abbotsfordinternational.sd34.bc.ca/sites/default/files/new english brochure final.pdfthe abbotsford...

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.

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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 fitness, 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 fine 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 reflects 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

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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

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1 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

BC’s COMBINED OVERAL PERFORMANCE

British Columbia

Canada

New Zealand

Australia

United Kingdom

OECD average

United States

480 490 500

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24th

20th

10th

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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.

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2 The scores for reading are expressed on a scale with an average or mean of 500 points and a standard deviation of 100. As shown in the graph above, BC obtained an average score of 523, which was above the average of the OECD countries. Source: PISA Canada- http://www.oecd.org/infobycountry/0,3380,en_2649_35845621_1_70315_119663_1_1,00.html

Abbotsford - Your Total Canadian Experience!

BC’s GLOBAL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Why Choose Abbotsford?Reason #1

IdeAl loCAtIon

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

ClimateVery 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.

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Abbotsford schools have…

• been profiled 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?


exCellent 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!


loCAlly 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 fieldClubs: 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 field, 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, Dance, Band,Sports: Swimming, volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby, golf, badminton, track and fieldClubs: 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 field, 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 ProgramsStudents 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 first

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 certified 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 offers advanced placement courses in Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, english, french, Art, and Psychology. these are first year university credit courses. Although I could not even speak english well before I came to Abbotsford, I have placed first or second in many different 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


oPtIon to oBtAIn unIverSIty CredItS WHIle In HIgH

SCHool


SPeCIAlty 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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Why Choose Abbotsford?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 traffic control, or in aerospace engineering and maintenance. In addition spending time in a simulator, students visit and air traffic control tower, fixed 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 complacted 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…

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ESL SupportLow 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 AssistantsAbbotsford school district employs specially trained individuals as International Assistants (IAs). Many IAs speak the students’ first 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


extrA level of Student SuPPort

skillsSpecial Care/SupportAbbotsford supports international students by providing:

Student OrientationBefore 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:


opportunitySports 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 ExchangesField Trip destinations have included ski resorts, art galleries, museums, outdoor natural parks, government offices, universities, science centers and many other classroom related locales.

School Clubs and Extracurricular ActivitiesArt, 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 ClubsBelow is a sample of activities and events that are coordinated in some schools to help our students gainexposure to new experiences and develop confidence:

family


QuAlIty, 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 sufficient 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 first 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 different 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 off. 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 office 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 Office

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.

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