The Abbotsford School District, located at the centre of the lush Fraser Valley, is conveniently located only 55 minutes from downtown Vancouver. It serves 30 elementary schools (Kindergarten to Grade 5), 7 middle schools (Grades 6 to 8), and 9 secondary schools (Grades 9 to 12). Abbotsford is one of the most beautiful and diverse communities in British Columbia and is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada with a population of 133,000. The climate is moderate year-round and the area offers many opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. The community is safe and has the advantage of close proximity to a major city and the friendly feel of a small town. Abbotsford School District has hosted hundreds of international students since our program began. We are particularly proud of the many positive educational and cultural experiences that have resulted for both international and Canadian students through our program.

Our schools emphasize excellence in academic studies, the fine arts and sports activities. We have excellent English as a Second Language programs, and offer all the required academic courses for British Columbia graduation. Abbotsford schools are either new or recently renovated and are modern, bright, and well maintained. All schools are well served with modern technology, computer labs, and other high-tech equipment.

Students are placed with carefully screened and selected English-speaking Canadian families and are individually matched by personality and shared interests. There are Homestay Coordinators available to support students through all phases of their homestay.

Students attending our schools have full access to our modern education and recreation facilities. From our dark rooms to our weight rooms, computer labs to woodwork shops, international students can take full advantage of all we have to offer. This includes caring teachers, who work closely with students to make sure they achieve their academic best and comprehensive ESL programs, and that students maximize their language potential.

Dedicated counsellors are assigned to help students determine their strengths and abilities. Guidance is given to assist students in finding career options most likely to match the students' career goals.

Abbotsford School District prides itself on its sports record. We excel in basketball and football, having won provincial championships. Our rugby teams have successfully toured internationally and our track teams have dominated at a number of meets with athletes holding a number of provincial records. Swimming is another district strong point, with our teams competing and winning around the province.

Throughout the year there are numerous activities that students can participate in, including, for example, whitewater rafting, ski trips, camping, theatre and musical events, and sporting activities. International students have full access to all activities available in our schools.

You name it; we probably have a club for it. Whether it's music, sports, crafts, computers, or games, we do it!

Abbotsford District has one of the most modern computer networks available. The district spends considerable amounts of money to make sure that hardware and software are state-of-the-art. All schools have full (monitored) Internet access. Courses include 3-D computer animation, CISCO networking certification, and desktop publishing. Our Graphic Information lab is the envy of the province, with professional equipment that is second to none.

Schools in our district have a variety of cultural facilities, from acoustically engineered music rooms to dance studios, and also to a fully operational 700-seat theatre complete with orchestra pit. School groups and civic groups use the facilities. Numerous concerts, plays, and productions are presented each year.

Abbotsford School District believes that education should be equally accessible to all and as such has extensive facilities for people with physical and developmental challenges. One of our high schools, Rick Hansen Secondary, was named in honour of the man who helped design it. Rick Hansen is a world class wheel chair athlete who wheeled around the world to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord research. The school was designed to be fully accessible for people of all levels of mobility. We also have programs and support for first nations people as well as Adult Continuing Education.

Abbotsford School District is proud to work closely with the University College of the Fraser Valley. UCFV offers 4-year bachelor degrees, 2-year diplomas, and 1-year certificate programs. They have a very successful international program with satisfied students from around the world. We coordinate programs to make sure students have a smooth transition from secondary to post-secondary studies.

International students are welcomed and encouraged to take part in all aspects of school life. We feel that the more activities that students participate in, the more they will learn and the more they will enjoy their time with us.

The International Program is happy to provide tours at any time. Please call or e-mail to make arrangements.