Ah, the joys of attending a Canadian boarding school as an international student. It’s a unique experience that can provide you with a world-class education, cultural immersion, and will be a lot of fun along the way, eh!? (ps. living in Canada means that instead of verbs and nouns, you just add “eh” to the end of every sentence, eh? (Only joking)) Anyway, let’s dive into the benefits of attending a Canadian boarding school…

1. You’ll learn to love the cold (or the rain!)

Let’s be real, most of Canada is known for its chilly weather. But attending a boarding school in Canada will make you embrace the cold like a true Canadian. You’ll learn to love the cozy feeling of a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat as you walk to class. Plus, all that snow and ice will give you the perfect opportunity to perfect your ice skating skills. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be the next Olympic figure skater?

That said, if you’re in British Columbia the weather isn’t as cold…it’s much more like Northern Europe but it does rain a lot in the winter…ever heard of RAINcouver!? So don’t forget to pack your wet weather gear! Like my Dad always said…”there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”!

2. You’ll get used to eating poutine

Poutine, the beloved Canadian dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds, might seem a bit strange at first. But trust us, after a few months at a Canadian boarding school, you’ll be eating it like a local. And hey, maybe you’ll even learn how to make it yourself and impress your friends back home.

3. You’ll make lifelong friends from around the world

Attending a Canadian boarding school means you’ll be living and learning with students from all over the world. You’ll have the opportunity to make friends from different cultures, backgrounds, and languages. These friendships can last a lifetime and give you a global perspective that you can’t get anywhere else.

4. You’ll have access to top-notch education

Canadian boarding schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, talented teachers, and state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll be challenged academically and have access to opportunities that can help you succeed in university and beyond. Plus, the small class sizes mean you’ll get personalised attention from your teachers and be able to ask questions without feeling like you’re interrupting the entire class.

5. You’ll be able to explore your adventurous side

Canada is a playground for adventure enthusiasts, offering a plethora of thrilling activities to keep students on their toes. For starters, there’s skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, with the country boasting some of the best ski resorts in the world. In the summer, students can take on the rapids by going white-water rafting, or explore the country’s scenic hiking trails. Whatever your adventure style, Canada has something to offer for every student looking for an unforgettable experience.

6. You’ll become a master of multitasking

Living in a boarding school means you’ll have to juggle academics, extracurricular activities, and social life. But don’t worry, you’ll become a pro at multitasking. You’ll learn how to manage your time effectively, prioritise your responsibilities, and still have time for fun. And hey, if you can handle living in a boarding school, you can handle anything life throws your way.

So, there you have it, the benefits of attending a Canadian boarding school for international students. From embracing the weather to mastering multitasking, attending a Canadian boarding school can provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience. Who knows, maybe you’ll even end up staying in Canada after graduation – we hear the healthcare is pretty good.

Sam Ridgway (L&E Director)