International Students Set to Start New Year

A new school year is about to begin, and this year 29 students from Mexico will be in Nova Scotian classrooms. The students are arriving in Halifax on Friday, Aug. 28, as part of Nova Scotia's International Student Program for high school students.

"Nova Scotia offers a quality education and a safe environment in which to study and live," said Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison. "We're pleased students from other parts of the world can experience firsthand what our schools and communities have to offer. Our students will gain from the relationships with young people from around the world."

The International Student Program is designed for students who want to experience a North American education and lifestyle. International students typically come to Nova Scotia for their last year of high school. Their experience prepares them to enter a Canadian university and complements the efforts of Nova Scotia universities and colleges to attract international students.

The Department of Education and Culture began the process of marketing Nova Scotia's secondary education internationally in September 1997. The Chignecto Central Regional School Board, the Southwest School Board and the Halifax Regional School Board are now taking part in the program. The students from Mexico will attend classes in schools throughout the three regions.

Eighteen of the students will take part in the full school year. Eleven will return home by the end of December.

International students pay a fee for their education along with room and board. The students live with local families during their stay in Nova Scotia, and school boards gain financially and, most significantly, Nova Scotia students gain culturally.

"This is a unique opportunity for students wishing to experience firsthand the education and lifestyle of Nova Scotia," said Mr. Harrison. "I'm pleased to welcome them to our beautiful province and wish them much success in the coming months."

NOTE TO EDITORS: The students from Mexico will be arriving at Halifax International Airport at 2:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.