School Immersion in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island | 13-18 years old | 4 months, 1 semester or 1 academic year
This program is designed for motivated students aged 13 to 18 who want to experience something unique and unforgettable in Canada. You will attend school for 4 months, one semester or one school year at a Canadian high school in the Nanaimo district. The education system in this country is renowned for being one of the best in the world, and you will also be living with a local family during your stay.
Click here to discover the District’s highlights!
Why Canada?
Canada is the second largest country in the world, it is also one of the most outstanding in terms of geographical diversity. It’s primarily a wonderful destination or those wishing to study there for multiple reasons:
- The quality and standard of living is among the highest in the world
- Educational system is recognised for its excellence and its compatibility with the European system
- Friendliness and hospitality of its people
- Rich in culture
- Safe environment with stunning landscapes and countryside
The United States and Canada are vast countries where geographical distances are significant. The primary means of transportation is by car, and public transportation networks are generally less developed, except in some major cities. International students coming from Europe, where public transportation networks are more developed, may need to adapt to this difference when studying in North America. They may need to reconsider their transportation habits by planning their routes according to the available transportation options.
Vancouver Island, in British Colombia, is well known for its mild climate (the temperature barely goes below -2 degrees in winter), a unique quality of life, the proximity of the city of Vancouver (1h40 with the ferry), the opportunity to participate in many outdoor activities (skiing, surfing, sailing, golfing, ice skating, horseback riding…) and join many cultural events and sports (theater, concerts, perfomances, sport events…).
Located on the east side of beautiful Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is a vibrant urban centre with an abundance of recreation and cultural opportunities. It also has one of the longest shorelines in Canada with spectacular ocean views, as well as a forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown. So you can go from city to wilderness in just a few minutes and enjoy a large choice of outdoor activities !
Schools
Your placement will be in a selection of 5 secondary schools in the Nanaimo district. Every school offers a broad curriculum and boast between 650 and 1300 students er year.
In each school there is a team of counselors and tutors who will assist the students and international coordinators who will follow the students during their stay. The teachers and staff at the school are friendly and will help the students to achieve their goals.
Courses
You can choose 4 subjects per semester. Every school offers a wide selection in various fields
Some examples:
- Science & Maths: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Physics…
- English: English, English for composition, Journalism, Literature, Writing…
- Languages: French, German, Japanese, Spanish
- Social studies: Civics, Comparative Civilization, Geography, History, Law, Psychology…
- IT: Computer Graphic Design, Data Management, Computer Animation, Desktop Publishing (Yearbook)…
- Business: Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship…
- Technology: Automotive Technology, Drafting & Design, Mechanics, Carpentry…
- Visual & Performing Arts: Art, Dance and Performance Choreography, Directing and Screenwriting, Theater Performance, Musical Theater…
- Music: Choir, Jazz and Concert band, Jazz Academy, Guitar…
- Sport: Dance, Physical Education, Ice Hockey, Soccer…
Students in their final year have the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma, subject to certain conditions (mandatory course curriculum). Feel free to contact us if you are interested in this option to learn more about the requirements.
English Courses
Students who do not meet the required minimum level to attend classes in English (A2), will be able to join ESL classes in one of the following schools: Wellington, Nanaimo District, Dover Bay, John Barsby. All these schools provide a “linguistic reinforcement” option, suitable for all.
Activities / excursions
The school offers a wide selection of activities accessible to everyone:
- Sport Teams : Soccer, Football, Volleyball, basketball, American football, Track and field, Golf, Swimming, Tennis
- Clubs : Student council, Leadership club, Environment club, Outdoor Club, Mountain Biking
- Fine Arts : Photography, Drama, Dance, Sculpture, Ceramics, Film
The local correspondent plans activity programs and excursions for the foreign students (around once a month). This to discover the region and to meet other international students.
Click here to discover a sample of the activities.
Canadian students study for minimum 12 years (Primary School + Secondary School). This programme gives foreign students the possibility to attend a secondary school, from grade 8 to grade 12.
The school year is divided into two semesters. As a foreign student, you can join a class for either one semester or a full academic year.
There are two different school systems in Canada: the semester system and the linear system. The first involves taking 4 courses in the 1st semester and another 4 courses in the 2nd semester, while in the latter, students take 8 courses throughout the year.
In many Canadian schools, there is a wide range of subject choices. It’s a unique opportunity to explore new areas or excel in a favorite subject.
Some courses are offered for one semester, giving students the opportunity to switch subjects halfway through the year.
The choice is equally important in sports, cultural, and social activities. School will be a unique chance to flourish in previously unknown subjects and activities. But it will also be the perfect opportunity to integrate into Canadian life and get to know young people your age.
Canadians are renowned for their hospitality, tolerance, and open-mindedness.
Families are carefully selected by the district’s accommodation service for their genuine desire to host a young foreigner and share their culture through daily life. This service visits the families’ homes and ensures that they can provide the participant with a balanced and warm environment.
There is no typical family profile. Each one is unique and reflects the society and lifestyle of the country you have chosen. The family that will host you may have children or not; they may be a blended family or a single-parent family, a single person whose children no longer live at home, retirees, or younger individuals. It is not the composition of the family that matters but its availability and motivation to share its culture.
All host families are native English speakers. They typically live within a 30-minute radius by transportation or on foot from the school.
The local Homestay coordinator is an experienced member of the staff who is acquainted to the host families and is in regular contact with the students and their host parents throughout the duration of the programme. They regularly organise meetings to ensure that your experience is going smoothly, both with your host family and at school. Your local coordinator is on hand to lend assistance in case any should arise, and are your first point of contact on the ground.
Our partner organisation’s local coordinators are all experienced and fully qualified to assist international students on the ground, offering support and assistance quickly and efficiently should any issues present themselves.
An emergency number will be given to you to use in case of any emergencies.
A meeting takes place in Canada , within the first 15 days following your arrival. You will be contacted by your local correspondent who will be able to answer all of your questions about your stay.
Dates 2025-2026
- 4 months: beginning of September – end of December or end of January – end of May
- Semester: beginning of September – end of January or end of January – end of June
- Academic year: beginning of September – end of June
Prices 2025-2026
Fares with flights subject to ticket prices at time of booking
| Tuition, accommodation, full board, and registration fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Price without flights | Price with flights* |
| 4 months | € 11.850 | € 13.750 |
| 1 Academic Semester | € 13.795 | € 15.695 |
| 1 Academic Year | € 23.995 | € 25.895 |
| *Flights from Brussels or Paris | ||
| Supplements | ||
| Vegetarian diet (per month) | € 150 | |
| Special diet (vegan, gluten free or celiac | € 200 | |
| Extra night | € 50 | |
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Prices include
- English level assessment and interview prior to application
- All documents required for obtaining the visa
- High School registration for the duration of the programme
- School books and school locker rental
- Athletic fees for one team sport (additional fees required for students who participate on multiple teams)
- Supervision during the stay by the local correspondent
- Homestay accommodation, full board (lunch box on school days)
- Personal assistance, support and advice from our local correspondent
- Medical insurance
- Personal support to parents throughout the stay
- Regular contacts and assessment reports
- Official certificate of attendance and courses transcripts.
- Round-trip flight if chosen, from Brussels or Paris airport
- Round-trip transfers from the arrival airport to the host family
Prices do not include
- Round-trip flight to Nanaimo depending on chosen option
- Local excursions, outings and leisure activities
- Local pass to sports & leisure clubs (if any)
- Local transportation
- Pocket money (around $250-300 per month)
- Visa fees (if any)
