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“We are pleased to officially welcome the students to Prince Edward Island,” said Minister McIsaac. “Our department continues to explore different ways to recruit international students to our province, and this great program allows us to showcase what our education system has to offer.”

The provincial government signed a three-year program agreement with Slark Canada and Ganzhou No. 3 Middle School in China. As part of the program, the first group of 17 Grade 12 students participating in the program arrived in the province on August 14. The students have completed Grade 10 and 11 in China using some of the Prince Edward Island curriculum and will complete their Grade 12 year here. For the duration of the program, there will be a group of students arriving in the province each year to complete their Grade 12 year.

Prior to starting their senior year and their placement with homestay families, students are participating in a two-week program through Holland College which includes additional English language training and getting to know more about Prince Edward Island.

Of the 17 students, three will attend Colonel Gray High School, nine will attend Charlottetown Rural High School and five will attend Bluefield High School.

While attending Prince Edward Island schools, the students will have an opportunity to experience the benefits of a sound, rigorous, student-centred curriculum. This will provide them with the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally and personally.

“This is a tremendous learning experience for everyone, and we are confident that our teachers and students will also gain much from this experience,” said Minister McIsaac. “Not only will the students gain experience, build friendships and fall in love with our wonderful province, but their presence will help diversify our schools and our communities.”