Planning ideas and follow-up activities are described for a reciprocal exchange program between groups of 5th and 6th grade students in Manitoba who are "twinned" with another school in the province. Emphasis is on providing learning experiences which help students become familiar with the economic activity in the area, with the local government or political structure, with local history and traditions, with the geographical or environmental pecularities of the area, and with its social and cultural composition. There are three major parts. Part 1 deals with pre-trip activities such as visiting and hosting teacher preparations, discussing items such as site selection, legal considerations, public participation, financing, and student preparations. Part 2 focuses on the trip itself. Included are a sample schedule and interpretation of each day's activities; a time log, observation lists, question lists, and games for the trip to the site; and on site activities. Suggestions for post-trip activities such as art work, creative writing, scrapbooks, and pen pals, are provided in part 3. The appendices contain sample forms, various lists that can be duplicated, a bibliography of additional resources useful in setting up a program, and an exchange application form. Although written for educators in Canada, the planning guide can also be used by educators in any country interested in setting up student exchange programs. (RM)