New Westminster School District: A Canadian Leader in International Education
The New Westminster School District began hosting international students in 1987. Since that time thousands of students have gone on to successful post-secondary universities and colleges in Canada and around the world. Today, we welcome students from over twenty countries to our schools. We are very proud to announce the opening of the new, New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) in January 2021. New Westminster Secondary School is British Columbia’s largest school project ever. NWSS features the most modern facilities in all subject areas, bright classrooms and large open common areas which lead on to a full-size competitive track and artificial turf field.
Programs of Study: Quality Canadian Education
The New Westminster School District offers international students a variety of academic program options. International Students may enrol for one semester, one year, or two or more years to complete a British Columbia Grade 12 Graduation Diploma. Whatever duration international students choose, we can design a program that meets their language ability, interests and future study goals. To ensure that each student has a positive and memorable study-abroad experience, we offer a comprehensive support system for our students including our district managed homestay program, personal and academic counselling and full immersion in all classes, sports teams and clubs alongside Canadian students.
Long-term Programs: Elementary, Middle and Secondary
The International Education Program provides long-term academic studies for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (ages 5–18). The regular school year begins every September and ends in June. International students may enter the school in either September or January. Students will have a deep immersion experience. Their spoken and written English improves rapidly as they become comfortable with the Canadian lifestyle, culture and education system.
Short-term Program
Short-term programs include English Study Tours and Customized Group Programs. Each program combines practical language training with appropriate educational activities that meet student interests. These very popular programs are held during summer and the school year when capacity allows.
Program Established: 1987
Programs Offered: One Semester, One-Year, High School Graduation and custom group programs
Specialized Programs: French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Hockey Academy, Lacrosse Academy, Volleyball and Basketball Skill Development Electives
Language(s) of Study: English, French
Total number of schools: 12
High schools for international students: 1
Total Students: 7,000
Total International Students: 150
International Students Accepted for Grades: K-12
Nearest Airport: Vancouver International Airport
New Westminster is part of Metro Vancouver, Western Canada’s largest city. Located on the Pacific coast, Vancouver is an exciting, beautiful, cosmopolitan city, rated by many as one of the top 10 cities in the world for visiting and living. It also enjoys some of Canada’s mildest weather, with warm sunny summers and mild winters.
New Westminster is like a small city within a big city. As British Columbia’s oldest city and first capital, New Westminster has a strong sense of history, community and culture. It is a very friendly, relaxed and safe city with almost everything conveniently located within walking distance. When people in New Westminster want to visit a larger centre, they simply use the frequent bus and train system to access other areas of Greater Vancouver. Downtown Vancouver is only 25 minutes away by train and rail line extensions have now made Vancouver International Airport and other areas of Greater Vancouver conveniently accessible.
The New Westminster School District provides a homestay program administered and monitored by a full time staff member of the International Education Program. This service is open to students attending grades 8 through 12. The goal of the homestay program is to provide international students with safe, comfortable accommodation with a Canadian family who is able to support and assist them during their period of study in our school district. The Homestay Manager selects families whose homes have been inspected and who have undergone an interview and security check to determine their suitability to host international students.
Once the suitability of the host family has been determined, the Homestay Manager will place the student in a family which best matches the preferences as outlined on the student’s homestay application. It is therefore very important for students to complete the homestay application carefully and completely. The Homestay Manager will attempt to match as many preferences on the student application as possible. However, students should be aware that sometimes not all requests can be matched. The Homestay Manager will monitor students and families during the time that students are present in our homestay program. This ensures that both student and host family obligations are being met.
Our schools have a variety of sports, fine arts, technology (STEM) and general interest clubs for students to enjoy. The City of New Westminster features excellent recreation services along with a dedicated Youth Centre. In addition, our program uses the services of local tour companies to offer optional local and inter-provincial travel opportunities to students in our program. Our students have seen the Northern Lights in the Yukon Territory, gone skiing in the Rocky Mountains, whale watching on the Pacific Ocean and visited the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria. Students who enjoy winter sports can join our ski and snow board club which visits the world class Whistler ski resort on select weekends during the ski season. Whatever interests a student may have we encourage them to join a club, stay active and make Canadian and international friends!
Entrance Dates: September, January / February
Application Deadlines: April 1st for September, November 1st for January / February
Application Fee: $200
Full Year Tuition Fee: $15,000
One Semester Tuition Fee: $7,700
Homestay Placement Fee: One year or longer: $500 / One semester: $300
Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,100
Annual Health Insurance Fee: $1,100
Annual Custodianship Fee: N/A
All funds are in Canadian dollars
Prices are subject to change, please confirm fees during the application process.
General Inquiries Email: iep@sd40.bc.ca
Website: newwestinternational.ca/
Mailing Address:
International Education Program
New Westminster Secondary School
820-6th Street
City: New Westminster
Province: British Columbia
Postal Code: V3M 3S9
