The Powell River School District offers its International Education Program to students from other countries who wish to study in Canada. Separate study options give international students the opportunity to experience the Canadian educational system at varying levels of difficulty and involvement. The District's secondary schools create stimulating working and social environments in which students learn English for pleasure or to gain credit towards graduation from a British Columbia high school. Powell River International Education Program is currently in its 15th year of operation and annually receives 45 students from all corners of the world. Less than one hour away from Vancouver, Canada's third largest city, Powell River offers international students a combination of peaceful country living with the excitement of the city a short distance away. Our program includes two senior high schools and two middle schools. Among the academic courses leading to graduation are mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, geography, history, English composition and literature, French, Spanish, and law. Non-academic courses in band, choir, acting, cooking, art, technology, computers, drafting, physical education, mechanics, woodwork, accounting, clothing, and textiles are also available to all students.

Our IEP includes a university entrance program, a 10-month academic placement program, a one-year cultural and language experience exchange, and a summer eco-adventure recreation program. International students are invited to take part in English as a Second Language classes, which include a popular community experience component. The District's schools contain fully equipped libraries, computer laboratories, and gymnasia. Brooks Secondary School boasts a world class chef's training program and Max Cameron Secondary is known for its computer labs and automotive and mechanics programs. Our affiliate school, the Academy of Music, sponsors yearly jazz and choral festivals, and offers students opportunities to explore music and learn how to mix sounds in their high tech recording studio. We are proud of our unique and friendly learning environment for international students.

Students in the International Education Program participate in a mandatory homestay program. Families are carefully selected and chosen to host students during the extent of their stay in Canada. The students benefit by staying in a safe, stable home environment while practicing their newly acquired language skills and participating in new cultural activities. A public transit system and a school bus system (free to students) assist students in commuting within Powell River. A one-time CAD $500.00 homestay placement fee applies and monthly homestay fees are CAD $650.00. Homestay families are carefully chosen to match the needs and expectations of international students.

Incoming students are welcomed at the Powell River airport by International Education Program staff and their homestay family. Students receive an orientation session, tour of the high school, and introduction to staff members, counsellors, and administrators.

Career planning is an integral component of the British Columbia Government curriculum. Career and Personal Planning (CAPP) is a mandatory requirement for high school graduation. Assistance in applying for TOEFL testing and admission to universities and colleges is available to all international students.

Powell River has the mildest winter climate in all of Canada allowing for outdoor sports year round. The community has a recreation complex with Olympic sized swimming pool, two ice rinks, and exercise gymnasium. Sports are very important to the community and international students are welcome to join any number of clubs and teams, and enjoy a wide variety of sports including basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, curling, swimming, hockey, horseback riding, skateboarding, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, golf, racquetball, tennis, badminton, and more. School teams compete in town and out of town providing all students with the opportunity to travel and enjoy their favourite sports.

Please see Sports and Clubs.

International students are invited to try out for any school or community club including Student Council and the International Student Club. Sports, mentioned above, are just one form of extracurricular activity for Powell River students and youth. Rock climbing, hiking, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, wrestling, and martial arts are some of the activities enjoyed by members of student clubs year round. Billiards, bowling, judo, karate, ice-skating, inline roller-skating, chess clubs, computer clubs, film and video studies, and a thriving music academy help keep students involved in the community while they improve their English skills and knowledge of Canadian life.

Students enrolled in Powell River schools profit from the newest technology available on campus. Computer labs provide individual PC's for each student in the class and are available for Internet exploration and extra work on school projects during lunch hours, before and after school. Computer labs complete with film and video studies are popular and Powell River is one of only three North American school districts enjoying the latest technology through the Languages Lab where students can brush up on their English or explore the world's many, diverse languages.

Cultural awareness events involving international students are a regular feature of the International Education Program. First Nations studies, including canoe trips and craft making, are included in the Summer Eco-Adventure program.

All students are completely integrated into our schools' programs. Powell River is known as a model community for people with disabilities and all schools are wheelchair accessible. First Nation's students from Sliammon share their culture with other Canadian students and through special events, dances, and concerts exchange cultural experiences and backgrounds with our small population of international students.

Malaspina University College is an affiliate institution and students enrolled in their programs can achieve first year university academic standing before transferring outside the community to universities and colleges to continue with their post-secondary studies. The Academy of Music also provides students interested in music with a special venue where music is enthusiastically shared and lessons in voice and instruments are available to people of all ages.

International student clubs attract Canadian students interested in learning about other student's cultures and countries. International students visit elementary schools in the district to share information about their countries and cultures.

All international students receive onsite tours of schools upon their arrival in Powell River. Students are introduced to school administrators, principals, teachers, and counsellors.

Regular monthly events for international students and Canadian friends are provided as well as seasonal events such as ski trips, camping excursions, and whale watching.