well as the Education Team, for the duration of the program.
- What is the maximum word limit for the community contributions essay? What is the maximum length of the personal statement video?
- The essay should be 600 words. There are no penalties for essays that are 30 words over or under 600 words (between 570 and 630 words).
- The video should be no longer than 4 minutes. There are no penalties for videos that are 20 seconds under the time limit (between 3.40 minutes and 3.59 minutes)
- What format should the written documents take?
- The community contributions essay, resume (CV), and letter of reference should all be in PDF format only.
- What is the time of the deadline on November 25, 2025?
- The time of the deadline is 11:59PM your local time.
- Are there costs involved in participating?
- The Vimy Foundation covers the cost of return flights from the recipient’s home town in Canada to Europe (recipients must depart from and return to their closest home airport. Requests for changes or alternatives are not possible). The Vimy Foundation also covers the cost of meals and group snacks, accommodations (hotel or hostel), and ground transportation in Europe.
- What is not covered? Costs of souvenirs, individual snacks, food at the airport or during travel to and from the airport, and any costs related to traveling to and from the home airport in Canada are the responsibility of the recipients and/ or their parent(s) or guardian(s). See the terms and conditions for full details.
- Who supervises the recipients during the program?
- The Education Team comprised of 5 Canadian educators/ chaperones are responsible for supervising the recipients and leading the educational discussions and activities for the duration of the program. The Education Team meets the recipients at the airport in Montreal.
- Are all recipients required to be Canadian citizens?
- The program is open to all eligible students in Canada between the ages of 15-17. Recipients must meet the requirements for travel to Europe (Belgium and France) in order to participate. See the terms and conditions for full details.
- How do recipients travel to and from Europe (Belgium and France)?
- Recipients fly from their closest home airport in Canada to the airport in Montreal (Montreal-area recipients use their preferred mode of transportation to reach the airport). All recipients and the Education Team depart Montreal and travel together as a group to Europe. On the last day of the program, the group returns to the Montreal airport and then recipients fly or take local transportation to their home towns.
- What is a typical day on the program?
- Each day of the program is filled with visits to historic sites, monuments, cemeteries, museums or other educational institutions, and features active discussions, presentations, and other educational activities. Recipients are expected to engage and participate in all elements. The group travels to different sites by coach bus. They depart the hotel or hostel around 8:30am or 9am in the morning, and return in the evening. Most importantly, recipients come away with unique insights into the First World War, and make lifelong connections with peers from across Canada.
Visit the Terms and Conditions page for full details.
