abbotsford...the abbotsford school district welcomes international students from around the world to...

British Columbia, Canada

Abbotsford International Student Program

abbotsfordYour Total Canadian Experience!

www.experienceabbotsford.com

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Abbotsford Live and Learn

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• Ideal location in Greater

Vancouver Area

• Full immersion ESL

experience

• Unique specialty

programs

• Excellent student

performance

• Extra level of student

support

• Quality, carefully-selected

homestay families

• Well-rounded experience

for students

• Comfortable climate

Learn more and live better.

Enjoy a real Canadian lifestyle and education.

Discover and experience the Abbotsford advantage.

High

Low

Abbotsford ClimateAnnual temperatures averages (° Celcius).

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The city of Abbotsford is located in the heart of the Fraser Valley, and is

affectionately known as the ‘City in the Country’. We have an international

airport for easy travel, a new state of the art hospital with a cancer research

centre, and a local university that works closely with each of our high

schools. Abbotsford, one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, has all the

amenities of a big city, but in a country setting.

Abbotsford School District is well known for its excellence in education and

has been recognized for its leadership in the areas of academic excellence,

health and itness, sports and early learning. Abbotsford high schools and middle schools have outstanding sports programs, and win championships

every year in numerous sports. Many of our athletes win provincial,

national, and international scholarships. Numerous students who graduate

from our schools have gone on to study and teach at prestigious universities

throughout North America.

Academic excellence is a focus of our schools, and preparing our students

to meet the challenges and opportunities for the 21st century is our core

business. We feel strongly that students must have the knowledge, skills,

and intellect to compete in a global market. Abbotsford provides several

“choice programs,” including advanced university credit technology courses,

an International Baccalaureate Program, Advanced Placement university

credit courses, and four sport academies (hockey, soccer, golf, and baseball).

All of our high schools have strong ine and performing arts programs, and the District has an elementary and middle/secondary integrated arts school.

Recently, two of our schools were recognized by national publications as two

of the top schools in Canada.

Abbotsford School District is a high performing district because we care

deeply about our students. We are committed to providing every student

in our system with the best choice of programs and educational support

possible. Every school in Abbotsford relects our district motto: “Respect, Opportunity and Innovation.”

Sincerely,

Kevin Godden, Superintendent of Schools

Welcome to the Abbotsford

School District

3Abbotsford - Your Total Canadian Experience!

Central Commercial District

State of the art Abbotsford Regional Hospital

Shopping Centre

University of the Fraser Valley

Lakes

4

mountains

Canada• Voted one of the best countries in the world to

live in by the United Nations.

• Second largest country by area in the world,

with a growing population of 35 million people.

• Multicultural society welcoming new

immigrants and international students.

Canadian Education• World leader in language training

• According to the PISA studies conducted by

the OECD, Canada has the #1 ranked English

speaking High School Education System, well

ahead of the United States and the United

Kingdom.1

• Canada’s University education is recognized as

world class. One global study placed Canada

as #4 overall in the world in 2013.2

forestsRivers

Beautiful1 Source: OECD, PISA 2009 Database. 12 http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/8889323433422 Source: http://www.universitas21.com/article/projects/details/158/overall-2013-ranking-scores-and-conclusion

ABBOTSFORD

British Columbia

CANADA

Greater Vancouver Area OttawaToronto

Combined Mean Score of Math, Science & Literacy Results

British Columbia

Canada

New Zealand

Australia

United Kingdom

OECD average

United States

480 490 500

25th

24th

20th

10th

8th

7th

6th

510 520 530 540

British Columbia Greater Vancouver Area

• Third largest metropolitan area in Canada with

around 2.2 million people.

• Stretches into the Fraser Valley and has

many of the largest municipalities in British

Columbia, including the cities of Vancouver

and Abbotsford.

• Offers opportunities for outdoor recreation

such as skiing, boating or walking along the

Stanley Park Seawall.

• Center of art and culture in BC. Vancouver

Symphony Orchestra, Bard on the Beach, the

Vancouver Art Gallery and many others are

located in Vancouver.

• Vancouver is home to the internationally

recognized University of British Columbia and

Simon Fraser University.

British Columbia: Green & Vibrant

• Has beautiful ocean, lakes, rivers, mountains

and forests.

• Home to famous ski resorts and host of 2010

Winter Olympics.

British Columbia’s Education

• Canada’s education is world class and BC’s

is even better! According to the OECD, BC

outperformed other Canadian provinces and

top OECD countries in Math, Science and

Literacy.

mountains

mountains

oceans


BC’s GLOBAL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Why Choose Abbotsford?

Reason #1IDEAL LOCATION

I never considered any of the big cities because I wanted to go to a small town and

experience something diferent from what I had in Brazil wherein I lived in a big city. I also

thought that being in a small town would allow me to know and interact with the Canadian

people more easily than if I were to go to a big city. So, going to Abbotsford, I thought, would

mean that I would speak more English, I would listen to more English, and I would really get

to know about what a Canadian life is. ~ Isabela Copola, Brazil

Abbotsford: Learn it. Live it.

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City Overview

and Location

• One of fastest growing cities

in Canada with 140,000

people.

• Ideal location – about a one

hour drive from downtown

Vancouver and the Vancouver

International Airport.

• Strong economy based on

transporation,aerospace,

agribusiness, and light

manufacturing.

Climate

Very mild climate compared to

the rest of Canada.

Winter – Very little snow

[except in the mountains]

with daytime temperature

around 7°C in January and February.

Summer – Comfortable,

dry and warm, with

August average daytime

temperature around 24°C.

City Amenities and

Local Activities

• International restaurants,

modern hospital, theatre, a

vibrant downtown and brand

new mega-mall.

• 3 large recreation centres,

ice rinks, swimming pools

parks, climbing gym, tennis

courts, skateboard parks,

riding trails.

• Local activities include annual

community events such as

The Berry Festival and the

Abbotsford International

Airshow - one of the largest

airshows in the world.

• Home to one of British

Columbia’s larger post-

secondary institutions—

University of the Fraser

Valley, which has over

16,000 students and offers

excellent programs, many

of which transfer directly

to the University of British

Columbia.

ideal


Abbotsford schools have…

• been proiled in Maclean’s Magazine as one of the “Top Ten Schools in Canada”.

• received the Prime Minister’s award for

teaching excellence.

• received Canada’s Outstanding

Principal’s Award.

Abbotsford students have…

attended top universities across Canada, the

United States and around the world, including…

• Oxford University -

Rhodes Scholarship

Winner

• MIT

• Harvard

• Stanford

• Cornell University

• Brown University

• Clemson University

• Parson’s School

of Design

• John Hopkins

University

• Seoul National

University

• University of Toronto

• University of

British Columbia

• McGill

Key Achievements of Abbotsford SchoolsOur schools have been recognized for their innovative

programs and academic success. How good are we?


Reason #2EXCELLENT DISTRICT-WIDE

STUDENT PERFORMANCE

…competed and won at national and international academic

and technical competitions, including the World Chemistry

Olympiad in Moscow, Russia.

…gone on to exciting careers at NASA and MIT, Soft Citizen,

Electronic Arts (EA), Disney…. Our grads are successful

engineers, architects, doctors, artists… one of them is the

pilot for the Prime Minister!


Reason #3LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY

RECOGNIZED SCHOOLS

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Abbotsford School District #34 SchoolsSECONDARY SCHOOLS

All Secondary Schools Offer a Range of Academic Courses

Rick Hansen Secondary Grades: 9 to 12Approximate Number of Students: 800

Specialty Programs/Classes:Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Honours Program, Aviation, Fine Arts, Digital Art, Broadcasting, Journalism, Business, Accounting, 2D+3D Drafting and Design, Architecture, Recording Studio Sports: Cross country running, soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, rugby, track, ultimate Frisbee, golfClubs: Scholarship Team, School Newspaper, Multicultural Club, Global Awareness Club

http://www.rickhansensecondary.com

The Abbotsford School District welcomes international students from around the world to study at its top rated

schools. The Abbotsford experience includes a quality-focused international program, modern school facilities,

and thoughtfully selected homestays. Abbotsford offers language training as well as complete academic

programs that are fully accredited by the BC Ministry of Education. Abbotsford also offers advanced academic

opportunities for those students seeking a higher level of academic challenge, and the opportunity to earn

post-secondary credits while attending secondary school. In Abbotsford, international students are given the

opportunity to learn English and experience a new culture, all while attaining a world-class education.

The Abbotsford School District has approximately:• 19,000 students• 30 elementary schools

(Kindergarten to grade 5)

• 7 middle schools (grades 6 to 8)

• 7 secondary schools (grades 9 to 12)

• 1400 teachers

• 350 international students

• virtual school

Abbotsford Senior Secondary SchoolGrades: 9 to 12Approximate Number of Students: Approx 950

Specialty Programs/Classes:International Baccalaureate Program (IB), Honours Program, Law, Accounting, Business and Management, Broadcasting, Sports Rehab Medicine, Soccer Academy, Art, Digital Art, Dance, Theatre, Band, Drumline, Sports: Volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby, wrestling, football, cross-country, running, track and ieldClubs: Kiwanis Key Club, HIB Leadership, Multicultural Club, Grad Committee, Scholarship Club, ISP Peer Mentoring, Big Sisters Peer Tutoring/Buddy Program, Fish Hatchery Volunteers

http://www.abbysenior.com

School District


W.J. Mouat SecondaryGrades: 9 to 12Approximate Number of Students: 1550

Specialty Programs/Classes:Honours Program, Business, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, Psychology, Law, 2D+3D Design and Drafting, 3D Printer, 3D Animation, Outdoor Education, Fashion Design, Band, Choir, Visual Arts, Digital Art, Sports: Swimming (Speed and Synchro), cross country, football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, golf, soccer, track and ield, rugbyClubs: Multicultural Club, Chess, Dance Squad, Right Fight Club, Youth Buddy Club, Hawkzine School Newspaper, Improv Team, School Dances, Scholarship Club, Benevolent Nerds Society (Peer Tutors), Grad Council, Ski Club, Golf Club, Scholarship Club

http://www.mouatonline.com

Robert Bateman SecondaryGrades: 9 to 12Approximate Number of Students: 800

Specialty Programs/Classes:Advanced Placement (AP), Honours Program, Journalism, Law, Business, Accounting, Marketing, Tourism, 3D Animation, Fine Arts, Digital Art, Golf Academy, Hockey Class, Broadcasting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Outdoor Recreation, 2D+3D Drafting and Design, Robotics, Theatre, Band,Sports: Swimming, volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby, golf, badminton, track and ieldClubs: Improvisational Club, Drama, Multicultural Club, Environmental Club, First Nations Carving Club, Art Club, Music, Chess Club, Wolfpack Student Leadership, Kiwanis Key Club, Yearbook, Hockey Program

http://www.robertbatemansecondary.com

Yale SecondaryGrades: 9 to 12Approximate Number of Students: 1150

Specialty Programs/Classes:Advanced Placement (AP), Honours Program, Law, Psychology, Business, Accounting, Economics, Robotics, 2D+3D Drafting and Design, Theatre, Band, Choir, Visual Arts, Hockey/Baseball/Softball AcademySports: Swimming, cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, rugby, track and ield, water polo, badminton, golfClubs: Student Leadership, Youth Rotary, Youth Kiwanis Leadership, Graduation Council, Art Club, Improvisation Club (Theatre Sports), Intramurals, Band, Choir, Musical Theatre, Anime Club, Chess Club

http://www.yalesecondary.com

Abbotsford Traditional

SecondaryGrades: 9 to 12

http://www.atss.ca

Abbotsford School of the Integrated Arts

Sumas Mountain CampusGrades: 6 to 12

http://abbotsfordintegratedarts.ca

Advanced Placement

[AP] Program

• The AP Program operates

in Canada and the US, and

enables academically strong

students to study university

level courses and earn

university credits while still

in high school. Students

must be approved to take AP

courses , and require very

strong English.

Sports Academies

• Sports academies provide

high performance training

and elite skill development

during school hours. Students

are coached by professionals,

and earn Physical Education

credit and elective course

credit.

• Golf, Hockey, Soccer,

Baseball/Softball and

Equestrian are currently

offered.

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Specialty Programs

Students are also able to enroll in special interest programs such as:

International

Baccalaureate Program

• This demanding

internationally recognized

diploma program helps

students prepare for

university.

• Available in Grades 11

and 12, students can earn

university credit (equivalent

to 1st year University) while

in high school.

3-D Design

• Abbotsford was the irst program in North America

to run a 3-D Printer in High

School.

• Ideal course for students

interested in engineering,

architecture or design.

SAT

• Abbotsford School District

is now offering an optional

8 session SAT preparation course for students wanting

to apply to universities in

the United States.

Taught by certiied Math and English

teachers, students

will be prepped

in the math,

critical reading,

and writing

portions of the

exam. Scoring

well on the test

can lead to

thousand of

dollars in academic

scholarship money

and entrance into

top U.S. schools.

Abbotsford School District ofers advanced placement courses in

Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, English, French, Art, and Psychology.

These are irst year university credit courses. Although I could not even speak

English well before I came to Abbotsford, I have placed irst or second in many

diferent kinds of math, Physics, and Chemistry contests. I like the challenge of

competition, and winning or placing high in the standings looks good on my

academic record. ~ Gil Woo Kong, Korea


Reason #5OPTION TO OBTAIN UNIVERSITY

CREDITS WHILE IN HIGH

SCHOOL


Reason #4SPECIALTY PROGRAMS

Journalism

• The course is designed

for students to experience

and learn aspects of print

journalism and digital

newspaper production.

Students learn to use

technology for digital layout,

graphic production, digital

photography, word processing

and editing.

Animation

• Students collaborate

to create impressive,

professional looking projects.

3D modeling, 2D animation

and scripting, 3D animation,

graphics, imaging, web

development and digital video

are all covered.

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Reason #6FULL IMMERSION ESL

EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS

Abbotsford - Your Total Canadian Experience!

Aviation Academy

• Designed for individuals who

are interested in a career

in aviation. Students learn

critical thinking and analytical

skills needed for careers as

pilots, air trafic control, or in aerospace engineering and

maintenance. In addition

spending time in a simulator,

students visit an air trafic control tower, ixed wing and helicopter facilities, and the

Everett Boeing Factory.

TV and Film

• Using sophisticated

technology, students learn

to design and produce

T.V. broadcasts. From

camera operation and set

lighting to video editing and

enhancement, this program

covers the skills required

to create professional video

products.

• Students are taught a full

range of studies and provided

work experience by college

instructors.

Robotics

• Linked with the post-

secondary BCIT Robotic

program, students learn to

build and program robots

capable of sensing their

environment and performing

a variety of complected tasks.

Outdoor Recreation

• Students receive credit while

participating in a wide variety

of recreation activities,

including rock climbing, back

country hiking and camping,

skiing/snowboarding,

whitewater rafting, mountain

biking…

1612

ESL Support

Low International Student Ratio—out of approximately 19,000 students, less than 2% are international.

Full immersion experience—international students attend regular academic subjects alongside

their Canadian peers, while being provided with full ESL support.

ESL assessment and placement—international students are given comprehensive placement

assessment upon arrival and ESL assistance is provided based on assessment results.

International Assistants

Abbotsford school district

employs specially trained

individuals as International

Assistants (IAs). Many IAs

speak the students’ irst language and provide the

following:

• Assist international students

with any problems in school

or outside of academic life

• Monitor students’ academics,

attendance, homestay, and

overall well-being

• Help with renewal

documents, orientation, and

adjustment to life in Canada

• Facilitate communication

between the students,

parents, school staff,

and homestay parents

• Learn how to excel in a Canadian school setting

• Understand more about Canadian expectations in terms of

academics

• Discuss what to expect in a Canadian home stay family

• Learn how international students can share their culture with

others while still learning about Canada

• Have an opportunity to meet other international students

and the International Assistants

• Have the students’ language skills evaluated to see if extra

ESL support is required


Reason #7EXTRA LEVEL OF

STUDENT SUPPORT

skillsSpecial Care/SupportAbbotsford supports international

students by providing:

Student Orientation

Before the start of each semester (end of August &

end of January each year), international students

attend a three-day orientation to help them know how

to succeed and enjoy their stay in Canada. During the

orientation, students learn the following:


opportunity

Sports Teams

and Events

Basketball, Golf, Tennis,

Badminton, Gymnastics,

Track and Field, Soccer,

Handball, Swimming (Speed

and Synchronized), Volleyball,

Wrestling, Football, Cross

Country, Skating, Skiing

Hockey and Rugby.

Field Trips and

Exchanges

Field Trip destinations have

included ski resorts, art

galleries, museums, outdoor

natural parks, government

ofices, universities, science centers and many other

classroom related locales.

School Clubs and

Extracurricular

Activities

Art, Intramural Sports,

Environmental Club, Youth

Rotary, Public Speaking, Dance,

Graduation Council, School

Newspaper, Friendship Club,

Band (Regular and Jazz),

Student Leadership, Fencing,

Rowing, Multi-Cultural Club,

Choir (Regular and Jazz),

Outdoor Education, Library

Assistant Group, Math,

Cooking, Chess, Club of

Good Deeds, Graphic Design,

Theatre, Photography, and the

Think Globally, Act Locally Club.

Student Life, Activities, and Clubs

Below is a sample of activities and events that are

coordinated in some schools to help our students gain

exposure to new experiences and develop conidence:


Reason #8WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE

FOR ITS STUDENTS

family


Reason #9QUALITY, PRE-SCREENED

HOMESTAY WITH CARING

CANADIAN FAMILIES

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If an international student chooses to

live with a homestay family provided

by our District, he/she will:

• Be provided with information about the host

family prior to arrival

• Receive pre-arrival information to help

prepare for his/her homestay experience

• Attend a homestay orientation meeting

after arrival

• Have access to on-going support from the

homestay staff

• Have a 24-hour emergency contact number

friendship

My homestay family experience was great. I had a homestay sister that was my

age, and we became friends right away. That was really cool! They were all really nice to

me. They took me places and showed me Abbotsford and the rest of Canada.

~ Ana, Germany

If an international student wants to study in Abbotsford, and is under 12 years of age, he/she must live with a parent or direct relative.

Homestay families provide the students

with a welcoming and supportive

environment, as well as the following:

A clean and private bedroom, which includes:

• Comfortable bed (including linen,

duvet cover, blanket, pillows)

• Night table, dresser, lamp,

alarm clock

• Work desk with a chair

and suficient lighting

• Closet and mirror

Three meals every day and nutritious snacks

Access to bathroom, laundry and other facilities

Homestay…not Hotel-stay!


The experience of studying in Abbotsford will surely contribute to my future. If all stages of our life are full of good education,

we can broaden our cultural horizon and cast away our biases towards other people. It’s become an unforgettable chapter of my life

that can never be exchanged with anything.”

- Christina Ji Yoon Kim, Korea

One funny thing is that during my irst week in Abbotsford, all I wanted to do was go back home. I called my mom in desperation,

cried and cried. At the end of the term, I cried a lot too, but only because I did not want to leave.... I cried because I loved my host

family, I loved my school, I loved living in a place that was surrounded by snowy mountains, I loved the feeling of imagining to be in

an American movie, and above all, I loved having had the opportunity to travel and get to know a new place, a new culture, and new

people who I will never forget. Today I’m back in Brazil and I’m very happy to be with my friends and family again, but Abbotsford

will always have a very special place in my heart. ~ Marcela Freitas, Brazil

Since I came to Abbotsford, I have

loved sightseeing around to explore all

the beautiful landscapes. People here

are very kind and friendly. If you need

help, they are always willing to give you

a hand. The weather is also one of my

favorites in Abbotsford. It is not too hot,

also not too cold. As my home country

is hot and dry, the climate in Abbotsford

makes me feel much better.

If you are planning to study abroad or

looking for a new way to spend your

life, Abbotsford will be one of your top

choices. It is a place that gives you the

most unforgettable memories of your

life.” ~ Vi Phan, Vietnam

What students say…

I always wanted to try diferent

sports. I joined rugby and wrestling

when I was in grade 8. Even though I

have never played these sports before, I

tried to do my best and practiced extra

harder than other teammates. My hard

work paid of. For example, in grades

8 and 9, my rugby team and I won the

fraser valley rugby Championships.

~ Chi Hwan Ahn, Korea

Abbotsford is a beautiful place to

live and study in. Its closeness to both

fascinating nature and the amazing city

of Vancouver is simply impressive. Most

of all, though, it is such an open-hearted

city. My teachers and International

Assistants at Rick Hansen Secondary

School have always had an open door.

I’d also like to thank everyone at the

International Student Program Oice

for being so welcoming and caring. I

am very grateful for the many moments

of joy and laughter with my gorgeous

Canadian (host) family. During my stay

in Abbotsford, I truly found my second

home.” ~ Saskia, Germany

My homestay family was so nice. They would

always tell me that I was like a son for them and

in the same way, I felt like they have become my

second family- my Canadian family. They made me

feel home. I enjoyed so much the time I spent with

them. ~ Vinicius Matar Wawrzeniak, Brazil

Abbotsford School District - International Student Program Ofice

2790 Tims Street Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7 Canada

Telephone: 1-604-851-4585 | Fax: 1-604-504-7629

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.experienceabbotsford.com

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Experience Abbotsford.

abbotsford...the abbotsford school district welcomes international students from around the world to...

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