Experience Program: Secondary
Program Overview: Ages 13+
International students study academic and/or elective classes, up to 8 classes in an academic year. Burnaby secondary schools offer a wide range of exciting elective courses so international students can try classes they may not have the opportunity to try in their home country.
5-Month OR 10-Month Programs
Burnaby School District welcomes those international students who are looking for a truly Canadian experience, studying short term (5 or 10 months) in a typical Canadian high school alongside local Canadian students. Students may begin their program in September or February.
English Language Training
An intensive English language training program is offered to students needing to upgrade their English language skills. Students are assessed during orientation week, and all levels of English are accepted. Depending on the level of English, students take a combination of English (ELL) and regular classes.
School Clubs & Extracurricular Activities
All students are encouraged to participate in school clubs and extracurricular activities to maximize their cultural experience. Get more information about Excursion Program and Additional Program Opportunities.
View This Video to Hear What Students Think of our Programs
Homestay Opportunities
A large part of the Canadian cultural experience is living with a Canadian family. See our Homestay section for more information.
Age Requirements to Apply
Please note we do not accept applications from students who turn 18 years of age before December 31st of the calendar year in which they want to start. While our age limit is 17 years, we strongly recommend students wishing to graduate start at a younger age in order to have a better chance at success.
Students who turn 18 years of age before July 1st and are interested in earning an Adult High School Diploma can apply to study at our Adult High School. For more information about this, please contact BURNABYCCE@BURNABYSCHOOLS.CA
Admissions
Each applicant’s acceptance in the Burnaby School District’s International Student Program and subsequent placement in a Burnaby public school will be determined by:
The applicant’s educational background and present academic standing as indicated on the school transcripts provided. Generally, the equivalent of a Canadian C average on the academic subjects is required.
The availability of space in the International Student Program. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible as space is limited and Citizenship & Immigration Canada processing requires several weeks.
Initial acceptance into the International Student Program is not dependent upon the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or any other English language proficiency level. Students with any level of English can be accepted. Students with low English proficiency will be placed in a combination program of English Language Learning support with a number of appropriate academic courses.
Ready to Apply? » Go to our Application Page
Study Permits
International students studying in Canada for more than 6 months must have a Study Permit. For programs less than 6 months most international students may enter Canada and study on a Visitors Visa. However, we recommend such students apply for a study permit in case the student decides to extend their stay. Changing from a Visitors Visa to a Study Permit cannot be done in Canada. Students must check with their nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate whether they can obtain a visa at the point of entry to Canada or must obtain it outside of Canada prior to entering Canada.
Minor children who come to Canada to study and who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must appoint a custodian. Legal arrangements must be made to give the custodian in Canada permission to act in place of a parent. Two notarized documents are required. A notarized document is a document that has been certified by a notary.
Learn more » Visit Study Permit – Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC)
Additional Opportunities
Other Sports Opportunities
Simon Fraser Aquatics, located at Simon Fraser University, offers high-performance swim training and competition. Read On!
Latin and Ancient Greek
Burnaby School District is the only public school district in British Columbia to offer Latin and Ancient Greek during the academic year. Learn more!
French Immersion
French Immersion Programs offered by Burnaby International Education. Students learn French as a second language while following the regular curriculum.
School Clubs
Both elementary and secondary schools in Burnaby offer extra-curricular activities. All schools offer many different clubs to join. Learn more here!
AP Capstone Diploma Program
Explore AP Capstone Education Programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education Department, Greater Vancouver BC Canada!
Honours Program
Burnaby School District has honours courses, offering advanced and motivated students the opportunity to learn in an enriched environment with peers.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Learn about ‘English Language Learning’ (ELL) Programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education Department, Greater Vancouver BC!
Advanced Placement (AP)
Explore Advanced Placement (AP) programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education department, Greater Vancouver BC Canada!
Arts Program
Learn about Arts Programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education Program, located in the Greater Vancouver area, BC Canada
Sports Academies
SD41 in Burnaby, British Columbia has multiple sports academies for students to take advantage of. Ice Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball. Learn More!
Secondary School Elective Programs
Examples of elective classes are:
E-business/Marketing
Outdoor Education
Robotics
Graphic Design
Digital Sound Technology
Guitar Making
Photography
Cooking
Television Production
Woodwork
Animation
Band/Orchestra
And much more…..
Burnaby School District is the only public school district in BC to offer Latin and Ancient Greek year-round.
2021-2022 International Student Program Fees
Academic Fees
One School Year
| Fee Type | Secondary | Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | $250 CDN | $250 CDN |
| Tuition Fee | $15,250 CDN | $15,250 CDN |
| Health Insurance | $1,100 CDN | $1,100 CDN |
| Health Insurance (Summer Months) | $150 CDN | $150 CDN |
One Semester
| Fee Type | Secondary | Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | $250 CDN | $250 CDN |
| Tuition Fee | $7,625 CDN | $7,625 CDN |
| Health Insurance | $550 CDN | $550 CDN |
| Health Insurance (Summer Months) | $150 CDN | $150 CDN |
Regular student and textbook fees are included above. Optional course fees, school supplies and field trips are not included, except for orientation week field trips.
Homestay Fees
One School Year
| Fee Type | Secondary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Fee* | $550 CDN | one-time-fee |
| Custodian Fee* | $525 CDN | one-time-fee |
| Annual Admin Fee | $300 CDN | |
| Monthly Fee | $1000 CDN | |
| Airport Reception | $120 CDN | |
| Additional Nights | $33 CDN |
One Semester (5 Months)
| Fee Type | Secondary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Fee | $475 CDN | one-time-fee |
| Custodian Fee | $350 CDN | one-time-fee |
| Annual Admin Fee | $150 CDN | |
| Monthly Fee | $1000 CDN | |
| Airport Reception | $120 CDN | |
| Additional Nights | $33 CDN |
One School Year (10 Months)
Estimated budget not including airfare
| Fee Type | Secondary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | $250 CDN | |
| Tuition Fee | $15,250 CDN | |
| Health Insurance | $1,100 CDN | |
| Health Insurance (Summer Months) | $150 CDN | |
| Homestay Placement Fee | $550 CDN | one-time-fee |
| Homestay Custodian Fee | $525 CDN | one-time-fee |
| Annual Admin Fee | $300 CDN | |
| Homestay Monthly Fee | $10,000 CDN | 10 months x $1000 |
| Homestay Fee for Orientation Week | $165 CDN | $33 per night x 5 nights: in August |
| Airport Reception | $120 CDN | |
| School Supplies | $250 CDN | |
| Additional Nights | $33 CDN | |
| Bus Pass | $600 CDN | 10 months x $60 |
| TOTAL | $29,293CDN |
*This total does not include field trips outside of orientation week or purchase of personal items such as clothing or electronics.
Application Procedures
Step 1
Required Documents
To submit an application, please:
- Complete the online application form and have it signed by both a parent and the student (not custodian or agent).
- Upload original transcripts or school records from both the current and previous two school years (in English), as well as a copy of the student’s passport page showing legal name and date of birth. Photocopies of transcripts/certificates must be certified with the official school stamp. Failure to comply will result in the delay or return of this application.
- Submit a non-refundable application fee of $250 CDN payable by VISA or MasterCard to the Burnaby School Board via our online application system.
All additional documents may be scanned and sent to international@burnabyschools.ca
Step 2
Applicants will be advised within one week of the school district receiving the application whether or not they have been accepted. Once an applicant has been notified of his/her acceptance, the school district will require:
- Payment of fees in full by bank draft, certified cheque, money order or bank wire transfer payable to the Burnaby School District.
- If a custodian has been appointed, a copy of notarized letters confirming the appointment of the custodian – one from the custodian and the other from the parent. For a sample of these letters, please contact the International Education Office.
Step 3
After an applicant has paid the tuition and medical fees and provided all required documentation, the school district will:
- Provide an official letter of acceptance. Applicants can then apply for their Study Permit at the nearest Canadian Embassy.
- Provide students with details of the International student orientation. Orientation is generally held one week before the start of classes and is mandatory.
Step 4
Once the student arrives in Burnaby:
- The student will attend an orientation for new students. At the orientation, students must provide a current Study Permit issued by Citizenship & Immigration Canada. Both secondary and elementary students will be required to complete an English language assessment. Once the assessment has been completed, students will be placed in appropriate courses.
Have questions? Feel free to CONTACT US!
