School Districts Welcome:
Welcome to the Cowichan Valley School District! We are happy to host students from all around the world to our valley and schools. We strive to deliver learning opportunities and experiences that will enrich your academic and personal lives, all within a safe, caring, and supportive community. We want all of our international students to make the most of their school experience and get actively involved in everything the school has to offer. Whether you focus on academics, student leadership, athletics, extracurricular activities, or volunteering, w challenge you to do your best and be proud of what you have accomplished. We want all of our students to develop leadership qualities, be social
Nearest Airport:
Victoria (YYJ) & Nanaimo (YCD)
Location:
Suburban, Urban, small-town, rural, Island
Language:
English
Get in touch with us:
Your School contact
We have a safe & welcoming community. The Cowichan Valley is known for outdoor activities and proximity to nature, and our carefully-selected homestay families are active and involved!
Our schools have a strong academic program with a variety of unique elective courses. Schools also have award-winning athletic teams, clubs, and extra-curricular opportunities.
Our international student program offers field trips, including a ski program, sightseeing, recreation, and more!
Schools feature state of the art science labs, computer labs, language studies, art studios, drama theatres, media and editing rooms, music rooms, dance studios, cooking labs and well-equipped gymnasiums.
Our schools have sports teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, ice hockey, rock climbing, and field hockey. The community also has active sports programs as well, including swimming, golf, and more.
Academies, French Immersion, Trips
The Frances Kelsey Equestrian Academy at MillShaw Meadows is open to students in grades 9-12. It is a uniquely structured academy designed to fit the needs of various ability levels, disciplines and types of riders. The curriculum allows students to pursue excellence in their discipline as an equestrian as well as develop skills for lifelong learning. There will be four levels offered: Introduction to riding, Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Equestrian
Ice Hockey
other
Rock Climbing
Rugby
Soccer
Computers and Math Academy, Outdoor Adventure Academy
School Operator: State School
Program Established: 2000
Total number of schools: 4 high schools, 1 middle school, and 17 elementary schools
Total Students: 8100
Number of High schools for international students: 4 high schools, 1 middle schools
Total international students grade 9-12: 150-200
Grades: K - 12
Info: All of our schools are accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and offer B.C. government curriculum. Our courses are taught by university-trained teachers certified by the British Columbia College of Teachers, and our teachers are dedicated to preparing students for graduation assessments and entry into post-secondary universities.
International students accepted for: 9, 10, 11, 12
Foreign Languages: French, French Immersion, Spanish
Entrance Dates: September, February, flexible entrance upon request and availability
Length of stay: 3 months/Term, 5 months/semester, 10 months/full year, until graduation
Application Deadlines: May 15 & November 15 (can consider students individually after those dates if we have space)
Application Process: Online Application Forms
Website: www.studyincowichan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cowichanISP
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cowichanvalleyisp/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJCt1byZE_4
Videos on Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCv7SkSetOYS_kp_MNBkHPgg
Location: Suburban, Urban, small-town, rural, Island
Info: The Cowichan Valley is located on scenic Vancouver Island, just north of the capital city of Victoria. It is considered one of the most beautiful geographic regions in British Columbia. It is known for its friendly communities set among majestic rain forests, beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers, enchanting seaside communities, and beaches.
“Cowichan” means “warm land” in our Coast Salish indigenous peoples’ language. The temperate climate and natural beauty of the Cowichan Valley attracts visitors from all over the world. The mild winters and long dry summers provide an ideal lifestyle choice for Canadian families and a popular year-round destination for tourists.
Number of courses / system: Semestered, Linear, both - depending on individual school
Accomodation: Homestay
Info: We have been managing our own program in our community for over 20 years. The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority and we ensure each of our international students are matched to warm, caring, and active families.
Each homestay family is carefully selected, screened, interviewed, and all reference checks have been obtained. Students are matched to families based on a careful review of their application, their school choice, their personal interests, and activities.
Our families live a healthy, active lifestyle and really enjoy being involved and engaged in the life of their international student. We encourage our students to take part in all the adventures available to them with their new Canadian family.
Student Services & Orientation & Counseling:
Our schools have dedicated International Student Program teachers who advise the students. Schools also have guidance counsellors who can assist with course programming, as well as social-emotional counselling. Our program does an orientation for our incoming students each year.
High School | Total Enrolment | Website |
---|---|---|
Cowichan Secondary School | 800 | css.sd79.bc.ca |
Frances Kelsey Secondary School | 900 | fkss.sd79.bc.ca |
Chemainus Secondary School | 350 | chss.sd79.bc.ca |
Lake Cowichan Secondary School | 300 | lcss.sd79.bc.ca |
Quamichan School | 600 | quamichan.sd79.bc.ca |
Application Fee | CAD 300 | EUR 206,03 |
Full Year Tuition Fee | CAD 14750 | EUR 10129,80 |
Semester Tuition Fee | CAD 7375 | EUR 5064,90 |
Annual Homestay Placement Fee | CAD 450 | EUR 309,04 |
Homestay Monthly Fee | CAD 1100 | EUR 755,44 |
Health Insurance Monthly Fee | CAD 110 | EUR 75,54 |
Annual Custodianship Fee | CAD 0 | EUR 0,00 |
Airport Pick-up Fee | CAD 0 | EUR 0,00 |
Total Semester Fees | CAD 14425 | EUR 9906,60 |
Total Annual Fees | CAD 28100 | EUR 19298,13 |
Please calculate additional costs for
Airfare approx. Euro 1200 to Euro 1700
Study Permit approx. Euro 180
Pocket money approx. Euro 250 to 300/month
If applicable additional health/accident/third part liability insurance
Health Insurance: mandatory
GuardMe, Medical Services Plan of BC
Info: We also have a transportation fee of $500/year ($250/semester) that covers the school bus to and from school each day.
valid for school year 2025/26
Please note that the program description is very much reduced. All information, in particular on the fee-structure, is based on the information provided by the individual Canadian program and is subject to change / as at 08/2024