School Immersion in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island | 13-18 years old | 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 one semester or one or more school years 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 the program of activities organized in 2023-2024.

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.

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.

  • Must be aged between 13 and 18 at time of departure (students cannot turn 19 during their stay)
  • Minimum English level: we accept all levels, students under level A2 will receive extra ESL tuition in paralell to their regular classes. However, we advise at least 2 years of English studies to be able to fully enjoy the lessons and activities of the program, in particular for those participating for less than a full academic year
  • Must have achieved good school results the last 2 years
  • Must have the will to make new friends and to share the daily life of a host family
  • Must demonstrate motivation, maturity and adaptability

Should you fulfill the participation requirements:

  1. Fill out rapidly our easy on line pre-application form.
  2. Upon reception of your booking, you will receive a provisional confirmation featuring the total amount due for the stay, a payment request of €100 (to cover the fees of the language test and the personal motivation interview) and a complete application file to the chosen program. You will also be requested to send us a copy of your school reports over the last 3 years.
  3. We will then ask you to come and take a language test and personal motivation interview at our offices in Brussels or Paris. This will cost an amount of €100 payable before the day of the interview. This amount is non-refundable but is deductible from the total amount of your stay after the final registration, should you be accepted on the programme. The first part of your registration file will have to be completed and handed to us upon your interview.
  4. We will confirm the result of the tests at the latest 8 days after the interview.
  5. If your level seems adequate, you will be asked to pay a deposit representing 25% of the total amount of your stay (with a minimum of €1,500) and to finish completing all the elements of your file, in particular, your teachers’ recommendation letters and other information requested for the final validation of your file by the local school. As soon as your file has been completed and the deposit paid, we will transfer it to our local partner.
  6. Final acceptance to the program is validated by our partner.
  7. Upon validation, our partner starts the selection and recruitment of your host family and proceeds to the school application.

The deadline for submitting the aforementioned folder is :

  • 03/30 for departures in September
  • 10/31 for departures in February

Later dates may be possible depending on the availability in the schools. However We strongly recommend booking at least 3 months before departure for a better preparation of the stay.

Late bookings occurring after the indicated deadline will be subject to a €200 express handling fee.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on the application process.

Departures are typically scheduled for late August/early September for stays of one semester to one school year. A departure is also planned for late January/early February for one-semester stays. Your family or local contact will greet you at the airport and take you back there at the end of your stay.

Once the registration is accepted and confirmed by our Canadian partner and your study permit application is approved, if applicable, we can arrange to book your trip to Canada if you wish.

The booked ticket includes the fewest possible layovers and is changeable.

In case of changes, airline change fees apply (these vary depending on the airline, usually around €200) + any difference in fare class.

If you prefer to book your trip yourself, we will provide you with all the necessary information to proceed with the reservation.

ETA & Study Permit
The school year is divided into two semesters. As a foreign student, you can attend courses for one semester (in September or February) or for a full school year.

For a one-year stay:
You will need to obtain a study permit that will be issued for the duration of your stay. We provide you with all the necessary documents to obtain it and assist you in the process. All information is available on the website: Study Permit Application.

Attention! Since July 31, 2018, nationals from various European countries must undergo biometric data collection to obtain a study permit. There are 2 centers in France, in Paris and Lyon. For Belgian nationals, the centers in Paris or Düsseldorf are the closest. This process costs $85 CAD. More information here: Biometrics Collection

You will also need to complete the Electronic Travel Authorization “ETA” which you can fill out directly on the website: ETA Application

For a one-semester or shorter stay:
You will simply need to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization “ETA” which you can fill out directly on the website: ETA Application

These instructions apply to citizens of the European Union and Switzerland. For non-EU citizens, please consult Study in Canada.

Health cover and assistance are included in the price of course and are valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Dates 2024-2025

Schoolyear : From September to June

Semester : From September to January or from February to June

Prices 2024-2025

Includes all registration fees, classes and full board accommodation as described

WPCS 42.0.3
Tuition, accommodation, full board, and registration fees
DurationPrice without flightsPrice with flights
1 Academic Semester 13.375 15.275
1 Academic Year 23.195 25.095
SupplementsPer month
Gluten free diet supplement (per month) 175
Complex allergy supplements or high-protein diets 275

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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 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)

WPCS 42.0.3