The Gulf Islands International Program is truly committed to ethnic diversity and the synergy that results when young people from around the globe work together to create a better world. Given our strong emphasis on intellectual and social development, the Gulf Islands International Program is a natural choice for highly motivated students who value a commitment to academic and personal development.
The Gulf Islands International Program recognizes that students from different parts of the world have different reasons for studying in Canada. At this time, the program hosts three specific ethnic groups: Asian students, European students, and Latin American students.
The commitment to cultural diversity has resulted in the creation of four distinct programs that are designed to meet the specific educational and social needs of the international students who enroll in the Gulf Islands International Program:
Gulf Islands Secondary School boasts a reputation for academic excellence, student support, winning sports teams, outstanding performing and visual arts, and exceptional computer technology programs, including computer animation, robotics, webpage design, computer programming, computer assisted drafting, film and photography.
Program Established: 1999
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester
Language(s) of Study: English, French
Total number of schools: 2
High schools for international students: 1
Total Students: 1600
Total International Students: 50
International Students Accepted for Grades: 8-12 Please note that we only accept Grade 8 students who do not require ESL
Nearest Airport: Victoria International Airport, a 10 minute drive from the ferry terminal to Salt Spring Island.
The Gulf Islands have been described as having a Mediterranean taste that is blended with a unique Canadian flavour. The Gulf Islands are known worldwide for their spectacular west coast scenery, sheltered waters, recreational activities, creative and intellectual communities, and as a place to relax and connect with nature.
The Gulf Islands International Education Program is located on scenic Salt Spring Island, the largest of Canada’s famous Gulf Islands. This island community enjoys an ideal location. It is only 30 minutes from the provincial capital city of Victoria, yet enjoys the natural beauty of the West Coast of Canada.
Well known as a highly educated, creative and professional community, Salt Spring Island enjoys a reputation for being one of the most desirable places in Canada to live and boasts more sunshine and warmer temperatures year round than any other place in British Columbia. Salt Spring Island is well known in North America as a center of the arts. Salt Spring Island was listed as number three in the list of the top 100 art communities in North America. Many of Canada’s top writers, performing artists and visual artists choose to make Salt Spring Island their home.
The Gulf Islands International Program recognizes that a good Homestay program is essential to our students’ sense of security, well-being, and belonging. It is the foundation of a quality international program.
An international program is only as a good as its homestays. International students need to feel happy in their homestays in order to thrive in their studies.
The Homestay Coordinator is responsible for the Homestay program. It is her goal to find the best match possible for all of our international students. She is also responsible for medical issues.
All international students are required to have medical insurance while studying in Canada. The Gulf Islands International Education Program provides a combination of interim medical insurance and the British Columbia Medical Services Plan for our students.
It should be noted that the British Columbia Medical Services Plan is mandatory for all residents of British Columbia, including international students.
Our Program Manager is the custodian of the international students registered in our program.
The Gulf Islands International Education Program strongly believes that student involvement and participation in supplementary activities promotes a sense of individual and community well-being. Unlike many international programs, the Gulf Islands International Education Program offers a small number of supplementary programs free of charge, while others are partially subsidized, including kayaking, whale watching, the Leadership and Team Building Day at Ruckle Park, at least one ski trip, a bike riding trip around Stanley Park in Vancouver, Christmas Shopping Day in Victoria, and a skating trip to Vancouver Island.
Island Escapades, a well known local partner also offers students surf weekends, ski trips, kayaking and camping adventures and an exciting Eco Adventure Certification Program. The Gulf Islands International Program also partners with other Vancouver Island international programs and offers an annual trip to Whistler Mountain and Spring Break trips to places like Banff and Seattle.
The school offers a number of sports programs including soccer, basketball, football, tennis, golf, volleyball and track and field. International students are often attracted to the Leadership Program, the Global Awareness Club, or the Ecology Club.
The community also offers a wide variety of recreational and cultural activities including soccer academies, swim programs, fitness programs, leadership programs, service programs and theatre, music and dance programs.
Entrance Dates: September & February
Application Deadlines: November 30 & May 31
Application Fee: $400
Full Year Tuition Fee: $14,000
1 Semester Tuition Fee: $7,250
Annual Homestay Placement and Monitoring Fee: $500
Homestay Monthly Fee: $1050
Annual Health Insurance Fee: $120/month
Annual Custodianship Fee: N/A
School Fee: $900 full year/ $500 semester
Validation Fee (if required): $200
Total for Full Year: $27,000
Total for One Semester: $14,000
All funds are in Canadian dollars
General Inquiries Email: info@studyinbc.ca
Website: studyinbc.ca/
Mailing Address: 112 Rainbow Road
City: Salt Spring Island
Province: British Columbia
Postal Code: V8K 2K3
Phone: 250-537-9944
Fax: 250-537-1869
Please complete the form below to request more information
