Okanagan College (OC) is a public, post-secondary institution recognized by the Government of British Columbia. OC is a member of the Association of Community Colleges of Canada (ACCC) and the British Columbia Centre for International Education (BCCIE). At the present time, OC hosts approximately 320 international students from several countries in Asia, Latin America, and Europe at its three campuses located in the cities of Kelowna, Salmon Arm, and Vernon, British Columbia. The Okanagan-Shuswap region of British Columbia is located less than one hour east of Vancouver by air. It is famous for its beautiful mountains and lakes, and delicious fruit and wine. The area's warm, sunny summers are ideal for water sports, mountain biking, and hiking. The Okanagan offers mild winters with excellent skiing and snowboarding.

In Kelowna, international students may study in OC's high quality ESL programs (six levels from beginner to advanced). Each level takes one, four month semester to complete. Intermediate and advanced students may study ESL alone or combine ESL and academic courses. At the Vernon campus, students are offered one month sessions in conversational ESL. A variety of degree, diploma, and certificate programs are also available. For details, please visit the Web site.

International education staff place interested students with a local homestay family for a one time fee of $150.00. All homes are visited and the families are interviewed. Homes are located on a bus route within approximately 30 minutes of campus.

Homestay families will meet their student at Kelowna Airport at no charge. New students take the English Language Assessment Test to determine their level of English. An orientation is provided to all new students with the assistance of Cultural Liaison staff who are fluent in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. An Educational Advisor assists students to choose courses and plan their academic short term and long term programs.

Career counselling is provided at no cost through the Student Support Office.

International Education Office offers social, recreational, and cultural activities, and field trips to help students to learn more about Canadian culture, the local economy, and the region’s recreational opportunities.

Students Association (social events, sports, etc.).

The International Student Computer lab is available to all international students to practice speaking and listening skills, complete homework assignments, do Internet research, and the computers are multi-language capable. The ISC lab has programs specifically designed to improve English speaking and listening skills. We also have wireless Internet throughout all campuses, a 'Laptop Computer Borrowing Service', and computer access for all students.

Okanagan College offers social, recreational, and cultural activities, and field trips to help students to learn more about Canadian culture, the local economy, and the region’s recreational opportunities. International Education has a Conversation Partner program where Canadian students meet with international students and discuss various topics.

Notable services offered through the College include the Learning Centre, International Computer Lab, campus health services, campus recreation, counselling services, disability services, First Nations student services, student associations, human rights advisors, libraries, and bookstores.

Okanagan College is a member of the Association of Community Colleges of Canada (ACCC) and the British Columbia Centre for International Education (BCCIE). The Okanagan College ESL program has been approved by the CLC (Canadian Language Council).

Please visit the Okanagan College international Web site.