Q: Where is the Gulf Islands International Program

A: The Gulf Islands International Program is located on beautiful Saltspring Island,  which is the largest of the five Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada.

Q: Won’t I feel isolated living on an island?

A: Absolutely not. Saltspring Island is one of the most desirable places in Canada to live. It is only a short ferry ride away from Victoria and Vancouver Island. There is also regular ferry service to the city of Vancouver. As the commercial center for the Gulf Islands, Saltspring enjoys all of the amenities and services that can be found in larger communities. Part of the charm of living on Saltspring Island is the fact that it is an island.

Q: What is special about Saltspring Island?

A: Saltspring Island’s reputation as an international center of the arts has contributed to its unique charm. The island has recently become one of Canada’s most desirable places to live. Interest in the beautiful, tranquil setting has created a very upscale, highly educated and professional community.

Q: What is the climate like on Saltspring Island?

A: The Gulf Islands enjoy the best climate in Canada. Because they are located in the “rain shadow” of Vancouver Island, they receive the least amount of rainfall and enjoy mild temperatures during the winter months. There is always a possibility of a few days of snow each winter.

Q: What are the schools like?

A: Both Gulf Islands Secondary School and the Saltspring Island Middle School enjoy reputations for academic success, winning sports teams, outstanding performing arts and visual arts programs, and technological programs.

Our schools are committed to social and human development. The schools actively and consciously promote student participation. The majority of students in the schools are involved in school activities, including sports and the arts. Leadership is a key value. It is our belief that the schools outperform other schools because of this focus on participation.

Q: What percentage of the international students goes to university or college when they graduate?

A: While this answer obviously depends on how hard an individual student works, we are proud to announce that all sixteen of our international grads have been accepted into post-secondary programs this year. They will be attending universities and colleges in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and the United States. Over the past three years, all of our international students have eventually entered post-secondary programs.

Q: Why are your international students so successful?

A: Part of the answer is our recruitment policy. We look for students who are committed to making the best of their educational opportunities. We also believe that students who are actively involved in their school communities tend to do better academically. We look for students who express a willingness to get involved in some way. As a desirable place to live, Saltspring draws highly professional and talented teachers. These teachers are committed to working hard on behalf of their students. We also provide our students with a lot of support, both personally and educationally.

Q: How many students are there in the Gulf Islands International Program?

A: Both the high school program and the middle school program have capped enrolments. The enrolment cap at Gulf Islands Secondary School, which has 650 Grade 9 – 12 students, is 70 students. We also try to limit the number of students from any one country to 12 students. The enrolment cap at Saltspring Middle School, which has 350 students in Grade 6 – 8, is 14 students, with a maximum of 5 students from any one country.

Q: Where do most of your students come from?

A: The majority of students come from Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mexico, with smaller numbers coming from the United States, France, China, Korea, Switzerland, South America and Eastern Europe.

Q: How do I apply to the Gulf Islands International Program?

A: The first step is doing some research. Is this the program that you are looking for? Our program is somewhat unique. We are looking for students who are willing to work hard and get involved in our schools and community. Although it is relatively easy to go shopping in Victoria on the weekends, if you prefer shopping malls to being part of a school community, our program might not appeal to you. It is important to note, however, that the majority of our international students come from very large cities, but once they become accustomed to life on Saltspring Island, they are often reluctant to leave it.

Once you think the Gulf Islands International Program might be for you, you can download our application form from this website. Please take care in providing us with as much information as possible. We need transcripts for two reasons. We need to assess your academic strengths and weaknesses. They also help us determine course placements and support levels.

Successful applicants will be issued a Letter of Acceptance and a Custodial Letter, which states that we will be responsible for you during your studies in the Gulf Islands International Program. These documents will need to be presented to the Immigration officials who will be reviewing your application for a Study Permit.

Q: Do all students need a Study Permit?

A: Technically no. Students who plan to study in Canada for less than six months are not legally required to have a Study Permit. It is our policy, however, that all students are required to apply for a Study Permit. It has been our experience that many of our one semester students decide that they would like to stay longer. It is not possible to apply for a Study Permit from within Canada. It is also not possible to apply for B.C. medical coverage without a Study Permit.

Q: Do I need to take ESL?

A: This really depends on your language proficiency and your reason for studying in the Gulf Islands International Program. Most international students will be assessed as part of the orientation process to determine the level of ESL that they will need in order to pursue their academic goals. We offer four levels of ESL support, including Introductory ESL, Advanced ESL, Composition 11 and Advanced Writing/Composition 12. Advanced Writing/Composition 12 is the prerequisite to English 10. It should be noted that most European students do not require ESL support.

Q: Do I need to have the British Columbia medical coverage?

A: All students, especially those in a graduation program, are required to have B.C. medical coverage. By law, any one who resides in British Columbia for six months or more must have provincial medical coverage.

Q: What services are covered by the British Columbia Medical Services Plan?

A: Please see here for complete details.

Q: According to the Health Services website site, an international student is expected to have interim medical insurance until they qualify for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan. Does the Gulf Islands International Program provide this interim medical coverage and what does it cover?

A: Yes, we provide interim coverage until the qualifying period is over. For complete details of the interim coverage please see here.

Q: What do I do if I am unhappy in my homestay?

A: Our Student Services Coordinator is school based. The first step is to discuss the problem with her. We strongly believe that our students need to feel secure in their homestays if we expect them to succeed in school. The second step is trying to resolve the problem. Sometimes it is nothing more than a simple misunderstanding or a personality conflict. If necessary, you will be moved if the problem can’t be resolved.

Q: What about internet access?

A: Saltspring Island has internet access. In some areas, it is still dialup, but ASDL and wireless are becoming more common. Homestay placements are not dependent on the speed of access to the internet. In fact, homestay families are not required to provide you with internet access. You may be required to pay for your own phone lines and internet service. The schools have high speed access and you will be given access to this service. We will not change a homestay because of internet speed.

Q. The Gulf Islands School District adopted a four-day week several years ago. Shouldn’t I be worried that I will miss a lot of instructional time in the classroom?

A. No. The total number of instructional hours is mandated by the Ministry of Education in British Columbia. In fact, the international students registered in a Graduation program actually have more instructional time. We offer these students a fifth-day program that includes English and ESL seminars, Math tutorials and homework assistance. They even have access to the gym during the lunch break.

Q: Are there any other activities available to international students on the fifth day?

A. Yes. Many of the sports programs have their practices on the fifth day. The Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts and the Advanced Placement Art programs are also scheduled for the fifth day. The Gulf Islands International Program offers a number of special events, such as field trips, ski trips, outdoor recreational activities, and artist workshops on the fifth day. In addition, many of the community activities are scheduled for this day. Some students like to use this time to visit Vancouver or Victoria.

Q: Do these extended activities cost extra?

A: Some do and some don’t. Most recreational activities have a cost associated with them, but international students are given a credit of $150 each semester to help reduce the cost of program or community activities. The Gulf Islands International Program also offers two free ski trips per year, one each semester. The Gulf Islands School of the Performing Arts is a separate program with their own tuition fees. Please check here for more information. The Advanced Placement Art program is subsidized by the Gulf Islands International Program so there is no direct cost to the student. There are no costs for the English or ESL seminars, Math tutorials or homework assistance program.

More questions? Try our MORE INFORMATION PDF document.