Immersion school in the Vancouver region – 13-18 years – 1 semester or 1 academic year
Not sure which Canadian district to choose? Fill in this form and we’ll help you find the one that’s right for you.
Our High School programme in the Vancouver region is aimed at all students aged 13 to 18 who are motivated to live a unique and unforgettable experience in Canada.
You will spend 1 semester or 1 academic year in a Canadian high school in the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows district, where the education system is reputed to beone of the best in the world, and you will share the daily life of a Canadian family. This programme offers real linguistic and cultural immersion in the heart of Canadian life.
Highlights of the destination
- Residential towns at the foot of Thompson Mountain Ridge , 50 minutes’ drive from Vancouver
- The best of 2 worlds: a safe, friendly environment close to a dynamic, cosmopolitan metropolis
- A rich natural environment : lots of green spaces, easy access to ski mountains (1h30 away)
- A linear school system (students follow 8 to 9 courses)
- Outdoor activities throughout the year
- Optional: 3-week summer course before the programme to prepare you properly
Why Canada?
Canada is the second largest country in the world, and one of the most remarkable in terms of geographical diversity. But above all, it’s a destination full of advantages for those who want to study there:
- Quality of life and standard of living among the highest in the world
- An education system recognised for its excellence and compatible with our European systems
- A friendly and hospitable population
- Cultural richness
- A safe environment and magnificent landscapes.
The United States and Canada are vast countries with vast geographical distances. The car is the main means of transport, and public transport networks are generally underdeveloped, with the exception of certain major cities. International students coming from Europe, where public transport networks are more developed, will have to adapt to this difference when they study in North America, and may have to rethink their travel habits by planning their journeys according to the transport options available.
Located to the east of Vancouver, around 50 minutes by car or 1? hours by public transport, the towns of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows form a dynamic community of almost 110,000 inhabitants. They offer an ideal living environment, combining proximity to nature with easy access to urban amenities.
The environment is warm, family-friendly and relaxed, with plenty of green space, two leisure centres with swimming pools, cinemas, sports halls, shops and a wide variety of international restaurants (Japanese, Greek, Italian, Mexican, etc.). The region is also ideal for outdoor sports (running, cycling, soccer, hiking) and is only 1? hours from the local ski mountains.
The schools
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows district includes 6 secondary schools with between 885 and 1,400 students. They are recognised for the quality of their teaching.
All the schools offer teaching support and personalised supervision to help international students achieve their goals.
Each school offers a wide choice of subjects, extra-curricular activities and sports. The core curriculum is common to all schools (English, Math, Science and History). Options vary from school to school and include: Accounting, Economics, Marketing, Metal, Culinary, Art, Digital Video Animation, Automotive Technology, Entrepreneurship, Management Innovation, Robotics, etc.
All the schools follow a linear system: students take 8 courses throughout the year.
Garibaldi Secondary
- 1,160 students (70 international)
- Excellent music programme
- Special programmes: IB*, Interdisciplinary Arts programme
- Languages : French, Japanese
- Sports : Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Cross Country, Track & Field, Aquatics, Curling, Gymnastics, Wrestling
*Accessible only to students due to enter 5è (Belgium) or 1ère (France) in September
Maple Ridge Secondary School
- 1,400 students (100 international)
- Excellent music programme: concert band, jazz band, choral music
- Special programmes : Digital Arts Academy
- Languages : French, Japanese, Spanish, German
- Sports : Badminton, Soccer, Field Hockey (g), Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby, Track & Field, Aquatics, Field Lacrosse, Cross Country, Curling, Wrestling
Pitt Meadows Secondary
- 1,125 students (75 international)
- Excellent basketball and music programme
- Special programmes: Microsoft IT Academy, Ice Hockey Academy
- Languages : French, Spanish
- Sports: Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Ball Hockey, Basketball, Golf, Track & Field
Samuel Robertson Secondary
- 885 students (45 international)
- Special programmes: Microsoft IT Academy, Ice Hockey Academy
- Languages : French, Spanish
- Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Field Hockey, Field Lacrosse
Thomas Haney Secondary
- 1,350 students (100 international)
- Unique school with a self-directed learning model
- Ideal for independent and mature students
- Special programmes: Microsoft IT Academy
- Languages : French, Japanese, Spanish
- Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field, Badminton, Field Hockey, Cross Country
Westview Secondary
- 1,000 students (100 international)
- Special programmes: Microsoft IT Academy, Soccer Academy, Basketball Academy
- Languages : French, Spanish
- Sports: Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field, Rugby, Golf, Wrestling, Field Hockey (g), Badminton
English language courses
English as a foreign language courses are available at the schools. Students with a slightly lower level of English can therefore take part in the programme.
Extra-curricular activities / excursions
The schools offer a wide selection of extra-curricular activities accessible to all. these include: Sports teams, Swimming, Ski & snowboard, Book club, Social Justice, etc.
An optional programme of activities and excursions is also organised for international students, allowing them to discover the region, experience the thrill of trying out the region’s sports and outdoor activities and meet other international participants in a friendly atmosphere.
Examples of activities on offer Victoria Sightseeing tour, PNE Fright night tour, Vancouver Canucks hockey game, Ski trips (2 times a year), Rocky moutain trip….
The International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme at Garibaldi School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP).
The IB Diploma (IB-DP) is recognised worldwide as the best preparation for post-secondary education. Students who complete the full diploma programme report that their first year at university is much less difficult and stressful thanks to their IB experience.
The International Baccalaureate programme offers the opportunity to complete secondary education within an internationally recognised programme that will open many doors to the world of post-secondary education. More importantly, the IB will expose students to a broader international world of lifelong learning by emphasising both the depth and breadth of learning in all subjects.
Requirements:
- Complete the IB form.
- Provide copies of school reports from Year 7 onwards.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- Obtain a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 (paid test).
The 6 Academies
- Offered at Westview Secondary
- 1 semester or 1 school year
- Theoretical courses, physical training and lectures
- Community involvement: coaching, refereeing, mentoring and leadership with young players
- Reserved for academically serious students who are skilled at basketball
- Coach certified by the Coaching Association of Canada
- School credits counting towards graduation
- Offered at Maple Ridge Secondary School
- 1 semester
- Ministry-approved programme that balances academic studies and athletic development
- Collaboration between Pacific Rim Hockey Academy (PRHA) and the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows School District for over 10 years
- Personalised coaching focused on the technical, physical and mental development of players
- Earn school credits in physical education and/or advanced hockey
- Continuous assessment: on-ice and off-ice tests, video analysis, physical assessments, individual meetings and progress reports
- Offered at Westview Secondary
- 1 semester or 1 calendar year
- Open to boys and girls
- Combination of field training and classroom instruction
- Offered at Garibaldi Secondary School
- 1 school year
- Learning fundamental and advanced techniques, tactics and game strategies
- Developing mental skills to manage pressure in competition
- Progressing towards team performance in real game situations
- Programme organised in partnership with the Ridge Meadows Minor Softball Association
Interdisciplinary Arts Academy
- Offered at Garibaldi Secondary School
- Interdisciplinary arts academy (theatre, dance, singing, film and television)
- Exploration of careers in the performing arts and audiovisual media
- 1st term: singing, acting and dance led by professionals – 10 school credits
- 2nd term: collaborative creation focused on musical theatre – 6 school credits
- Offered at Pitt Meadows Secondary, Thomas Haney Secondary, and Samuel Robertson Secondary
- Acquisition of advanced technological skills with official Microsoft certifications (Specialist to Master)
- Preparation for higher education and IT careers (software/application development, infrastructure management)
- Significant asset for CVs and university or professional applications
- Possible certifications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook
Young Canadians study for a minimum of 12 years, as they do here. This programme offers foreign students the opportunity to attend a local public secondary school (High School). In the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador, secondary school is divided into two 3-year cycles. Junior High covers the first 3 years of secondary school (grades 7 to 9), while High School covers the last 3 years (grades 10 to 12).
The school year is divided into two semesters.
There are two different school systems in Canada: the semester system and the linear system. In the first system, students take 4 courses in the first semester and another 4 in the second semester. In the second system, students take 8 courses throughout the year.
In many Canadian schools, the choice of subjects is vast. This is a unique opportunity to discover new subjects or perfect a favourite area. Some courses are offered for a semester, so students can change subjects in the middle of the year.
There is also plenty of choice when it comes to sporting, cultural and social activities. The school will be a unique opportunity to develop your skills in subjects and activities that you’ve never done before. But it will also be the perfect opportunity to integrate into Canadian life and get to know young people your own age.
| Age | Belgium | France | Canada |
| 13-14 | 2è secondaire | Quatrième | Grade 8 |
| 14-15 | 3è secondaire | Troisième | Grade 9 |
| 15-16 | 4è secondaire | Seconde | Grade 10 |
| 16-17 | 5è secondaire | Première | Grade 11 |
| 17-18 | 6è secondaire | Terminale | Grade 12 |
Canadians are renowned for their hospitality, tolerance and open-mindedness.
Families are carefully selected by the district accommodation service for their genuine desire to welcome a young foreigner and share their culture with him or her through daily life. This service visits the families’ homes and ensures that they can offer the participant a balanced and warm environment.
There is no such thing as a typical family profile. Each one is unique and reflects the society and way of life of the country you have chosen. Your host family may or may not have children; it may be a blended family or a single-parent family, a single person whose children no longer live at home, retired people or younger people. It’s not the composition of the family that’s important, but their willingness and motivation to share their culture with you.
The families live in the residential areas of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
A member of the Accommodation Service is on duty once a week at the schools to help international students with any queries or difficulties they may encounter. This person is your point of contact for any questions relating to the host family.
The local coordinator is an experienced person who knows the host families and schools. They are on hand once a week at each school to ensure that everything runs smoothly. He or she is available to answer any questions that may arise once you’re on the ground, can help you with the various formalities and is able to react quickly in the event of a problem. He or she is your key contact on site.
Finally, you will be given an emergency number so that you can contact someone on site in the event of an urgent problem.
An orientation meeting takes place in Canada, in the first few days after your arrival. You will be contacted by your local coordinator, who will be able to answer any questions you may have about your stay and how it will run.
This three-week programme (August) is designed for international students who wish to prepare for the start of the academic year. Participants will strengthen their English language skills and develop essential skills for success in a Canadian academic environment.
Why participate?
- Learn about Canadian history, culture and local life.
- Develop critical thinking, speaking, writing, vocabulary and teamwork skills.
- Participate in fun local excursions focused on Canadian culture.
- Live with a Canadian host family.
Included in the programme:
- English lessons
- Accommodation with a host family and full board
- Medical insurance
- Activities and excursions
Timetable
Dates 2026 – 2027
School year
- Programme starts : between 1 and 6 September
- Programme ends: between 23 and 30 June
Semester
- Programme starts : between 1 and 6 September or between 28 and 30 January
- Programme ends: between 22 and 27 January or between 23 and 30 June
Prices 2026 – 2027
Fares with flights subject to ticket prices at time of booking
| Tuition, Homestay full board and registration fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Price without flights | Price including flights |
| 1 semester | € 13.995 | € 15.895 |
| 1 academic year | € 24.225 | € 26.125 |
| Supplements | 1 semester | 1 academic year |
| IB program | - | € 1.200 |
| Basketball Academy | € 450 | € 790 |
| Soccer Academy | € 450 | € 790 |
| Ice Hockey Academy | On request | - |
| Other | ||
| Summer camp, from 14/08 to 1/09 | € 3.595 | |
| Special diet - per month | € 165 | |
Our prices include:
- English level test and pre-application interview
- All documents required to obtain the visa
- Tuition fees
- Supervision throughout the stay by the local correspondent
- Accommodation with the host family, full board (lunch box on school days)
- Personal assistance, support and advice from our local correspondent
- Medical insurance
- Assistance for parents in Europe throughout the stay
- Official certificate of attendance with course grades
- Transfer on arrival and departure from the airport to the host family
- Return flight, if chosen, from Brussels or Paris
Not included:
- Any excursions and outings
- Any membership fees for sports clubs or academies
- Visa and ETA fees
- Cancellation insurance
- Pocket money: allow between $250-300 per month
- Return journey to Vancouver, depending on the option chosen
- Late registration fees (€250), if applicable
Dates 2027 – 2028
School year
- Programme starts : tbc
- Programme ends: tbc
Semester
- Programme starts : tbc
- Programme ends: tbc
Prices 2027 – 2028
Fares with flights subject to ticket prices at time of booking
| Tuition, Homestay full board and registration fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Price without flights | Price including flights |
| 1 semester | € 14.765 | € 16.665 |
| 1 academic year | € 24.995 | € 26.895 |
| Supplements | 1 semester | 1 academic year |
| IB program - Students must enter this program in grade 11 | - | € 1.165 |
| Basketball Academy | € 520 | € 935 |
| Soccer Academy | € 520 | € 935 |
| Softball Academy | - | € 1.545 |
| Ice Hockey Academy | On request | - |
| Other | ||
| Pre-Academic summer camp - 3 weeks (August) | € 3.595 | |
| Special diet - per month | € 165 | |
Our prices include:
- Pre-application interview
- All documents required to obtain the visa
- Tuition fees
- Supervision throughout the stay by the local correspondent
- Accommodation with the host family, full board (lunch box on school days)
- Personal assistance, support and advice from our local correspondent
- Medical insurance
- Assistance for parents in Europe throughout the stay
- Official certificate of attendance with course grades
- Transfer on arrival and departure from the airport to the host family
- Return flight, if chosen, from Brussels or Paris
Not included:
- English test (60€)
- Any excursions and outings
- Any membership fees for sports clubs or academies
- Visa and ETA fees
- Cancellation insurance
- Pocket money: allow between $250-300 per month
- Return journey to Vancouver, depending on the option chosen
- Late registration fees (€250), if applicable
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