Catholic School Board Launches International Education Program
By Bob Montgomery
The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board is proud to announce the launch of an International Student Program.
Director of Education, Chris Roehrig says the program will welcome students for the 2024-2025 academic year and as part of the Board's commitment to fostering a globally-minded community, the initiative aims to provide students from around the world with an enriching Canadian educational experience.
“Our International Student Program will not only enhance cultural diversity within our schools but it will also offer local students the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural experiences, broadening their perspectives and preparing them for an interconnected world. We’re excited to welcome international students into our classrooms, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that transcends borders,” said Roehrig.
International students will attend either St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School in Clinton or St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Stratford. They'll have access to the same enriching education experience and high academic standards all Huron-Perth Catholic students receive while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
Roehrig says the Board is working to attract students from European countries including Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, and Belgium and will look at expanding into other countries in the future. Residents with high school-age family members overseas may also consider telling their families about the opportunity to attend. International students and families can work with an agent or apply directly for the program.
Local families can also host international students. The Board is working in partnership with a home-stay provider. Host families are compensated and commit to including the international student in family life and to provide:
Three nutritious meals per day and snacks
A private room with a door, a window, a bed and a desk
A shared bathroom
Supervised internet access
Roehrig says hosting an international student can be an enriching and memorable experience for your family. Many families foster life-long connections with the students they host.
For more information about the International Student Program, visit this link, or contact the Catholic Education Centre directly. For more information about hosting an international student, visit this link.
