School Districts Welcome:
Welcome to Canada and the amazing Gulf Islands. The Gulf Islands International Program is truly committed to ethnic diversity and celebrates the synergy that results when young people from around the globe work together to create a better world. The Gulf Islands International Education Program has rapidly become one of the most popular international programs in Canada. The commitment to ethnic diversity, limits on enrolment from any one country, and a combined capacity of 70 students ensures that our International students receive a quality Canadian educational experience in one of the province’s best schools.
Nearest Airport:
YYJ - Victoria International Airport
Our International students enjoy a sense of community and a feeling of belonging in a school that promotes inclusion, student leadership, a wide variety of fun activities and ongoing support.
Our location in a federal marine park ensures a strong connection with nature, where respect for the environment, a healthy lifestyle, and a focus on Eco-adventure programming are core values.
As one of the top artistic communities in North America, our International Students can expect to find outstanding electives in the performing, visual, media and industrial arts.
Built of stone, cedar, steel, brick and glass, Gulf Islands Secondary is an 8279 square-metre, modern, south-facing campus-style school. The meticulously maintained interior is bright, spacious and inviting. It’s a great place to learn and invites a cooperative, vibrant school community. Gulf Islands Secondary School has won many award for its innovative Eco-friendly and high-tech design,
The GISS athletics program provides the opportunity for students to participate in a variety of sports. Staff, community members, students, and parents make up our volunteer coaching staff, which encourages our student athletes to demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment to their sport of choice. Check http://ballan1.wixsite.com/gissathletics as team sports are seasonal in BC.
Advanced Placement, Academies, French Immersion, Trips
In addition to academic and cultural programming, the Gulf Islands International Program offers a variety of supplementary programs, including whale watching, ski trips to Whistler, kayaking and surfing adventures, hiking and camping, overnight trips to Vancouver and surfing at Long Beach. Speciality programs include the Gulf Islands School of the Performing Arts, the very popular Eco-Adventure Program, Advanced Placement Studio Art, Chef Training, work experience programs, and community service programs. For more information, see http://studyinbc.ca/some-of-our-specialty-programs/ and http://studyinbc.ca/students/. The local community is very supportive of youth and many programs are available for our students. Someone once said, "Only the boring are bored on Salt Spring Island".
Arts
Dance
Digital Media
Golf
other
Outdoor
Rowing
Sailing
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
School Operator: State School
Program Established: 1999
Total number of schools: 10
Total Students: 1700
Number of High schools for international students: 1
Total international students grade 9-12: 60
Grades: other
Info: The Gulf Islands International Program is limited to Grades 8 to 12 and boasts a reputation for academic achievement; winning sports teams; outstanding performing and visual art programs, including the Advanced Placement Studio Art and the Gulf Islands School of the Performing Arts programs; and exceptional computer technology programs, including computer animation, media arts, computer programming and computer assisted drafting. Other Specialty programs include French Immersion, Spanish, Chef Training, Peer Counselling, Peer Tutoring, Environmental Studies, Eco-Adventure and Leadership.
International students accepted for: 9, 10, 11, 12
Foreign Languages: French, French Immersion, Spanish, other
Info: Numerous language courses are available through the SHIFT program. Please note that these courses are Independent Studies courses. French Immersion, French and Spanish courses are very interactive.
Entrance Dates: September, February
Length of stay: 5 months/semester, 10 months/full year, until graduation
Application Deadlines: April 30th for September entry (or until filled - sometimes fills by February) and November 30th fo
Application Process: Online Application Forms, Letter of Acceptance
Website: www.studyinbc.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SD64IE/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gulfislandsinternational/
Location: small-town, Island
Info: 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 also enjoys a reputation for being one of the most desirable places in Canada to live with more sunshine and warmer temperatures year-round than any other place in British Columbia. The Gulf Islands School District recognizes the importance of a quality education and has made the Gulf Islands International Program an educational priority. In the Gulf Islands, dreams come true and there are no limit
Number of courses / system: Semestered
Info: Our International students are generally placed according to their grade level at home. Age is also a consideration. Special requests will be considered, but only if the request is not more than one grade level higher. It has been our experience that most international students prefer to study with their own age group. Although the semester system only accommodates four courses per semester, some courses such as Peer Counselling, Leadership and some of the music programs are offered outside of the timetable. For more course selection information, please see http://studyinbc.ca/apply/.
Accomodation: Homestay
Info: The Gulf Islands International Program is a homestay program and recognizes that a good homestay is essential to a sense of security and belonging. Our program is only as a good as its homestay program. International students need to feel happy in their homes in order to thrive in their studies. It is important that you provide us with as much information as possible about yourself, including your host family preferences. Do you have special dietary preferences or would you prefer to be placed with another international student, for example. Key to finding the best homestay is knowing what your interests and hobbies. All international students are required to have medical insurance while studying in Canada. The program provides the appropriate level of coverage.
Student Services & Orientation & Counseling:
Student support is one of our primary strengths,. The Gulf Islands International Program team, which includes the program manager, one of the school's administrators, the counsellors, and activity coordinator, are all is school based, which means someone is always available to assist our international students. Given the community focus on living in harmony with nature, our Orientation includes outdoor recreational activities, team building, and opportunities for developing personal and group leadership skills. Gulf Islands Secondary is very proud of our Peer Counselling and Leadership programs. Many of our International students participate in these programs, as well as the Peer Tutoring program. There is also a strong program emphasis on intellectual and social development.
| High School | Total Enrolment | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Islands Secondary School | 650 | www.giss.sd64.bc.ca |
| Application Fee | CAD 400 | EUR 270,87 |
| Full Year Tuition Fee | CAD 15000 | EUR 10157,78 |
| Semester Tuition Fee | CAD 7625 | EUR 5163,54 |
| Annual Homestay Placement Fee | CAD 500 | EUR 338,59 |
| Homestay Monthly Fee | CAD 1250 | EUR 846,48 |
| Health Insurance Monthly Fee | CAD 125 | EUR 84,65 |
| Annual Custodianship Fee | CAD n/a | EUR - |
| Airport Pick-up Fee | CAD n/a | EUR - |
| Total Semester Fees | CAD 16,000 | EUR 10834,97 |
| Total Annual Fees | CAD 31,000 | EUR 20992,75 |
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
Study Insured
Info: The Gulf Islands International Program provides interim insurance until a student qualifies for provincial medical insurance as well as ongoing extended benefits. Please note that pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered, Dental is NOT included in medical coverage, so it is recommended that all dental work be done before arrival.
A school fee of $850 per year ($600 per semester) is also charged.
Additional Fee of $200 per month for students requiring a special diet such as gluten free, celiac, vegetarian, or vegan. Additional daily fee of $50 for days prior to September 1st and after June 30th.
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 10/2024
