Testimonials

Over 350 international students from 12 different countries participate in the NSISP. They are hosted in approximately 60 of our 100 high schools and enjoy life in Canada as a true Nova Scotian student. 

International students are integrated into classes with Nova Scotian students helping them to learn English much more quickly than if they were segregated into full-time ESL classes.

Here's what some students have had to say about their experience in Nova Scotia and with the NSISP.

Stefanie Lux

Germany

My stay in Nova Scotia is just full of new experiences. Right from the beginning I had a lot of friends who helped wherever they could and supported me when I was a little homesick. Now I can’t imagine a life without them…I have two homes, New Glasgow and Germany.

I had the pleasure to attend the brand new school, North Nova Education Centre, and soon found my place in this beautiful environment. Teachers, students and all staff helped me and I’m in the bands, in choir and even got crowned the 1st Queen ever of this school.

Thank you, everyone, you made my stay here amazing and my departure really hard…

Stefanie Lux
Germany
September 2003 – June 2004  

Kelly Pang (Pang Jung)

Taiwan

Opinions of Being an International Student 
Nova Scotia is a beautiful place. Each season has a different feeling. Here, it is just like a natural forest and a quiet country environment. It feels like a safe community and a special culture.

All of the teachers have the best skills for teaching, and they did such a great job to help me. I made a lot of good friends, I had a successful year and I had so much fun. I grew in a lot of ways. It was a very relaxing year for me although I worked hard. If was very different from Taiwan where I felt more pressure to learn and not as much time for fun. I got to participate in a lot of different activities, like ski club and the musical.

I find the people here to be just like family because they are so warm and friendly and this made me feel at home and not homesick.

I have grown a lot in my social life by having experiences that are not available to me home in Taiwan like prom and river rafting. In school I learned not just facts but what people think and feel.

This is my first year as an international student, and if I had to use one word to describe it, it would be "great". I'm coming back next year and I'm really looking forward to it. This is an experience that I would recommend to anyone.

Kelly Pang (Pang Jung)
Age: 14 years old
Taiwan

Ricardo Brito

Brazil

I really had lots of fun in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. I enjoyed the time here and at the same time I learned a lot of things.

My school was really nice and the people there are different from the people in my school back in Brazil but they are really friendly. The teachers are also very nice and they always help us when we need it.

I like the weather here even though the winter is long and cold but this is a really good experience for me who is from a hot country. I really enjoyed shoveling the driveways.

The food that I eat here is kind of different from the food I usually eat but I love my host parents' food. They cook very well.

My host family is the best, I love them so much and they really make me happy and comfortable. My host brother who is my age is also nice and I like very much playing, going to school and doing stuff with him.

The time I had here was perfect ... Thanks for everything the program and my host family did for me.

Ricardo Brito
Age: 16 years old
Brazil

Olaf Mucharraz Rosas

Mexico

 "Anytime you travel you get to see, learn, explore and enjoy something new. You get an idea of how things are in that region. But, when you get to live there, it is a whole new experience!

The International Student program gives this experience to kids from all over the world. They get to come to Nova Scotia and live here for a year or more to learn the customs, language, sports, and meet new friends. All of this creates big developmental changes in each person and their knowledge is increased. It is just a wonderful experience that completely changes your life. The experience that this program gives you is huge!

Unfortunately, not all families can afford to money required to send their kids to this positive adventure. I had this great opportunity this year because the scholarship gave me the chance to come and study like the other International students. This year I learned tons of things. I've made very good friends, I live with a wonderful family, who I consider part of my own family. I got to go to a Canadian school where I always try to share my own culture and now that I'm going back to Mexico I am taking a lot of memories and experiences to share with people in my own country.

There are so many things that I would like to tell you about my time in Canada but I can only say "Thank You". I've enjoyed every single second of the past 10 months and they were just amazing!"

Olaf Mucharraz Rosas
September 2003 - June 2004  

Sawa Tezuka

Japan

"I never mind the freezing winter because I am with people here who have plenty of heart. I am learning something more important than language."

Sawa Tezuka
Age: 19 years old
Japan
September 2002 - June 2004