International - 2020-21 High School at University

2020-21

High School at University viu.ca/high-school

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Schools in Canada that are part of a university

Independence and flexibility of learning on a university campus

Chromebook Environment One-to-one technology initiative putting a Chromebook into the hands of every student

15:1

A student-teacher ratio of 15:1 creating a more personalised learning environment

LIFE ON CAMPUS The High School at VIU was established in 1996, and it is proud to offer high school programs that provide an ideal transition to post-secondary education in Canada.

Campus Facilities • Art Gallery • Bike Lockers • Bookstore • Cafeterias • Computer Labs • Gymnasium (including a fitness/weight room, courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and soccer, and a squash/racquetball court) • International Centre for Sturgeon Studies • Library • Medical Clinic • Museum of Natural History • Public Transit Exchange • Restaurants (including Discovery Room, Starbucks and Subway) • Science laboratories • Theatre • Wireless Internet Access (free)

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BRITISH COLUMBIA DOGWOOD DIPLOMA 80 credits (20 courses) is the minimum number of credits required for graduation. Students who intend to apply to university programs may need to take more than the minimum in order to satisfy university entrance and course prerequisites.

REQUIRED COURSES

SUBJECT AREA

Application Period Throughout the year

Start Dates September and February

Program Length 1 to 3 years depending on age and English ability

DUAL-CREDIT COURSES

Qualified students can accelerate their learning at THS by taking dual-credit courses in their Grade 12 year.

Dual-credit courses are introductory firstyear university courses that students can use for credit toward both their high school diploma and an eligible university degree.

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HIGH SCHOOL AT VIU

MINIMUM CREDITS

Career Life Education

4

Language Arts 10

4

Language Arts 11

4

English Studies 12

4

Mathematics 10

4

Mathematics 11 or 12

4

Fine Arts and/or Applied Skills 10, 11 or 12

4

Social Studies 10

4

Social Studies 11 or 12

4

Science 10

4

Science 11 or 12

4

Physical Education 10

4

Career Life Connections Total

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Elective credits from Grade 10-12 courses 28

OVERALL TOTAL 80 * International students who enter a British Columbia school at the beginning of Grade 12 may find it difficult to meet all of the requirements for earning a Dogwood Diploma, unless they have had considerable instruction in one of Canada's two official languages prior to coming to British Columbia.

UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS

Our principal will map out the next steps for your academic development and offer guidance about universities or other post-secondary educational institutions.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM FEES APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

CANADIAN STUDENTS

Full year (10 months)

Tuition

$9,750

Application Fee

$100

Total

Canadian Students 1. Copy of the most recent grades (report cards) for the last year 2. Copy of birth certificate and care card

$9,850

Note: Tuition fees of $12,950 per year apply to students whose parents are not residents of British Columbia

International Students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

1 semester (5 months)

Full year (10 months)

Application Fee

$250

$250

Custodianship Application

$250

$250

$8,500

$17,000

$500

$1,000

$9,500

$18,500

Tuition Medical Insurance Total

1. Certified copy of educational documents for the past 2 years, in the student's own language 2. Certified copy of educational documents for the past 2 years, translated into English 3. Passport photo page

HOMESTAY FEES Non-refundable Application Fee

$250

Damage Deposit

$925

Homestay fees*

$925/month

Total $10,425

SIBLING DISCOUNT

* Monthly fees must be paid prior to arrival and will be paid to homestay families on behalf of the student.

Annual tuition discount of up to $3,000 for siblings, or children of parents enrolled at VIU.

* All costs are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change without notice.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING PATHWAY

INTENSIVE LANGUAGE SUPPORT Our unique high school program provides international students with English language instruction and integrated academic instruction. Based on the assessment in Nanaimo, students will be placed in the appropriate English level.

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THE HIGH SCHOOL AT VIU HIGH SCHOOL AT VIU

Application stage

Vital English

Arrival in Nanaimo

Placement test

Intensive Beginner level

English Language Preparation 10

Intermediate level

English Language Preparation 11

Academic transition level

English Language Preparation 12

Academic course

English Language Arts 10

Academic course

English Language Arts 11

Academic course

English Language Arts 12

60%+ Grade

< 60% Grade

University Preparation at VIU or IELTS/TOEFL

Graduate from High School and meet university entry requirements

60% average

INSPIRED BY NATURE A blend of Environmental Science 11 and Art Foundations 11/12.

It connects students with the natural world and offers a more holistic, engaging, and creative learning experience.

The program follows a modified timetable, which allows students to study in local natural areas (eg. forests, beaches, parks) across Vancouver Island.

The Inspired by Nature program also arranges an annual multi-day Field School to provide high school students with a university-style learning experience.

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Accommodation: HOMESTAY For international students (and domestic students whose families do not reside in the Greater Nanaimo area).

The homestay program is designed to promote friendship and language learning for students. It provides opportunities for cultural exchange between Canadians and international students who attend The High School at VIU.

FEATURES • English speaking host family in Nanaimo • Private, furnished bedroom and quiet study area For more information, visit: ths.viu.ca/homestay

• 3 meals provided by the family • 1 student per home from a specific language or cultural group • Students generally make their own breakfast and lunch; the host family will make dinner • FEELS LIKE HOME!

HOMESTAY FOR HIGH SCHOOL Younger students require more attention and support, so we take extra care when selecting hosts and assign a staff member to check in with them regularly.

CUSTODIANSHIP All students under the age of 19 must have a custodian.

This custodian must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, over 25 years old, and must live full time in the Nanaimo area. You may choose to appoint the school principal as custodian if the student is participating in the VIU homestay program.

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HIGH SCHOOL AT VIU

RICHARD |

BERMUDA

The best part of my experience has got to be the open-armed friendliness that this school perpetuates. It has helped me grow from someone who was in a shell to someone who is comfortable and proud to be myself. I recommend THS for its friendly atmosphere, relatively small class sizes and easy and direct communication with teachers.

It can be tough at first getting used to the open-mindedness of most students however I encourage all who decide to come to THS to use this opportunity to learn about people and their different cultures. It will help you broaden your world view and ultimately make you a more well-rounded individual.

NIKI |

JOCELYN |

IRAN

I've always been interested in learning about other cultures and when I had the opportunity to study in another country, I knew I wanted to go to an international school in Canada. Being on a university campus means we can use so many cool features that other high schoolers can't.

So I chose the High School at VIU. Beside the multicultural experience, the academic experience has been great.

The teachers are very well educated and are aware of our cultural differences, so no one feels left out. The students work hard and are kind, and the school is a safe space.

MEDICAL INSURANCE Health care services in Canada can be expensive and it is mandatory to have insurance coverage. All students will be registered in the guard.me health insurance plan.

CANADA

The people are the best part of THS. Everyone is very nice and accepting and it makes for a great learning environment.

I have never felt so a part of a community before I came to THS. The small class sizes make life a lot less stressful. The location on the university campus gives us access to a lot of opportunities. And the use of technology like Chromebooks makes it a lot easier to do homework.

Canadian students: do not expect THS to be like a normal high school. It is different so be open to a new school environment.

ELL students: Don't worry about your English. Everybody will be patient with you and help you if you need it.

Our high school has a multicultural learning environment with representation from Canada (40%) and 20 other countries (60%)

TOP UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES: University of Toronto

Tamagawa Academy & University

University of Victoria

Michigan State University

The University of British Columbia

Vancouver Island University

Simon Fraser University

McGill University

York University

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OTHER PROGRAMS

Instruction for all these programs will be provided by faculty at Vancouver Island University and British Columbia certified teachers.

International University Foundation International students who have earned a high school diploma in their home country, but do not meet university entrance requirements, can complete the International University Foundation Program at VIU. Upon successful completion, they are guaranteed acceptance to Vancouver Island University, subject to meeting entry requirements.

We welcome applications with O-levels, AS and A-level subjects unsuited to their chosen course, non-standard qualifications or those who require additional English language support.

This program is geared to students between 16 - 25 years.

For more information: ths.viu.ca/university-foundation.

Adult International High School Diploma If you are interested in a custom program for students aged 14 - 18 years, email highschool@viu.ca

International students who have not graduated high school in their home country, have an IELTS score of less than 6.0, can complete the Adult International High School diploma at VIU. Upon successful completion, they will earn a BC high school diploma and are guaranteed acceptance to Vancouver Island University, subject to meeting entry requirements.

This program is geared to students between 18 - 25 years.

For more information: ths.viu.ca/adult-high-school.

ADVISORY AND COUNSELLING SERVICES Our dedicated Advisors help you to discover, plan and work toward your educational goals.

Our Counselling Services offer a variety of free, confidential and professional supports to assist in the management of personal challenges.

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HIGH SCHOOL AT VIU

Summer Program: English Language Learning The ELL summer program offers English Language Learning, immersion into Canadian language and culture, and day trips to Vancouver, Victoria, Parksville, Coombs and Cathedral Grove. The program runs during July and August, and students can choose between a 1 - 8 week duration.

This program is geared to students between 14 - 18 years.

For more information: ths.viu.ca/summer-programs.

HOW TO APPLY The High School at Vancouver Island University would be honoured to have you join our unique high school on the west coast of Canada. We use an online portal, called True North, to receive applications. The steps below are an overview of the application process. Email us at highschool@viu.ca if you have any questions.

1. Submit Application

4. Official Acceptance Package

Submit application on True North, including documents, homestay profile (if applicable), and application fee.

Upon receipt of the tuition deposit, THS will send you your “Official Acceptance Package”.

Admission requirements: See page 4 and ths.viu.ca/dogwood-high-school

If you are an international student, this package will include documents that you will need to submit to the Canadian High Commission for your study permit application.

2. Assessment An online English assessment will be conducted after submitting your application on True North.

3. Conditional Acceptance and Invoice Successful applicants will be notified by email with a “Conditional Letter of Acceptance”. The letter will request full tuition to be paid prior to the release of your “Official Acceptance Package”.

A Custodianship Declaration will also be provided, if applicable.

5. Homestay Placement Six weeks prior to your arrival in Nanaimo, you will receive details of the host family that you will be staying with and you will be invited to contact them.

6. Registration and Pre-Arrival Orientation Four weeks prior to your arrival in Nanaimo, you will receive a welcome email from our principal with a campus map and an orientation schedule.

At this time, you will also be required to update us on the status of your study permit.

7. Orientation You are required to attend an orientation session upon arrival. International students will complete a Math and English assessment.

Please carry a copy of your study permit for your student file.

Apply Early

Start Dates

Program Length

We accept applications through the calendar year.

However, because visa processing times vary, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.

September and February

1 to 3 years depending on age and English ability

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CONTACT US The High School at Vancouver Island University 900 Fifth Street Nanaimo, BC Canada, V9R 5S5

NOTES

Phone: 1.250.740.6317 Email: HighSchool@viu.ca

viu.ca/high-school theHighSchoolatVIU highschoolVIU

The High School at VIU is bonded with the Ministry of Education, Province of British Columbia. The bonding arrangement ensures that all fees paid to The High School at VIU are insured against liabilities. All students are required to initially register and pay in full for a minimum of two terms.

The High School at VIU is affiliated with Vancouver Island University’s Faculty of International Education, and is located on its Nanaimo campus.

TRAVEL TO NANAIMO

WHISTLER MT. WASHINGTON

NANAIMO

VANCOUVER

USA

VICTORIA AIRPLANE

BC FERRIES

FLOAT PLANE

20 minute flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo airport (YCD)

Two car/passenger ferry routes linking Vancouver to Nanaimo Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (1.5 hours) Tsawwassen to Duke Point (2 hours)

Two float plane companies that link Vancouver and Nanaimo Harbour Air (20 minutes) Seair (20 minutes)

CANADA

SEATTLE

PORTLAND