Campbell River School District International Student Programs

Just a short drive outside of town, the Oyster River Potholes are a student favourite for a hot afternoon.

With unique, naturally carved rock pools, crystal-clear water, and plenty of sunny flat rocks to lay out a towel, it is the ultimate island oasis. Wading into the cool pools or just hanging out with host siblings and friends are what hot days on Vancouver Island are all about. 🌤️

A huge shoutout to our incredible students from Timberline Secondary's Interact Club! Earlier this summer, they took their hard work straight to Campbell River City Hall, presenting practical research and recommendations on local transit and cycling infrastructure to the Mayor and Council.

From proposing innovative ideas like rider-activated lights at bus stops to presenting their findings to the local Rotary Club, they exemplified what student leadership is all about. We are so proud to see our students gathering data and confidently sharing their vision with local decision-makers! 👏🚲✨

An International Student's Perspective: An Exchange Abroad 🏒

"When I first arrived to Campbell River, I felt a lot of excitement, but what I felt the most was a wave of nerves washing over me. Everything was new, on my way from the airport to my new home I recall being astonished by the amount of green and some of the tallest trees I had ever seen surrounding me, I remember noticing how quiet and close to nature the city felt compared to what I was used to back in my city. In the beginning I thought Campbell River would be just another small town in Canada, man was I wrong.

Now, I see it very differently. It feels like I have been living here for ages, and I've come to think of it as my second home, not just for being any pretty town, but for being the place where I have been able to make so many memories that I will always treasure.

I realized Campbell River started to feel like home when I caught myself getting used to the daily routine, the bus commutes, morning activities like jazz band or after school electives like musical theater. I had finally adapted both mentally and emotionally to being here. Every day that I had considered 'too new' or even felt unreal, began to feel natural to me. This exchange will stay with me because it has changed how I understand people, the world and my place in it."

— Aitor from Spain 🇪🇸

Our host families were ready for a recent heatwave! 🌡️

We always wonder how our international students will adapt to the shifting Canadian seasons, but it looks like they know exactly how to dive into a West Coast summer. ☀️

Our host families had so much fun showing our students how locals stay cool on Vancouver Island. These hot days remind us that the best part of hosting isn't just the big excursions, but sharing the simple, sun-drenched summer moments that make our community so special. 🌊

An International Student's Perspective: An Exchange Abroad 🌊

"Campbell River. Who could have thought this would become my favourite place on earth ? My sweet home. Created by a ton of memories and amazing people.

I didn’t know what to expect before coming here. I had so many questions and fears. But since the minute I arrived, the only thought that crossed my mind every-single-day is: wow. Just, wow. This place is just so beautiful, it amazes me everyday to have the chance to see this with my own eyes, the beauty of this town, of this country. Every single morning when I go to school, I stop for a minute and I just stare at the mountains and the forest. That’s my favourite thing to do. I love just going and hang out by the ocean. I usually take a drink at Tim Hortons and then go paint on the beach. It brings me so much peace and I just cannot get bored of watching the waves and sea life.

I met so many people during my time here. And every one of them were a-ma-zing. I’m just incredibly grateful I got to meet them, they made me grow so much and just brought light to my life everyday... All of these people helped me to adjust to my life here and make me feel so welcomed. You are the reason I want to call this place “home”.

This experience was definitely the best of my life. I grew more in this year than in the 15 previous ones... French on paper, Canadian in my heart. Thank you Campbell River."

— Camille from France 🇫🇷

Who Can Thrive as an International Student in Campbell River?Stepping off the plane as a student in a new country is a big moment. For international students choosing Campbell River, that moment is th... https://www.sd72.bc.ca/studyincampbellriver/who-can-thrive-as-an-international-student-in-campbell-river.26464

And just like that, the school year has come to a beautiful close! Last week, we gathered one last time at the Willow Point Lions Hall for our official year-end party to celebrate our incredible international students before they head home or move on to their next big adventures.

This group of kids was truly a memorable bunch, and their impact reached far beyond our program. From the sports teams they joined to the musical theatre productions they starred in, the connections they made with local peers left a lasting mark at Carihi and Timberline. 💙

From tackling new languages to exploring island trails, these students have grown so much. We could not be prouder of everything they achieved during their time here.

To our wonderful students: thank you for bringing your energy, your cultures, and your positivity to Campbell River. You will always have a piece of our hearts here on the West Coast, and you will always have a home in Canada. Safe travels! ✈️🌍

As another incredible year comes to a close, we say farewell to our amazing international students. 💙
Thank you for the perspectives you’ve shared, the friendships you’ve built, and the lasting impact you’ve made in our schools, our community, and our host families’ homes. You’ve enriched our lives in ways that will not be forgotten.
No matter where life takes you next, you will always be part of our story—and we hope we’re part of yours too. 🌎✨ Safe travels, and until we meet again.

💙 Happy Father’s Day!

Today, we celebrate all the fathers and father figures who offer love, support, guidance, and encouragement to our students.

Whether you're a dad, stepdad, foster parent, grandparent, uncle, guardian, or someone who fills a caring role, thank you for the difference you make in young lives.

The foundation of our International Student Program is built entirely on connections, relationships, and community. There is no better way to celebrate those bonds than with our Annual Year-End BBQ! 🍔

Earlier this month our homestay families and international students and staff got to gather, share stories, and look back on an incredible school year. Our team loves getting behind the grill to cook up a massive feast of burgers and hot dogs, while our amazing host families bring along a wonderful spread of potluck items to share.

Thank you to everyone who makes our program feel like one big global family. Cheers to the memories made, the friendships built, and a beautiful wrap-up to the year! ☀️🌳