Spring is in the air and there are only six weeks of school left this year. In only it’s second full year, the International Student Program (ISP) at SD No. 83 has had a very successful year. A total of 46 students came to study at our high schools during the 2021-22 school year from Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, and China. With 35 students already registered for classes beginning in September so far, it seems like there is no slowing down for the ISP at SD No. 83. As the program moves forward, it will continue to seek and build partnerships with new countries or regions to bring an even more diverse group of learners to our amazing district.
This year, almost all of the ISP student’s have adapted well into their school and home life in Canada. Many have been actively involved in various extra-curricular activities such as band, choir, theatre, and sports (cross country running, volleyball, basketball, rugby, skiing, soccer, biking, etc.).
Every month the ISP offers its students a field trip, and these monthly activities are quickly becoming very popular. So far this year, our field trips have included visits to Revelstoke Mountain Coaster, Adams River, Quaaout Lodge, H₂O Watersports, Tube Town, Larch Hills, and Gardom Lake. We still have a trip to Oyama Zipline, as well as an amazing day on a houseboat, courtesy of an incredibly generous donation from Twin Anchors, to come.
The ISP program is always looking for new homestay families for our students in Salmon Arm, Armstrong, Sicamous and Enderby. If your family is seriously considering the incredibly diverse cultural experience of hosting an international student(s), then there are various length of stay options you could consider.
Full year students come for the entire school year. These students arrive at the end of August or early September, are here for two semesters (10 total months) and stay until the end of June. If you are looking for a student who will be like a family member for 10 months, or a sibling for your own children, then a full school year student may be a perfect fit.
Many students also come for one semester and stay for five months. These students arrive at the end of August or in early September and stay for just one semester until the end of January, or start at the end of January or beginning of February and stay until the end of June. If your family is thinking about hosting an international student, but can’t, or aren’t ready to make a full school year commitment, then this option is a good choice for you.
Finally, some students come for a shorter period of study and stay for only three months. These students begin the semester like other students, attend school for three months, and finish at the end of November or April. This is an excellent opportunity for a family who is still wondering if hosting an international student is something that works for them, and this shorter length of stay may be the best way to find out.
Additionally, we are always looking for respite and temporary homestays for emergency situations where a student may need an emergency move and require a shorter period of stay.
For anyone who is interested in learning more about our amazing district and schools, please click on the Watch District Video link at the top of this page. If you have any questions about the ISP at SD. No. 83, please email isp@sd83.bc.ca .
SD No. 83 North Okanagan-Shuswap International Student Program 