About the program
What is the Kootenay Lake International Program?
The Kootenay Lake International Program is the international student program of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) in British Columbia, Canada. International students study in BC public schools, live with local homestay families and receive orientation, academic guidance, English-language support and ongoing program support.
Where is School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake)?
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake), also called SD8, is in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. International students may study in communities including Nelson, South Slocan, Salmo, Kaslo and Creston. The region is surrounded by mountains and lakes and is known for welcoming communities, outdoor recreation, arts and culture.
Why should an international student choose Kootenay Lake?
Students choose Kootenay Lake for a safe, welcoming Canadian experience, strong academics, English immersion, smaller communities and access to outdoor activities. Depending on the school and season, students may participate in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, boating, golf, arts, theatre, music and school sports.
Is School District 8 a public school district?
Yes. School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) is a public school district in British Columbia, Canada. International students learn alongside Canadian students and study the British Columbia curriculum.
Schools and academics
Which SD8 schools accept international students?
International program placements may be available at L.V. Rogers Secondary School in Nelson, Mount Sentinel Secondary School in South Slocan, Kootenay River Secondary School in Creston, Salmo Secondary School in Salmo and J.V. Humphries School in Kaslo. Grade ranges, space and program availability vary by school and year.
Can students choose their school?
Students may indicate a preferred school or community. Final placement depends on the student's grade, course needs, program dates, school capacity and the availability of a suitable homestay. A requested school cannot be guaranteed.
What grades can international students study in SD8?
The international program primarily offers secondary-school study. Grade ranges differ by school: L.V. Rogers serves Grades 10–12; Mount Sentinel and Salmo Secondary serve Grades 7–12; Kootenay River Secondary serves Grades 8–12; and J.V. Humphries serves Grades 8–12 for international program purposes. Applicants should confirm current availability before applying.
What courses are available to international students?
Students can take core academic courses and a range of electives. Depending on grade, semester and school, choices may include English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, French, Spanish, visual arts, photography, dance, drama, music, media arts, programming, robotics, foods, textiles, drafting, automotive technology, metalwork, woodwork and physical education. Course offerings and timetables can change and are not guaranteed.
Does SD8 offer sports, clubs and academy programs?
Yes. Opportunities vary by school and season and may include basketball, volleyball, soccer, rugby, swimming, cross-country running, skiing, snowboarding, badminton, golf, mountain biking, track and field, tennis, ultimate, dance, theatre, jazz band, video production, mathematics and chess. School-based academies may include dance, basketball, volleyball, mountain biking and outdoor programs. Some competitive teams or activities may have additional travel or participation costs.
Can international students graduate in British Columbia?
Students who intend to earn a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation must meet all provincial graduation requirements. Academic planning should begin early because previous credits, required courses, English proficiency and the length of study in British Columbia can affect the graduation plan.
English-language support
Does SD8 provide English-language learning support?
Yes. International students are immersed in English-speaking classrooms and can receive English Language Learning (ELL) support. Supports may include vocabulary preparation, extra time, visual examples, shorter instructional steps, checks for understanding, partner or small-group learning, graphic organizers, sentence frames and appropriate translation tools.
Is there English assessment before arrival?
Students receive access to Vital English before arrival. It includes virtual orientation, English placement activities in reading, writing and conversation, and opportunities for continued online English practice.
Can students use translation tools at school?
Translation may be used to support instructions, key vocabulary and safety information. Schools encourage approved translation tools or school-managed devices where appropriate. Translation supports learning but does not replace classroom participation, teacher modelling or regular English practice.
Homestay and student support
Where do international students live?
Most international students live with an approved local homestay family. Homestay includes a private bedroom, meals and snacks. Families are selected to provide a safe, supportive environment and to help students experience Canadian family and community life.
Can SD8 guarantee a specific type of homestay?
The program considers student needs and preferences when matching students with families, but a particular family structure, location, pet-free home or lifestyle cannot be guaranteed. Specialized diets and allergies may limit placement options and may affect school placement.
Are specialized diets available in homestay?
Some specialized diets can be accommodated, depending on homestay availability. For 2027–2028, the additional fee is $100 per month for vegan, vegetarian or dairy-free diets and $300 per month for celiac or gluten-free diets. Students must provide complete and accurate dietary and medical information before placement.
What support do students receive during their stay?
Students receive orientation, academic advising, homestay support and regular contact from program staff or a homestay contractor. The homestay support program includes monthly meetings or reports and monthly group adventures. Students are encouraged to raise questions or concerns early so staff can help.
What orientation do new international students receive?
Orientation begins before arrival through Vital English and information provided through the student's education agent. After arrival, students receive a school orientation, a virtual program orientation, a welcome activity and an in-home orientation with the host family and homestay contractor. Topics include schedules, school expectations, medical emergencies, problem-solving, academic success and homestay communication.
Fees and medical coverage
How much does the SD8 International Program cost for 2027–2028?
For 2027–2028, the total program fee is CAD $17,000 for five months and CAD $32,000 for one school year. These totals include the application fee, tuition, homestay hosting, homestay support and medical coverage. Fees are reviewed annually; applicants should always use the fee schedule for their intended school year.
What is included in the 2027–2028 program fee?
The five-month fee includes a $500 application fee, $8,500 tuition, $6,500 homestay hosting, $1,000 homestay support and $500 medical coverage. The one-year fee includes a $500 application fee, $15,500 tuition, $13,000 homestay hosting, $2,000 homestay support and $1,000 medical coverage. Tuition includes orientation, academic advising, course and academy fees, and transcripts.
Are there any additional fees?
Possible additional fees include specialized diets, report-card translation, report-card validation, extra airport transfers and certain competitive team or travel costs. For 2027–2028, report-card validation is $200 per request. Costs for report-card translation and extra airport transfers vary.
Is medical insurance included?
Yes. The 2027–2028 program fee includes medical coverage through the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP), when eligible, and the StudyInsured Comprehensive+ plan. Coverage is subject to the insurer's eligibility rules, limits, exclusions and policy wording.
What does the StudyInsured Comprehensive+ plan cover?
The supplied plan summary lists up to CAD $5,000,000 in coverage and includes eligible emergency medical treatment, prescription drugs, certain paramedical services, mental-health care, limited dental benefits and other listed non-emergency benefits. Limits and conditions apply. The insurance policy wording—not the summary or this FAQ—is the legally binding description of coverage.
Travel, arrival and application
Which airports do international students use?
The designated airport depends on the student's school. Students attending L.V. Rogers, Mount Sentinel or J.V. Humphries may use Castlegar Airport (YCG), Trail Airport (YZZ) or Cranbrook Airport (YXC) for arrival, as directed by the annual flight schedule. Students attending Kootenay River Secondary use Cranbrook Airport (YXC). Departure airport options may be more limited.
Is airport transportation included?
Transportation to and from the designated airport at the beginning and end of the program is included when students follow the approved dates, airports and travel instructions. Extra transfers or travel outside the approved schedule may cost more. Early-morning or late-evening flights may require an overnight stay and an additional fee.
When should students arrive and depart?
Students must follow the official flight schedule for their school and semester. Arrival and departure dates, approved airports and transfer arrangements are published for each school year. Families should not book flights until the program or education agent confirms the correct schedule.
Can students study for less than five months?
Three- and four-month stays may be considered based on homestay and school availability. Families or education agents should contact the International Program before making plans.
How do international students apply to School District 8?
Prospective international students should begin by contacting an approved education agent or the Kootenay Lake International Program. The application must include the required student information and supporting documents. Admission, school placement, courses and homestay placement are confirmed only after the program reviews the complete application.
How can students and families contact the program?
Visit international.sd8.bc.ca or contact the Kootenay Lake International Program at international.coordinator@sd8.bc.ca or +1 250-505-7015. The International Education office is located at 1004 Cottonwood Street, Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, V1L 3W2.
