School Immersion in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island | 13-18 years old | 1 semester or 1 academic year
Our programme is available for all motivated students aged 13 to 18 who wish to spend one semester to one or several years in a Canadian high school (secondary education) of the Nanaimo district and share a Canadian host family’s day-to-day life.
You can choose your school depending on the subjects and/or activities that you wish to take. There are a whole host of different possibilities. If you complete the last year of secondary education you will be able to acquire a High School diploma if desired.
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
Vancouver Island, situated in British Colombia, is well known for its mild climate (the temperature barely goes below -2 degrees in winter), a unique quality of life, in the vicinity of the city of Vancouver (1h40 with the ferry), the possibility to join plenty of outdoor activities (ski, surf, sail, golf, ice skating, horseback riding…) and join many cultural events and sports (theater, concerts, animations, sport events…)
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…
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.
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.
An academic year is divided in two semesters. As a foreign student, you can integrate in a class for one semester or for one or several school years and ultimately gain a Canadian High School diploma.
Some courses are offered for one semester. Students have also the possibility to change subjects during the academic year depending on level and availability.
Schools offer a variety of sport, cultural and social activities. The school gives you an unique chance to do activities that you have never done before and to join in the daily life of Canadians students of your age.
Your host family is the defining feature of your study abroad experience, helping you become fully accustomed to the culture and feel part of the local community.
Canadians are famous for their hospitality, tolerance and openness.
Our partner organisation’s host families are carefully screened and regularly inspected. Families take an active interest in choosing a student to host and sharing their homes, lives and culture with their guests.
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.
In order that your exchange runs as smoothly as possible and that you stay informed about the different elements of the programme, you have the option of attending two information and orientation meetings.
The first is organised by Easy Languages in Brussels or Paris, between the end of May and the beginning of June. It allows students using Easy Languages to meet each other and share questions and experiences between them and the office team. It’s also at this meeting that final administrative formalities are tackled.
If you cannot come to neither Brussels nor Paris, we can schedule a telephone meeting to explain you the procedures and details of the program.
The second 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 & Prices 2021-2022
Dates 2021 – 2022
Schoolyear : From September to June
Semester : From September to January or from February to June
Prices 2021-2022
Includes all registration fees, classes and full board accommodation as described
| Tuition, room and full board, and registration fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Price without flights | Price with flights |
| 1 Academic Semester | € 10.425 | € 11.725 |
| 1 Academic Year | € 18.245 | € 19.545 |
| Gluten free diet supplement (per month) | € 100 | |
Prices include:
- English level assessment and interview prior to application
- All documents required for obtaining the visa
- High School registration for a semester or a full academic year
- Supervision during the stay by the local correspondent
- Homestay (host family) 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, Paris or Geneva airport (please contact us for prices if you do not leave from these airports)
- 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)
