FAQ

Application and Fees:

What is your refund policy?

In all cases, the application fee will be retained to cover administrative expenses. In the event that a students does not come to Canada or decides not to attend or to leave the International Program for personal reasons, only a portion of the paid tuition fee will be refunded.

The following refund policy will apply for each student:
- Full refund (less application fee) if the Study Permit authorization is not approved by the Canadian Immigration and supporting documentation of this rejection is supplied (student must provide letter of rejection from the High Commission).
- Two-thirds (2/3) of the full tuition fee if the student withdraws prior to commencement of program.
- One half (1/2) of the full tuition fee if the student withdraws within first month of studies.

See our refund policy.

What are the application deadlines?

The Abbotsford School District does not have a deadline for applications. You are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible due to limited availability in some schools or programs.  Students also must leave themselves enough time to apply for a study permit (processing times vary depending on where you have submitted your application). 

Do I need a study permit?

Yes, all international students must apply for a study permit.  Even if you are applying for a short-term study you are strongly encouraged to apply for a study permit.

Do I need medical insurance?

Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP) will cover all international students at the end of a three-month waiting period. MSP coverage is required by law. It is compulsory that our international students have health insurance. During the three-month waiting period for MSP coverage, the school district purchases private medical coverage for all international students.  You can view and information package about the private medical coverage in a variety of different languages here.  Learn more about MSP.

What is custodianship?  Do I need it?

Immigration Canada requires that all international students under the age of 18 appoint a custodian to act in their parents place.  This is a legal requirement that must be met in order for you to reside in Canada.   This notarized declaration must be signed by both the parents and the custodian.  The Abbotsford school district is able to act as the student’s custodian free of charge.  If you would like to choose your own custodian, they must be at least 25 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and reside in the Abbotsford area.

How long does it take to process my application?

All applications will be acknowledged.  Applicants will normally be advised within one week whether they have been offered placement in an Abbotsford school.

What age do students have to be to apply?

The Abbotsford School district will place international students in all grades from Kindergarten to Grade 12.  However, students under the age of 12 must have a parent or direct relative who lives with them in Abbotsford.  If a student intends to graduate with a B.C. diploma, the upper age limit to apply in 17 (however, students may still apply for a single semester if they are 18).  

What do I need in regards to school transcripts?

Students must attach all original transcripts for the past three years translated into English.  Please also email or fax the original, un-translated copies of the transcripts.

What grades do I need to have to be accepted?

Average and above average students are normally accepted as international students.  Students are often accepted with a 65% or above average.

Our Program:

If I only apply for one semester, can I choose to extend my stay?

Yes, students are usually able to extend their stay providing that there is space available.

What are the rules?  What happens if I break them?

The rules can be viewed in the Student Handbook and the Participation Agreement.  Students who violate them will first receive a warning.  An international student may be asked to withdraw from the Abbotsford School District International Program if the same violations persist, or in the case of very serious infractions.

Do I need to speak fluent English to attend school in Abbotsford?  Are all international students required to take ESL?

Admission into the Abbotsford School District International Program does not depend on a student’s English abilities. At orientation, school counselors will assist students in choosing courses that match their English ability and interests. International Students are integrated into classes with Canadian students and then will receive the appropriate amount of ESL support.

Once students arrive in Abbotsford their English language abilities will be accessed.  Students identified as needing ESL support will be enrolled in an ESL class.  ESL courses are vital to your success in other courses, and the number of regular academic classes you take will increase as your English improves.  Only students with a test score of advanced proficiency will be exempt from taking ESL. 

Am I able to attain a B.C. graduation diploma?

Yes, international students are able to obtain a B.C. graduation diploma in Abbotsford.  It is a three year program ( i.e. it is necessary to complete certain requirements in grades 10, 11 and 12 in order to graduate).  Students are strongly encouraged to come in grade 10 if they intend to graduate; however, those with strong English may come in grade 11.

Learn more about B.C. Graduation

Can I attend North American universities after I study in Abbotsford?

The British Columbian Dogwood Diploma is accepted all over the world, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Can I arrive late?

Students may arrive late, but they will not receive a refund for the time they missed.  Students should try their best to arrive on time, and should consider orientation mandatory.

Can I travel while in Abbotsford?

Day trips outside of the city of Abbotsford must be first be authorized by the host family and your natural parent(s). However, the International Program must also approve any overnight travel in addition to the host family and natural parents.  The International Program is the final authority on any overnight travel outside the city of Abbotsford.

A student’s ability to travel abroad or to the United States depends of a case by case basis.  Please view immigration Canada’s website for regulations regarding international travel.

Schools:

When are schools in session?

Schools are in session from the beginning of September until the end of June.  In Secondary Schools, each school year is split into two semesters, September to February and February to June.  International Students may begin their studies in either semester. There is a two week break at the end of December for Christmas and week long break in March for Spring Break.  Class is in session Monday to Friday from approximately 8:00 to 3:00 with a lunch break mid-day.

Which schools are the best?

All of the schools in Abbotsford are of the same quality.  We distribute programs throughout all of the different schools, such that each school has its own strength.  Regardless of size, all schools follow the same curriculum and provide quality education.  By completing the “interests” section of the application form, the International Program will be able to help match each student with the best school for them. 

How do you decide which school to place students in?

We try to match student’s interests and goals with the best school for them.  However, we also believe in providing a full immersion experience and try to evenly distribute students between all of our schools.

Will I receive course credit?

If you pass a course you will receive course credit.  All students will receive a completed transcript except for in certain cases (some short term studies).

Which schools offer ESL?

All Elementary, Middle and Secondary Schools in Abbotsford offer ESL and accept international students.  ESL services are delivered in a number of different ways including separate ESL courses and other support services depending on the student’s English ability.

How do I decide which courses to take? 

Elementary and Middle School students do not have a choice when it comes to their courses and take a mix of regular academic courses and electives.  In Secondary School, deciding which courses to take can be a more difficult process and will depend on the students’ educational goals.  All international students have appointments with their counselor before they begin classes to talk about their course planning.  This occurs at orientation, and is one of the reasons why attending orientation is mandatory. 

Can I change schools?

We strongly encourage that students remain at the same school, as this is in your best interest.  However, at the end of the school year students may put in a formal request to change schools if they have proper educational concerns.

Do I have to maintain certain grades while in Abbotsford?

Students must maintain a passing grade in all of their courses.

What kind of specialty programs do you offer?

We offer a wide variety of specialty programs including the International Baccalaureate Program, Advanced Placement, Specialty Arts Programs, and Sports Academies.  Learn more about our Specialty Programs.

What courses are offered at your schools?

Each school offers a wide variety of courses including academic courses, electives and specialty programs.  Students can choose from a wide variety of academic courses such as Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, English, History, Geography, Psychology, Business, and more.  There are also courses such as Art, Drama, Music, Computers, Woodwork, Cooking, Sewing, Mechanics, Physical Education, Photography, Fashion Design, Student Leadership, and many more.  The specific courses offered can also be viewed on most of the secondary school websites.

Homestay:

What is included in homestay?

Homestay provides a safe, clean, and friendly home environment for students to live in nearby their school.  The student is given a clean, private room which is outfitted with basic furniture and a window.  The room must include: 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.  Students are also provided three meals a day and nutritious snacks.

Can I change homestays?

It is preferred that students do not move during their school term. Families and students are expected to make every effort to make the homestay a success. The student’s International Assistant will try to help resolve any problems before a move is considered.  However, students may change homestays if a move is deemed necessary.

What should I bring with me when I come?

Please refer to the Pre-Departure Information for more on preparing to come to Canada.

Are there rules for living in homestay?

For rules and further information on homestay, students should read the homestay section in the Student Handbook.

Parents:

As a parent coming to Abbotsford, are there landing/settlement services available?

There are a number of private companies in the community who provide landing/settlement services.  You may email stuart.asdbc@shawbiz.ca if you would like to receive a list. 

As a parent coming to Abbotsford, what are my transportation options?

It is best to have a car if you plan to live in Abbotsford.  If this is not an option, you could use public transit, and live near a major bus route.

Please refer to the Student Handbook for answers to any other questions.