Medical Insurance

• Ingle International

About Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia Tourism
• Government of Nova Scotia
• Immigration – Nova Scotia

About Prince Edward Island

• Government of PEI
• PEI Tourism

About New Brunswick

• Government of New Brunswick
• New Brunswick Tourism

About Newfoundland & Labrador

• Government of Newfoundland & Labrador
• Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

About Quebec

• Official tourist site of the Government of Québec
• Québec Portal

Coming to Canada

• Government of Canada  – International Study in Canada

The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population (excluding the territories). The island has a few other names: “Garden of the Gulf” referring to the pastoral scenery and lush agricultural lands throughout the province; and “Birthplace of Confederation”, referring to the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. And lovingly nicknamed, “Million Acre Farm”, due to half of the island’s 1,398,000 acres being cultivated.

Prince Edward Island has approximately 140,000 residents collectively referred to as Islanders. It is located in a rectangle at 5,684 km² in size. It is the 104th largest island in the world (!), and Canada’s 23rd largest island. The island’s namesake is Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent (1767–1820), the fourth son of King George III and the father of Queen Victoria.
The island is a lively place for festivals, concerts, theatres and events. Anne of Green Gables for example a book by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery and published in 1908, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008!

YouTube Video about Prince Edward Island

Climate: The climate on Prince Edward Island is milder than the Canadian mainland because the warm waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence surround it..
Summers are quite warm, but rarely humid. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 20′s and can go as high as 32 degrees C. Summer days and evenings have a refreshing breeze. July and August are the warmest and driest months. Winters temperatures can range from -3 to -11 degrees C. Snow arrives in November and remains until late April. Winter storms cause frequent school and business closures for brief periods. Spring brings the Island alive with colour in late May and early June with an average temperature of 22 degrees C. Lobster fishing is in full swing and the farmers are planting and cultivating their crops of potatoes, cole crops, berries and grains. Autumn is clear and bright. The gently rolling landscape quickly assumes its crimson colours as the harvest begins and continues until November.

the weather today http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=PE

Language: English is the official language in Prince Edward Island. Historically ethnic groups consist of people from Scottish descent followed by English, Irish, French, German, and Dutch descent, defining their ethnicity “Canadian.”

Education: Prince Edward Island is home to one university, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), as well as the Atlantic Veterinary College, offering an excellent veterinary medicine program. P.E.I. is also home to the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada and the Holland College, offering specialized facilities such as the Atlantic Police Academy, Marine Training Centre, and the Culinary Institute of Canada.

Prince Edward Island has ten secondary schools participating in the international student program. The department of Education encourages international students to spend at least one academic year in a Prince Edward Island high school. International students can renew their application up to grade 12. International students can graduate from a Prince Edward Island high school and have their credits transferred to their home country. Prince Edward Island’s educational system ranks international exposure very high on their qualitative factors for a well rounded education, therefore international students are considered an asset to the educational environment.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the gateway between Europe and North America. You will find Newfoundland and Labrador on the northeast corner of North America. Newfoundland is the island portion of the province; Labrador is the mainland portion, bordering the Province of  Quebec. The Province is Canada’s most easterly, with a population of 550,000 people.  Newfoundland and Labrador covers an area of 405,212 km² (373,872 km² of land and 31,340 km² of water). Newfoundland and Labrador is renowned for its pristinely preserved architectural landmarks that map the province’s history. In each community that you visit, you will be welcomed with friendliness and hospitality.

A YouTube Video about Newfoundland & Labrador

In 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador joint as tenth and latest province of Canada the Confederation (1 July 1867) from the provinces, colonies and territories of British North America.. Geographically, the province consists of the island of Newfoundland and the mainland Labrador, on Canada’s Atlantic coast.
While the name “Newfoundland” is derived from English as “New Found Land” (a translation from the Latin Terra Nova), Labrador comes from the Portuguese lavrador, a title meaning “landholder” held by Portuguese explorer of the region, João Fernandes Lavrador.

The weather today

Climate: The island of Newfoundland has a temperate marine climate. Winters are usually mild with a normal temperature of 0 degrees Celsius. Summer days range from cool to hot, with a normal temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. Good swimming weather generally begins at the end of June. The normal annual rainfall is 1050 mm, and the normal snowfall is 300 cm. Labrador winters are much colder than those on the island. While summers are shorter and generally cooler, extreme high temperatures are not uncommon in Labrador. >> the weather today. http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=NF

Language: The official language in Newfoundland and Labrador is English. French ranks second followed by dialects of the Irish language. Furthermore, Labrador has its own dialects of Innu-aimun and Inuktitut.

Education: The school system in Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its innovative programs, especially in the areas of outdoor and environmental education, the arts, and educational partnerships. Emphasis is placed on integrating school and community life, and providing opportunities for students to link with the larger global community.

Schools offer a provincially- approved curriculum along with exciting extra-curricular programs. School buildings are modern facilities, each with a library, technology centre, science laboratories, gymnasium, and well-equipped classrooms. Teaching staff are highly-qualified, and committed to student achievement.

Government of Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

New Brunswick (French: Nouveau-Brunswick) is the only constitutionally bilingual province (French and English) in Canada. The provincial capital is Fredericton. The provincial population is approximately 751,250; the majority is English-speaking but there is also a large Francophone minority (35%), chiefly of Acadian origin. The total land and water area of the province is 72,908 km², over 80% of which is forested.

The province’s name comes from the archaic English translation for Braunschweig; a city in northern Germany, and the ancestral home of the Hanoverian King George III of the United Kingdom. New Brunswick was one of the four original provinces of Canada and entered into the Canadian Confederation on July 1st, 1867.

• YouTube Video of New Brunswick

Climate: No part of New Brunswick lies more than 200 km from the ocean, yet the province has a typically continental flavour to its climate. During the winter, cold air, largely unaltered, frequently flows across New Brunswick from the centre of North America. In summer, the predominant air mass is warm continental, with occasional incursions of hot, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. On the other hand, influxes of moist Atlantic air produce mild spells in winter and periods of cool weather in summer. January is the coldest month in New Brunswick and July is the warmest. Average daytime highs vary between 20 and 25C in the summer and – 7C to – 12C in winter.

• the weather today

Language: New Brunswick (French: Nouveau-Brunswick) is the only constitutionally bilingual province (French and English) in Canada.

Education: New Brunswick has a comprehensive parallel system of Anglophone and francophone public high schools providing education from kindergarten to grade 12. There are also several private schools in the province, such as the university preparatory Rothesay Netherwood School (pls see under our Private High School Section). The New Brunswick Community College system has campuses in all regions of the province. There are also a number of private colleges for specialized training in the province, such as the Moncton Flight College; one of the top pilot-training academies in Canada.
The two comprehensive provincial universities are the University of New Brunswick and Université de Moncton. These institutions both have extensive post graduate programs and Schools of Law. Mount Allison University in Sackville consistently ranks as one of the best liberal arts universities in Canada and has produced 47 Rhodes Scholars, more than any other liberal arts university in North America.

• Government of New Brunswick
• New Brunswick Tourism

Most important part of an international student program is living with a family. The host family takes you in and lets you participate in their daily life. You will be part of the family with the privileges and duties that come with it. It is important that you accept the host family as YOUR family.

Not only when all is well, but also when you have problems with them. It is just like being with your natural family: you cannot just swap it when things go wrong or get on your nerves. Have you ever asked yourself why a family applies to become a host family? You must consider that we do not have a “professional” host family. Your host family welcomes you into their home because they want you to be part of their life. Their reasons are idealism, friendship and hospitality. In the same way as you want to learn from them, the family wants to learn from you. They are just as interested in you as you are in them. The family is central to your stay here. It is therefore very important that you make an effort to establish a good relationship with them. Their home is not a hotel, a restaurant or a launderette for you, but YOUR home. It isn’t always easy to become a member of a family. You must be prepared to work hard at it.

How can I get along “better” with my host family?

• Dont hesitate to ask questions about them; Show real interest in them and their lives;
• See how you can best fit in to the daily routine and contribute to household duties and chores without making a point of it.
• Avoid potential jealousy or resentment by taking on no more and no less than the others. To help out in the home goes without saying – a tidy room, laying the table, washing-up, to mention a few things, but again: don’t overdo it.
• Say Thank You once in a while to your host parents. You can soon capture the heart of the cook for example with a simple thank you, the meal was wonderful.
• Include the host family in your activities; when a picture is being taken, ask to have it taken with them, or you may be invited to a parties other children in the family may not be. If they want to come, you should at least ask if they might come along too. However, if your family has planned something for the weekend on which the super party is taking place – thats bad luck for the party. Family activities always take precedence. Naturally that does not mean you cannot ask… (But dont leave it until the last moment).
• Host families often arrange for example trips or outings to places of interest in the area. They think they are doing you a favor. Show interest and gratitude, even if you’d rather be elsewhere. If this happens very often, talk to your family about it.

What if I think I have problems with my host family?

Talk to your family about it. Whatever the problems are they must be discussed with the family. You should always remember that the family would still be living with what you have said in the community long after you have left. Later on you may see things from a completely different point of view anyway. The only person you should approach outside the family is your local homestay coordinator or Agency representative who is always there when you need her, or the other members of the program. Problems, which may occur with the family, should only be discussed with the above-mentioned persons.

What if I have a question or a problem and my host family as well as my homestay coordinator are unavailable or unable to help me?

You can call your agency representative in Canada on our 24-hour emergency hotline in case of an emergency at any time. The representative will do her best to help you as fast as she can. Please keep in mind that the representative will not be able to drive to where you live. What she can do for you is to listen, to give you advice about how you should act or to contact other people who will be able to help you. Your agency representative can be reached at:  Tel.: +1-902-646-1967

What should I bring with me from home?

• Naturally most of your luggage will consist of clothing. We suggest bringing apart from the usual things like jeans, sweat shirts, etc. something dressier. This may come in handy for attending some of the high school festivities. Dont worry – we do not ask you to buy a smoking or a ball-dress. Simply add a dressy skirt or a jacket to your wardrobe.
• Apart from clothes, and considering the weight restrictions for your luggage, stroll through your hometown armed with a camera and take a few pictures from your area. You may be asked to talk about Germany and pictures of your home and your family is a very useful and interesting tool. Further, bring a few recipes from your home country. Your host family will certainly be enthused being surprised with your favorite meal.
• Last but not least: Bring a good dictionary (just in case).
• Another interesting book to consider taking with you would be a book including facts about your home country. While in Canada, you will not only learn about foreign cultures but also may have to answer questions about your own country.

What kind of present should I bring for my host family?

The more you know about your host family beforehand the easier it is to find something suitable as a little thank you for their hospitality. Here are also a few more ideas that worked well in the past:
Pictures from your hometown (in a special design); A book, or an illustrated book about your home country (in English); A cooking book with popular recipes from your home country (in English);
Lace tablecloth or window decoration; Crystal; Wooden toys; Chocolate

The sea defines Nova Scotia. No matter where you go, it is never more than 35 kilometers away. The coastline is more than 7,400 kilometers long, punctuated by idyllic harbors and inlets, sandy beaches and glacier-shorn cliffs. Nova Scotia is a thrilling charge on a big sailboat before a cool, clean North Atlantic summer gale.

• View a YouTube Video about Nova Scotia

It is rafting the highest tides in the world (18 meters). It is an October walk along a twisting trail through the fluorescent red and orange forest. Great outdoors, history, lot’s of things to see and do, this province offers an abundance of activities, living history, spectacular scenery, friendly and giving people, dynamic arts and culture environment and excellent international recognized education institutions.

• The weather today

Climate: Nova Scotia is a very temperate province with four distinct seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Summers tend to be warm (20°C to 30°C), and temperatures tend to cool off in October. There is usually snow by December. January and February are the coldest months (-15°C to 0°C) while temperatures begin to rise by late March.

Language: English is the official language in Nova Scotia. Acadian French, a language that has evolved into its own separate dialect, rather than a regional version of French, is spoken in several regions of the province as a second language. And Mi’kmaq is the Aboriginal nation’s native tongue, using English as their second language.

Education: Historically, one of the most valuable exports for Nova Scotia has been educated citizen. Citizens of Nova Scotia include the first scientist to explain the purpose of DNA, the discoverer of kerosene oil, and the inventor of asphalt. Currently, many of Nova Scotia’s scholars are exported for employment in the technology, biomedical, and biology/marine biology fields. Nova Scotia contains 11 Universities, 5 Post Secondary Colleges, and 511 Private & Public Schools (Grades Primary to 12) for a population of less than 950,000.

The department of Education encourages international students to spend at least one academic year in a Nova Scotia high school. Students can renew their application up to grade 12. Students can graduate from a Nova Scotia high school and have their credits transferred to their home country. Nova Scotia’s educational system ranks international exposure very high on their qualitative factors for a well rounded education, therefore international students are considered an asset to the educational environment.

• Nova Scotia Tourism
• Government of Nova Scotia
• Education – Nova Scotia

Located in the northeast of the North American continent, Canada’s largest province covers an area of 1,667,926 km2 (643,819 sq. mi.). It is twice the size of Texas and seven times the size of the United Kingdom.
Québec’s immense territory stretches for nearly 2,000 km (1,250 miles) from north to south, and 1,500 km (930 miles) from east to west. It extends from the fertile St. Lawrence Lowlands bordering four US states (New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine), to the vast expanse of Baffin Island and the northern boreal seas. Québec borders Ontario on the west and New Brunswick on the east.

One of the world’s major rivers, the St. Lawrence also shapes the topography of Québec’s southern regions. Its fertile plain stretches between the Canadian Shield to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the south. Québec’s Laurentians are some of the oldest mountains on the planet.

• View a YouTube Video about Quebec

Climate: Québec’s southernmost climate is marked by seasonal extremes of temperature. A rigorous snowy winter, with an average annual snowfall of over 3 meters (10 feet), gives way to an exhilarating spring and a hot summer, extinguished by a crisp and flamboyant autumn. But through all the thermometer’s ups and downs, the hospitality and conviviality of the nearly 7.5 million people living in Quebec is legendary.

• The weather today

Language: French is the official language in Quebec. Some 83 per cent of the population speaks French at home, while 11 per cent speaks English, and 6 per cent speaks another language. Half of the labor force speaks a third language and most of the 11 Aboriginal nations speak their Native languages and use French or English as a second language.

Education: At this point in history when the global village is growing at an ever-increasing rate, opening up to other cultures and learning about other countries is an essential element of civic education. Within this context, increasing student mobility and international student programs with a particular emphasis on language learning has become a priority of the Quebec government; educational institutions are being encouraged in their efforts to globalize.

Quebec has an excellent education system and some of the highest enrollment and graduation rates among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Quebec also offers excellent programs at junior colleges called CEGEP’s. These ”Colleges d’enseignement general et professionnel” offer two year general and three year professional programs, in your choice of French or English.

• Official tourist site of the Government of Québec
• Québec Education Information Portal

When are schools open in Atlantic Canada?

First Semester: 5 months – Beginning of September / January 31st
Year Program: 10 months – Beginning of September / June 30th
Second Semester Program: 5 months – Beginning of February / June 30th

Q. When are schools open in Quebec?

First Semester: 5 months – August 15th / January 15th
Year Program: 10 months – August 15th / June 30th
Second Semester Program: 5 months – January 15th / June 15th

Q. Do I need to speak fluent English or French to attend a school in Atlantic Canada or Quebec?

No. International Students are not required to be fluent in English or French, however some understanding of the language will make your transition to Canada easier.

Q. What school will I attend?

There are approximately 130 participating schools in Atlantic Canada and Quebec in the program. Each school is a member of one of the provincial participating school boards. The school board will choose the school you attend based on the information you send. You will be notified of your school before you arrive.

Q. How long is the program?

The program is for as long as you would like to study in the province. Most students come for one year or five months, but some have taken two years or more. Each year you participate you are responsible for paying the program cost.

Q. Can I receive a High School diploma?

Yes. Students may graduate if they meet provincial high school graduation requirements.

Q. When can I arrive?

If you are planning to begin your studies in September you can arrive a couple of days before school starts which is usually the first week in September. If you are planning to come for the second semester, you should be prepared to arrive in late January early February.

Q. Are school books and school supplies provided?

Text books are provided to the student by the school, however, school supplies such as pens and papers are not provided and are the responsibility of the student.

Q. How does the International Student Program find the right school for me?

According to the application we receive, you will be placed by the Department of Education in an area where school and host family meet your needs and requests best.

Q. What is the weather like in Atlantic Canada?

Atlantic Canada is a very temperate province with four distinct seasons-winter, spring, summer, and fall. Summers tend to be warm (20°C – 30°C), and temperatures tend to cool in October. There is usually snow by December. January and February are the coldest months (-15°C- 0°C) while temperatures begin to rise by late March. Approximately 2,350,000 people live in Atlantic Canada and 7,750,000 in Quebec

Q. What is the weather like in Quebec?

Québec’s southernmost climate is marked by seasonal extremes of temperature. A rigorous snowy winter, with an average annual snowfall of over 3 meters (10 feet), gives way to an exhilarating spring and a hot summer, extinguished by a crisp and flamboyant autumn. But through all the thermometer’s ups and downs, the hospitality and conviviality of the nearly 7.5 million people living in Quebec is legendary.

Q. Will I receive medical coverage?

Yes. Part of the program fees includes the cost of provincial medical insurance. Your medical insurance will insure you for trips to the doctor and any hospital coverage. It will not cover you for dental work unless the work needed to be done is the result of an accident since you’ve been in the province.

Q. Can I receive a High School diploma?

Yes. Students may graduate if they meet provincial high school graduation requirements.

Q. When can I arrive?

If you are planning to begin your studies in September you can arrive a couple of days before school starts which is usually the first week in September for Atlantic Canada and Mid August for Quebec. If you are planning to come for the second semester, you should be prepared to arrive in late January early February for Atlantic Canada and Mid January for Quebec.

Q. Who will pick me up at the airport?

You will be met at the airport by a representative of ISR Canada and either your homestay family or a member of the school board.

Q. Are school books and school supplies provided?

Text books are provided to the student by the school, however, school supplies such as pens and papers are not provided and are the responsibility of the student.

Q. What should I bring with me?

Bring with you mementos from home. Pictures, a flag-any special items to show your new family and friends where you come from.

During My Enrollment

Q. Can my family come to visit me while I study here?

Yes. ISR Canada encourages students parents to come for a visit. It is advised, however, that parents come towards the end of the program. Families are expected to arrange for their own accommodations.

Q. What do I do if I have problems with school or my host family?

ISR Canada representatives can be reached 24 hours 7 days a week to discuss your problems with. In addition, each school board has a representative and at least one home-stay coordinator you can turn to as well.

Q. Can I travel while enrolled in the program?

Yes. Students are able to travel under certain conditions. See travel policy in the student handbook.

Q. Is transportation provided to and from school?

It depends on where you attend school and how far away you live from the school. Students who are eligible for transportation are picked up in the morning and dropped off in the afternoon by school buses. In the urban centers students quite often travel to and from school using the public transport system (student is responsible for cost), while those who live close to their school quite often walk.

Q. Is driving permitted?

Under the rules of ISR Canada students are allowed to obtain a beginner’s drivers license but only under the following conditions: students take driver’s education with a licensed, certified professional; license is sent to the ISR Canada office and cannot be used by student; student has written permission from their family; students cannot drive their host family’s car, and all costs of the training are paid for by the student.

Q. How does the International Student Program find the right school for me?

According to the application we receive, you will be placed by the Department of Education in an area where school and host family meet your needs and requests best.

Upon Completion of the Public High School Program

Q. Can I attend a Canadian university/college after completing the program?

Yes. All universities/colleges in Atlantic Canada accept international students. You are required to pass the TOEFL, (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam before being accepted. University enrollment in Quebec upon request.

International Class Afloat “Classroom at Sea”

Founded in 1984, Class Afloat offers young people from around the world the opportunity to learn while sailing on a tallship, discover our shared planet, while being challenged in a rigorous programme of academic study.  All the while developing leadership skills and raising cross-cultural awareness.

New Brunswick

Rothesay Netherwood School. RNS is an independent, day and boarding school for grades 6-12 in Rothesay, New Brunswick. With highly qualified and dedicated teachers, we challenge students to be active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who develop a greater appreciation for the world around them

Newfoundland & Labrador

St. Bonaventure’s College is a Kindergarten to Grade Twelve Catholic School in the Jesuit tradition, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is located in the historic centre of North America’s oldest city. The college was founded by Bishop Thomas Mullock in 1857 and placed under the administration of the Franciscan Friars. Jesuit education is a call to human excellence, to the fullest possible development of all human qualities. It is a call to critical thinking and disciplined studies, a call to develop the whole person, head and heart, intellect and feelings.

Nova Scotia

Sacred Heart Schools of Halifax, (All Boys – All Girls) was founded in 1849 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, is part of the international network of Sacred Heart Schools dedicated to common goals that emphasize faith which is relevant to today’s world, respect for intellectual values, personal growth, the building of community as a Christian value, and a sense of social justice which impels to action. Our student body is diverse, embracing students from many parts of the world. We have a unique structure that serves the developmental needs of students from four years to high school graduation. Our elementary school (Junior Primary to grade six) offers a co-educational learning environment, and in grade seven our girls move into Sacred Heart High School and our boys into Fountain Academy of the Sacred Heart. All three divisions of Sacred Heart School of Halifax are located on our Spring Garden Road campus, across from the Public Gardens in downtown Halifax. Sacred Heart offers the only independent school single sex educational option in the Atlantic Provinces. We know from long experience that adolescent girls and adolescent boys benefit from educational approaches tailored to their different learning styles and preferences.

Email us for information regarding our programs.