A long-time program operating across the Battle River School Division (BRSD) has returned during the 2023-24 school year.
The international student program has operated across the BRSD for over 30 years, according to assistant Superintendent Natasha Wilm.
Wilm says that the program welcomes 40-50 international students every year, staying with host families across the division.
Over the last several years, students coming for the program have ranged in grade from 9-12 and have been placed at schools all over the division, including Bashaw and Tofield.
Students have come from all over, including various locations in Europe, South America and Asia.
“Students apply to the international student program for a variety of reasons,” said Wilm.
“These include wanting a cultural experience as well as wanting to learn or improve their English. BRSD looks to welcome students from a wide variety of countries who will become involved in school activities, will become friends with our local students and who will positively contribute to the schools and communities that they are placed.”
Students applying to the international school program, both coming and going, pay tuition fees and homestay fees to stay and study in host communities.
A student’s stay in BRSD will vary, with a program stay lasting anywhere from a full school year at the longest end to 10 weeks at the shortest.
For more information or to become involved in the international student homestay program, check out the BRSD website at brsd.ab.ca.
The international student program is already accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year.