How do study abroad programs work?

I’ve been considering studying abroad in Canada (i’m from the US) for a year or two during high school. How does a study abroad program work, like where do I live during the time?

Also, are there any academic advantages/disadvantages to studying abroad in a Canadian school, especially for college acceptance? Is language immersion also mandatory, or can I stay in an English part of Canada?

Usually you live with a family who also has kids.
You could go to a French or English speaking part of Canada, but if you took like Spanish you might be better off in an English area unless you are interested in learning French.

I think i’d just go to an English part of Canada, (i’m guessing that’s outside of Quebec?) I’m learning Mandarin Chinese and I don’t have an interest in changing my foreign language.

Will studying abroad in Canada decrease or increase my chances of getting into an ivy league school in any way?

It seems like an odd move for a kid to leave their family and live with a strange family for one or two years. It will not help and may harm your chances. You also do not seem to know much about Canada.

@TomSrOfBoston How can it harm my chances?

Top schools will want to know why you went to Canada and you would need to provide a very good reason. From your posts here that reason is not obvious. You are contemplating studying in another country very similar to the US and you do not seem too familiar with Canada. BTW there are English schools in Québec too.

What if I also want to work at the same time? Would it be possible?