This year the HPEDSB International Student Program (ISP) is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. Established in 2000, the ISP has welcomed many hundreds of students over the past quarter century.
The program's core purpose is to offer a positive educational and cultural experience for international students, while also providing opportunities for Canadian students, school staff, host families and the local community to engage with and appreciate other cultures. Hundreds of youth from around the world have participated, with two intakes each year in September for Semester 1 and again in late January for Semester 2.
Over the years, HPEDSB schools have hosted international students from 20 countries, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, People's Republic of China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. These students attend Bayside Secondary School, Centennial Secondary School, Eastside Secondary School, or Prince Edward Collegiate Institute.
As part of its full-service offering, the ISP manages a homestay program. Host families provide a supportive environment where students can integrate into family life, develop English language skills and experience Canadian culture.
This fall, 38 host families welcomed 55 students from 12 countries into their homes.
On October 2, 2025 the ISP celebrated twenty-five years with an open house at the Education Centre. Many current international students, current and past home stay families, staff, community partners and dignitaries came out to recognize this milestone and share memories from over the years.
International student, Zian Wang, from People's Republic of China and a Grade 11 student at Eastside Secondary School, thanked the staff of the International Student program for being the bridge between students and the chance to study in Canada.
Wang explained, "From the moment we apply to the day we finish school, or for some of us like me, eventually graduate from high school, you are there to guide us through challenges, to answer infinite questions and to remind us that we are never alone. You help us succeed not just as students but also as young individuals who truly learn how to live in a global community."
Wang thanked the host parents for opening their hearts to the students and showing them what it feels like to have a family across the globe, adding, "The meals you cook, the conversation you have with us and the patience and kindness you share with us, all of these make a difference that we will carry forever."
To celebrate the program's longevity, a new ISP logo has been introduced. Beyond providing a fresh look, it highlights the program's stability and history, positioning it as a credible choice for the international community and offering reassurance to prospective students.
For more information about the International Student Program, including how to become a host family, please visit the ISP web page.
For more information
156 Ann Street
Belleville Ontario
Canada K8N 3L3
www.hpedsb.on.ca
