Central Okanagan
Kelowna, BC
canada
School Year, Semester
Host Family
14-18 years old
The location
The District of Central Okanagan Public Schools represents a typical reality of the Canadian West. Welcoming communities nestled in the beauty of British Columbia, an active and well-organized school system. It is the 5th largest district in British Columbia, about a 4-hour drive from Vancouver with 5 schools welcoming international students, most in the city of Kelowna.
Kelowna is a city overlooking Lake Okanagan with a population of about 150,000, and offers varied activities from shopping, bars and restaurants to art galleries and performances. It is a perfect gateway to many outdoor activities, long lake beaches, mountain hiking and skiing. The region is very favorable climatically, its winters are not harsh and the long, sunny summer welcomes many visitors throughout the year.
School Offerings and Sports
No matter what your plans are for your educational future, Central Okanagan schools offer courses and programs from the British Columbia curriculum. You will create your own curriculum and experience a school system that will engage you.
All of their schools have a great athletic tradition, and the community offers year-round athletic opportunities. Participating in a sports program will be a great way to connect with new friends.
Leisure Time
The Central Okanagan district offers outdoor and indoor activities year-round.
A paradise for hiking, biking, and horseback riding with more than 40 parks, including five provincial parks. Lake Okanakan is more than 110 km long and offers beaches and opportunities for water sports. You will be immersed in beautiful scenery, rich history, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
In fall and winter, Big White Ski Resort is among the best in the world with its 118 slopes. In addition to skiing, however, you can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, indoor and outdoor skating.
And there is no shortage of community centers with state-of-the-art leisure facilities for swimming, playing soccer, tennis, and more.
As an international student, you will have the opportunity to participate in monthly activities organized by the District. You can learn about local history and traditions, local geography, and go on field trips to mountain lakes.
At school, you will meet your student coordinator who will organize activities for international students to make it easier for you to fit in and get to know other students at the school. You can join clubs, participate in field trips, discover local vacation traditions, and participate in extracurricular events right at school.
Homestay accommodation
You will be hosted by a family selected by the District, having your own private room, and with an on-site coordinator to refer to. You will meet other international students from more than thirty different countries, as well as experience school with Canadian students.