Frequently Asked Questions

• Are school books and supplies provided?

  Are school books and supplies provided?
  Textbooks are provided by your school and must be returned upon completion of each course. Students are responsible for their own supplies including pens, paper, notebooks and/or binders, gym clothes and other supplementary items as required by the teacher in each course. Student fees are not charged to international students.

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• Are there recreational opportunities available for international students?

  Are there recreational opportunities available for international students?
  Yes! The Rocky Mountain International Student Program organizes a variety of activities, trips and events for international students throughout the school year. Additional activities, events and trips may be organized by each school as well.

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• Can I attend a North American college or university after graduation?

  Can I attend a North American college or university after graduation?
  Yes, provided you meet the admission criteria of the post-secondary institution to which you are applying. Good grades, strong references and a demonstrated level of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS score) are usually required.

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• Can I drive while participating in the program?

  Can I drive while participating in the program?
  Students participating in the homestay program and for whom the International Program Administrator is legal guardian cannot drive while participating in the Rocky Mountain International Student Program. 

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• Can I travel while participating in the program?

  Can I travel while participating in the program?
  Yes. Students may travel with a designated host family or School District staff as per the terms and conditions of the Travel Release Form included in the application package. Students may also travel with others or on their own with the consent of the International Program Administrator and written permission from their natural parents or guardians.

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• Do I need to speak fluent English to attend school in School District No. 6?

  Do I need to speak fluent English to attend school in School District No. 6?
  No. ESL support is available to international students in all of our schools. While some English-language ability is of course beneficial, none is required to participate in our program.

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• How do I apply for the program?

  How do I apply for the program?
  Detailed information on the application process including a ready-to-download application form is available on this website. Click here for more information.

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• How do I obtain a study permit?

  How do I obtain a study permit?
  Visas are issued by Canada Citizenship and Immigration, usually from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate nearest to your home. If your application to study in School District No. 6 is accepted, the Rocky Mountain International Student Program will provide you with the required documentation to apply for your visa.

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• How long can I study in School District No. 6?

  How long can I study in School District No. 6?
  

  Students participating in the Rocky Mountain International Student Program can study in School District No. 6 for as long as they like provided they are 19 years of age or younger. Most students come for two or three years but shorter-term stays are also common.

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• Is there a minimum age for participants in your program?

  Is there a minimum age for participants in your program?
  

  Yes. Students must be a minimum of 13 years of age and in Grade 7 to participate in the Rocky Mountain International Student Program and be placed in a homestay. Younger students are welcome but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and live with them.

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• What school will I attend?

  What school will I attend?
  The International Program Administrator will choose the school you attend based on your application package and space availability at each school. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible if you have a strong preference for a particular school.

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• When are schools open in School District No. 6?

  When are schools open in School District No. 6?
  Our schools are open from the beginning of September until the end of June. There are breaks at Christmas (two weeks) and for Spring Break in March (two weeks). July and August are Summer Holidays for regular classes but special ESL programs are run for international students subject to demand.

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• When should I arrive in School District No. 6?

  When should I arrive in School District No. 6?
  Students beginning their studies in September must arrive in time for our district-wide orientation. Students beginning their studies in February should consult with their host school for information on mid-year orientation. Please consult our calendar for more information.

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• Where will I live?

  Where will I live?
  All students participating in the Rocky Mountain International Student Program are placed with local host families unless otherwise arranged with the International Program Administrator. Students may also live with a parent or guardian if one accompanies them to Canada.

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• Who will I live with in Canada?

  Who will I live with in Canada?
  Students requiring homestays are placed with carefully-selected host families within walking distance of their schools or a designated school bus stop. All of our homestays are safe, clean, pre-screened Canadian family homes. Placements are supervised and supported by a designated Homestay Coordinator in each community. Click here for more information.

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• Will I be covered by medical insurance?

  Will I be covered by medical insurance?
  Yes. Program fees include medical coverage for all students. Important: your medical insurance will cover the cost of basic medical care within Canada including most clinic and hospital services. You will not be covered for most dental care, prescription drugs or routine vision care.

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• Will I receive a British Columbia graduation diploma upon completion of the program?

  Will I receive a British Columbia graduation diploma upon completion of the program?
  Students who meet the requirements for graduation will receive the internationally-recognized Dogwood Diploma. This usually requires 2 – 3 years of full-time study at the Grade 11 and 12 levels.

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