Hamber’s International Student Program
Vancouver School Board
For over 20 years, Eric Hamber’s International Student Program has been welcoming students from around the world to study at Eric Hamber and discover Vancouver.
The main aims of the International Student Program, as stated by the VSB, are to give students the ability to “study in one of our excellent schools offering courses in academics, fine arts, technology, languages, and athletics,” and to “join a culturally rich cross-section of students,” graduating with a Grade 12 Diploma. In addition, students can practice their English-language skills through living in Vancouver and learning in an environment whose primary language of instruction is English.
Often, the International Student Program is confused with the International Exchange Program. However, the International Student Program and the International Exchange Program differ in that the International Exchange Program requires the student to find another student and family to homestay on either end of the exchange and that it usually lasts for a few months. With the International Student Program, students either arrive with their parents/guardians or find a family to conduct a homestay with for the duration of their stay, and there is no need for a swap. Additionally, most students who arrive in Vancouver study here for more than one school year. Another key differ- ence is that the exchange program is mainly facilitated from one school to another, versus the case-by-case basis that the International Student Program operates upon. Further, International students arrive on a student visa at- tached to their passport which is valid for the duration of their stay.
“Some of the differences between international students and regular stu- dents is that they pay a tuition which is equivalent to what taxpayer fees would cover for their education,” stated Ms. D. Gomes, ELL Department Head and main international student contact for Hamber’s International Student Program.
In addition to the tuition paid by international students, international students who arrive before the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian. It is only after the age of 13 that students can be placed with a homestay family.
Once arriving in Vancouver, the students’ impressions of Vancouver vary. When asked about the differences in Vancouver compared to their home countries, Ms. Gomes stated “One of the main things is the weather.” Additional aspects of Vancouver that were commented upon by Ms. Gomes, when asked about the international students, was the change in atmosphere, and attending school at Hamber. Some students, depending on location, change from being required to wear a uniform to school to not being required to wear a uniform daily. The lingual changes and atmospheric changes are part of the reason that students choose to study in Vancouver, but it is also one of the most commented upon aspects of change.
The International Student Program, with its focus on providing an experience and taste of Vancouver, is an opportunity for students from across the world to study in a different school, gain different perspectives, and acquire new skills. Throughout their studies in the city, International Students have the ability to improve their English skills, live in a new environment without the need for an exchange, and graduate with a Dogwood Diploma.