For over 22 years, the Nanaimo Ladysmith International program has attracted students from around the globe to Vancouver Island and our world-class learning environment. Our highly integrated educational system is a model for progressive, flexible education which allows our students to excel academically, broaden their world views and prepare them for a successful career – it is also an effective step in becoming a better global citizen.
Our modern and well-equipped secondary schools offer a variety of specialized programs ranging from Advanced Placement courses in biology, physics, and chemistry, a rich variety of elective courses, along with a selection of academies including soccer, hockey, beach volleyball, jazz, and performing arts.
Being centrally located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounded by forested mountains, rocky shores, and sandy beaches both communities afford students incredible natural beauty and countless recreational opportunities.
Living with one of our all English-speaking homestay families is a culturally enriching experience. Whether going to watch a sports game, watching Canadian TV shows, or participating in a family event, students will have plenty of opportunity to learn more about Canadian culture.
Host families are carefully selected and matched to ensure that students stay in a warm, welcoming, and friendly living environment. From school to home, our student’s safety and welfare is our top priority. Parents can feel at ease knowing their child will have access to a wide support network, including their host family, International Program staff, Homestay Coordinators, and their school staff. Students gain a much better understanding of the culture, traditions, and customs that define life in Canada. Students and their families forge lasting relationships and become part of a connected global community.
Even if students are starting with beginner level English, being completely immersed in one of our all English-speaking academic or elective classes is the best way to develop their English language skills.
With the mildest climate in Canada and its forested mountain backdrop, students have easy access to wilderness experiences just minutes from downtown.
Program Established: 1998
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Short Term
Specialized Programs: Advanced Placement – Biology, Physics, Chemistry, French Immersion, Sports, Jazz, and Performing Arts Academies
Language(s) of Study: English, French
Total number of schools: 34
High Schools for International Students: 6
Total Students: 14,700
Total International Students: 300
International Students Accepted for Grades: K-12
Nearest Airport: Nanaimo Airport YCD
Nanaimo and Ladysmith are two picturesque urban centers found on the east side of beautiful Vancouver Island. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.
Being centrally located, students have easy access to Vancouver, Victoria, Pacific Rim National Park, the West Coast Trail, Mt. Washington Ski Resort, as well as many other attractions and cities up and down the island.
Students enjoy a short 22-minute flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo Airport where their adventure begins! The friendly and welcoming nature of our people, coupled with year-round outdoor experiences, makes Nanaimo Ladysmith a desirable place to live and study.
We operate our own homestay program focused on providing students with a uniquely Canadian Westcoast experience. Our Homestay Coordinators carefully screen, interview, and place students in fine homes with supportive families interested in opening their hearts to new experiences while building lasting friendships with their international student. We make every effort to match students to the best family possible.
Within our homestay families, students are given the opportunity to improve their English language skill, learn about Canadian culture and participate in family activities. Through daily contact with family members, and with the family’s support and encouragement, the student’s English language skills improve rapidly.
Join in, discover, explore! Come experience traditional Westcoast activities with us. Learn how to curl, bowl, snowshoe, skate, and kayak. Come discover Supernatural British Columbia, experience a tour to Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler Ski Resort, and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Explore our amazing coastline and marine wildlife as we go surfing and whale watching.
Other notable experiences include the Ladysmith Christmas Light Up, Corn Maze Adventures, our winter social and farewell, Vancouver Canucks hockey and our summer social and farewell celebration.
Students can explore the community on their own with fall and spring activities such as swimming, mountain biking, hiking, beach combing, mini golf, indoor rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, snowboarding, and skiing.
Entrance Dates: September 1, 2021 and January 29, 2022
Application Deadlines: December 15 & June 30
Secondary School Fees One Semester Academic Year
Application Processing Fee $ 300 $ 300
Tuition $ 6,625 $13,250
Medical Insurance $ 500 $ 1,100*
Homestay Fee ($925 per month) $4,625** $ 9,250**
Student Program Fee $ 200 $ 300
Homestay Placement Fee $ 350 $ 350
Total $ 12,600 CAD $ 24,550 CAD
*Second and Consecutive years students are required to pay a continuity of the Medical Service Plan (MSP) fee of $200 for the summer months.
**Students with a Gluten Intolerance will be levied an additional $125 per month.
Elementary School Fees: One Semester Academic Year
Application Processing Fee $ 300 $ 300
Tuition $7,500 $15,000
Medical Insurance $ 500* $ 1,250*
Total $8,300 CAD $16,550 CAD
Annual Custodianship Fee: 0
All funds are in Canadian dollars
General Inquiries Email: ISE@sd68.bc.ca
Website: ise.sd68.bc.ca/
Mailing Address: E201 – 6135 McGirr Road
City: Nanaimo
Province: British Columbia
Postal Code: V9V 1M1
Phone: 250-751-0197
Fax: 250-751-0967
Please complete the form below to request more information
