North Island College (NIC), and the Comox Valley and Campbell River school districts hosted seven representatives from Brazil, China, India and Mauritius on a familiarization tour.

The planning began this past February and culminated in a two-day tour of the Campbell River and Comox Valley regions.

鈥淥ur goal was to showcase the Comox Valley and Campbell River education systems and the lifestyle our communities have to offer international students,鈥� stated Lindsay Barks, NIC tour co-ordinator.

The participants arrived in Campbell River on a float plane from Vancouver and enjoyed breakfast at the Campbell River School Board Office, followed by a trip to Elk Falls.

Other highlights of the tour included visits to Carihi and Timberline secondary schools and NIC鈥檚 Campbell River and Comox Valley campuses, as well as a wildlife zodiac tour with Eagle Eye Adventures.  The group also had lunch at the top of Mount Washington and toured Highland, Mark R. Isfeld and Georges P. Vanier secondary schools, where current international students catered refreshments and answered questions about their experiences here on the North Island.

Visiting international agents spent their evenings in overnight accommodation with local host families, just as international students do with their home stay families.

鈥淲e wanted to be completely transparent,鈥� continued Barks, 鈥渢o show them what it would really be like to be an international student living in our communities.鈥�

Barks explained that because the whole community benefits, community support is necessary when highlighting the advantages for international students to choose the North Island.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not a large city, but we have so much to offer.  We鈥檙e a tight-knit community that cares about people.   A vibrant community which embraces others will sell this destination to these students who then bring additional dollars into our education system.鈥�

According to Rob Moore, district principal for international students in the Comox Valley, the net direct revenue into the Comox Valley from international students last year was $2.8 million, and next year, as the programs grow, the anticipated revenue is $3.2 million. These dollars fund programs, promote cultural exchange programs to local students and create teaching positions.

The tour was well attended, well received and well supported.

Projects such as this one help to increase awareness and availability of International Education in our region. 鈥淭he support of our sponsors was key to the success of this tour, and we would like to thank the City of Campbell River, the City of Courtenay, Discover Comox Valley, Mt. Washington, Quality Foods, 台湾MM裸聊室 Community Credit Union, Healthyway Natural Foods Market, Hot Chocolates and our many other sponsors who assisted us in hosting our guests,鈥� said Barks.

The school districts and North Island College plan to continue their collaboration to further their success and hope to see increased student applications as a result of this recent tour as early as this September.

鈥� North Island College