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Welcome to the Comox Valley International Student Program

Study in the beautiful Westcoast of British Columbia, Canada — Where Creativity, Innovation, and Global Citizenship Meet

The Comox Valley International Student Program welcomes students from around the world to experience life and learning on the beautiful West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. As part of the Comox Valley School District, our program offers international students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 the opportunity to study alongside Canadian peers in accredited public schools on Vancouver Island.

Since 2005, we’ve welcomed students from more than 30 countries into our vibrant, supportive school communities. We offer full‑year, semester, and short‑term study options designed for students seeking academic challenge, outdoor adventure, creative arts, innovation, French Immersion, and a safe home‑away‑from‑home.

Ready to begin your Canadian education journey? Click the Apply Now button above to get started.

Experience a Complete Canadian Education in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley International Student Program offers a full Kindergarten to Grade 12 learning pathway supported by caring teachers, vibrant school communities, and the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Students from around the world join our classrooms to build English fluency, explore new interests, and prepare for future academic success.

What Makes Our Program Unique

  • ESL Support — English language support is available at all grade levels to help students gain confidence quickly.
  • Homestay Program — Students live with welcoming Canadian families who provide safety, cultural immersion, and a true home‑away‑from‑home.
  • Outdoor Learning & Adventure — With ocean, mountains, forests, and ski terrain nearby, students experience a uniquely West Coast lifestyle.
  • Arts, STEM & Athletics Opportunities — From fine arts and theatre to robotics, trades, and competitive sports, students can discover new passions and develop real‑world skills.
  • University Pathways — Our graduates earn the British Columbia Dogwood Diploma, recognized by universities across Canada and around the world.
  • Short‑Term, Semester & Full‑Year Options — Flexible study options allow students to choose the experience that fits their goals.
  • Safe, Supportive Communities — Small class sizes, caring educators, and inclusive school cultures help students feel welcome from day one.

A Place to Learn, Grow, and Belong

Whether students come for a semester, a full academic year, or the entire K–12 journey, they join a district committed to creativity, innovation, global citizenship, and student well‑being. The Comox Valley is a place where international students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Map showing the various ways to arrive at the Comox Valley
The Comox Valley is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. We are nestled between the Beaufort Mountain range and along an arm of the Salish Sea making us a snow-to-surf destination.

We are only a 25-minute flight from Vancouver or a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Victoria. Our airport receives daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.

We welcome students aged 11–18 who are eager to improve their English, make lifelong friends, and experience Canadian education and culture.

  • Safe, welcoming Canadian community with homestay families who treat students like their own
  • Three specialized high schools offering unique pathways in arts, STEM, trades, French Immersion, and global citizenship
  • Small class sizes and personalized learning
  • Outdoor lifestyle: ocean, mountains, skiing, hiking, biking, and wildlife
  • High graduation success rates and pathways to top Canadian universities
  • Students from 20+ countries creating a vibrant international community

Students can join in grades 1 through 12.

Yes! Full-year students can earn a recognized British Columbia Dogwood Diploma.

Yes!

The Comox Valley School District includes 14 welcoming elementary schools, each offering safe, supportive, community‑focused learning environments for younger international students.

Our elementary schools emphasize literacy, numeracy, creativity, outdoor learning, Indigenous education, and social‑emotional development. Students learn alongside Canadian peers in small classes with caring teachers, gaining confidence in English while experiencing the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

Elementary placements are ideal for families seeking early English immersion, long‑term study pathways, and a gentle, nurturing introduction to Canadian education.

Key features:

  • Safe, community‑focused schools
  • Strong literacy & numeracy foundations
  • Outdoor learning & nature‑based education
  • Arts, music, and physical education
  • Indigenous learning woven into curriculum
  • Smooth transition to SD71 middle and secondary schools

Secondary Schools in the Comox Valley (8-12)


G.P. Vanier Secondary

The Creative Arts & Innovation School

Signature strengths:

  • Creative Collective — architecture, cosplay, marketing, design, and student‑led creative industries
  • Theatre & Fine Arts — one of Vancouver Island’s strongest drama programs
  • Robotics & Makerspace — nationally recognized STEM learning
  • Athletics — volleyball, basketball, rugby, mountain biking, and more

Ideal for students who want: Creativity, innovation, design, theatre, robotics, and hands‑on learning.

Mark R. Isfeld Secondary

The Bilingual Global Citizenship School

Signature strengths:

  • French Immersion — bilingual education recognized across Canada
  • Balanced Excellence — academics, arts, athletics, and citizenship
  • Fine Arts — music, visual arts, drama
  • Athletics — 30+ competitive teams
  • Global Citizenship — sustainability, leadership, community engagement

Ideal for students who want: Bilingual learning, academic strength, arts, athletics, and global citizenship.

Highland Secondary

The Innovation & Applied Learning School

Signature strengths:

  • MakerSpace & ENTER2 — engineering, design, fabrication, and invention
  • Trades & Career Pathways — metalwork, construction, transportation, health careers
  • Global Community — students from 14+ countries
  • Performing Arts — improv, theatre, and visual arts
  • Values‑Driven Culture — “Highland Has Heart”

Ideal for students who want: Engineering, trades, hands‑on learning, innovation, and a strong multicultural community.

Comox Valley International Student Program
Proudly welcoming students to British Columbia, Canada since 2005.

 
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