Abbotsford’s award-winning public schools and teachers have hosted international students for many years. Students can choose from single semester, academic year, or multiple year programs leading to graduation. Many of our international students go on to study at good universities across Canada, the United States and around the world. All schools provide expert ESL instruction. We teach high level academic, technology, arts and ESL courses in modern facilities using the latest equipment and methods. We offer International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and a wide range of elective courses, including 3D Architecture and Engineering, Aviation, Film (Top program in Canada 2017 and 2019), Animation, Business, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Sports Academies (Soccer, Golf, Ice Hockey, Baseball/Softball). Students can enter Academic Competitions or enjoy taking part in our many clubs and recreation activities. Abbotsford has a wide variety of strong sports teams that welcome international students. We are proud of our unmatched student support – in addition to supportive school counselors, we have 9 full time International Student Liaisons who speak a variety of languages, and who are in constant communication with students, teachers and homestay families to make sure that students are performing their best.
Program Established: 1995
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Short Term,
Training Specialized Programs: French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Sports, Fine Arts Educational
Language(s) of Study: English
Total number of schools: 46
High schools for International Students: 7
Total Students: 19,500
Total International Students: 450
International Students Accepted for Grades: K-12
Nearest Airport: Vancouver International
Just a one-hour drive from Vancouver, Abbotsford is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities. Surrounded by nearby mountains, rivers and lakes, students live and study in a welcoming suburban community with big city facilities and conveniences, and can visit Vancouver by bus on the weekend.
Watch our short Abbotsford Video to see what our city has to offer…
Abbotsford Facts:
Local events include the Abbotsford International Airshow at our international airport
We believe that homestay is the most important part of the international experience, so we operate our own homestay department. International students aged 12 or older can stay with a carefully selected Canadian homestay family while studying in Abbotsford. (Students younger than 12 must stay with their legal parent(s) or a direct relative such as an aunt, uncle, or grandparent.)
Host families accommodate a maximum of 2 international students at a time. Students have their own private rooms, and are always from countries that have different languages. All homestay families must speak only English. Most students can walk / bus to school in 20 minutes or less
Homestay in Abbotsford includes:
Clear communication is critical
In addition to all the activities that the city has to offer, there are the numerous sports teams and clubs available in schools. International students at ANY Abbotsford School District High School can participate in exciting activities after school and on weekends with the Outdoor Adventures Program, organized and supervised by Abbotsford School District staff.
Ski/snowboard – rock climb – mountain hike and camp – whitewater raft – mountain bike – play paintball – paddleboard / kayak sail and swim…
International students can also take part in full day excursions offered each semester to:
Whistler Mountain … one of the top ski destinations in the world.
Vancouver region sightseeing, including Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park, and free time for shopping / lunch. (When scheduling allows we may also include Vancouver Canucks (professional ice hockey) or Vancouver Whitecaps (professional soccer))
Victoria City – students take the ferry to visit the beautiful capital city of British Columbia, Victoria including the Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum Fisherman’s Wharf, Government street, and provincial government buildings
Optional 3rd Party Spring Break Trips: 4 day/3night trip to the spectacular Rocky Mountains and later in the spring 3 day / 2 night excursion to Tofino on Vancouver Island
Entrance Dates: September & February
Application Deadlines: No specific deadlines
Application Fee: $200 non-refundable
Full Year Tuition Fee: $16,500 (including medical)
One Semester Fee: $8,250 (including medical)
Homestay Placement Fee: $450 non-refundable
Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,085
Annual Custodianship Fee: No charge for students in District Homestay
Airport Pick-up: $220
All prices are in effect for the 2024/2025 Academic Year.
All funds are in Canadian dollars
Website: http://international.abbyschools.ca
Email: international@abbyschools.ca
Mailing Address: 2790 Tims Street
City: Abbotsford
Province: British Columbia
Postal Code: V2T 4M7
Phone: 604-851-4585
Fax: 604-504-7629
Please complete the form below to request more information
