CEEF will arrange exchanges for educators at the elementary, secondary and in some cases college levels. CEEF maintains links with the Ministries/Department of Education and Training, and works with official exchange authorities -- either governments or government-sponsored authorities in other countries.

The basic exchange program assumes that a Canadian teacher will exchange his or her teaching position with an educator in another country or province for a period of one year. Canadian educators continue to be employed and paid by their home school boards. All benefits and seniority are retained.

Exchangees are required to trade residences or provide appropriate living accommodation for the incoming exchange partner. Both partners are asked to arrange for local community and school sponsors to greet the incoming exchangee and to act as an advisor throughout the year.