Life as an "International student"

Life as an "International student" in high school


  Haruo @Woodroffe High School

"...one of the great benefits is that I am friends with both Canadian students and the other international students."
- Haruo, International student from Japan

Haruo comes from the Japanese city of Kanagawa, near Tokyo. He came to study in Ottawa to improve his English skills and because of the high reputation of Ontario’s educational system. He finds his Canadian host family to be very friendly and describes Ottawa as “one of the best places in the world.” He was surprised to be in a school with Canadian students who come from so many different cultures. Haruo has made close friends with Canadian students and also spends time getting to know his fellow international students, with whom he has experienced skating, skiing, hockey games and a trip to Quebec City. Overall, Haruo is very happy here!

 


 Cecelia @Bell High School

 

"...I really love it here. There's so much to see and do, and I would recommend anyone to come and study in Ottawa."
- Cecelia, International student from Mexico

 


According to Cecelia, who is from Mexico, one of the best parts about studying in Ottawa is getting to know people from all over the world. Cecelia finds the students at Bell HS to be very friendly, and any initial apprehensions she had quickly disappeared from her first day at the school. She is impressed at how her teachers make her feel respected and have supported her learning. She knows her English has improved significantly, and feels that because she has had to take on new responsibilities by being away from home, she has matured and become more independent since arriving in Ottawa. Cecelia enjoys soccer, and has a particular passion for dramatic arts and musical theatre.


  Felix @Longfields Davidson Heights Secondary School

 

"...I have a great Homestay family, and I'm always busy with new friends, so I think those are reasons I've never really felt very homesick."
- Felix,  International student from Germany

 


Felix comes from Berlin, Germany. He is attending school in Ottawa to improve his English skills, and he finds the educational system here allows students time to learn course knowledge and apply skills. He is fascinated by some of the differences between German and Canadian culture, such as meal times and larger cars, but says he has adjusted easily to these differences. Felix believes in getting involved and taking advantage of opportunities to get to know both Canadian students and the other international students. He has gone on the OCENET excursion to Niagara Falls and on the skiing trip. One of his regular activities is Friday afternoon soccer with international students from across the city.


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