The Nova Scotia International Student Program is a joint venture between the provincial Department of Education and Nova Scotia school boards. Last year, 977 students from twenty-eight countries attended Nova Scotia schools making the NSISP one of the largest programs of its kind in Canada. The families of these students pay tuition fees and for room and board; their primary goal is that their children have the opportunity to improve their English skills.
At Amherst Regional High School the flags of many nations hang from the two-story high atrium ceiling in our main entrance to honour our international students and celebrate friendship. We currently have 27 NSISP students from Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, Germany, Japan, Korea, Spain, Thailand and Turkey. The presence of international students in our student body, representing, as they do, a variety of ethnic and cultural groups, provides all our students with the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures in our world.
The success of the NSISP in Amherst is due largely to the welcome the international students receive in our school and our community. The program continues to depend on the many local families who open their doors and hearts to these young people who are far from home.
Anyone wishing more information regarding the Nova Scotia International Student Program or interested in becoming a host family should contact Mrs. S. Stull-White, International Student Liaison at A.R.H.S., 661-2540 or the Homestay Coordinator, Ms. Marlene Hebert, at 667-1759.
To view pictures of our International students, check out our Photo Gallery.