As the Rocky Mountain International School Program prepares for the upcoming school year, new homestay families are critical.
• Program overview
For readers who may not be familiar with it, what is the Rocky Mountain International Student Program? RMISP is operated by School District 6, and brings students from grades 8-12 to study in our schools and live with local homestay families. The majority of our students come for one academic year (10 months) or one semester (5 months).
We occasionally have students join the program for 3 or 4 months as well. The program provides support to host families and students, as well as organizes a robust activity program for student participants.
What communities and schools are currently part of the program? Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere, Golden, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Armstrong, Enderby, Sicamous.
What countries do students typically come from? Our students are mainly from Europe, with some others coming from Mexico and South America, and a few from Japan. We have 16 countries represented in our program, and we are one of the few programs that attracts kids from New Zealand and Australia to study abroad, too!
Roughly how many international students are expected in the program this school year? 150 across all communities.
What makes the Rocky Mountain region attractive to international students and their families? Students who are drawn to nature, safe, smaller communities, who enjoy physical activity, really enjoy our region.
Most of our students ski or snowboard, as well as play in various other sports. Our students and their parents appreciate the friendly people, and focus on English speaking, as it really helps kids develop language and social skills.
• Student experience
How do students and families decide which length is the right fit? Length of program is determined by the family and their chosen educational agency, who work to support the student to come to Canada.
Typically, the length chosen is impacted by the school in the home country being willing to grant permission for the student to go abroad, and financial considerations.
Are most students focused on improving their English, earning school credits, experiencing Canadian culture, or a combination of all three? Students typically come to practice/improve their English language skills, experience a different culture and participate in activities and sports.
What are some of the biggest adjustments students face when they first arrive? There are a lot of cultural adjustments to make, as well as going through homesickness and culture shock in some cases. Food, language, relationships, customs, everything is a bit different!
How do local schools help international students settle in socially and academically? We provide multiple orientation days, and our local coordinators are always available to assist students with any issues they have. We also run a twice/month activity program which provides some special events/activities for students to see more of BC/Alberta.
What kinds of friendships or connections tend to form between international students and local students? Many students make lifelong friendships and our host families will regularly tell us about past students who have come back to visit multiple times. Many host families have also travelled to visit their past students and their families as well. The connections run deep!
Golden-specific questions
What do international students usually enjoy most about living and studying in Golden? Students love the proximity to Kicking Horse, and that there are many outdoor activities and options for things to do!
How does Golden Secondary School benefit from having international students in the school community? International students bring diversity, cultural exposure, and assist in supporting specialty courses and programs such as Outdoor Education, etc.
What do local students gain from having classmates from other countries? Having an international student in your class brings invaluable global perspectives to discussions and fosters cross-cultural empathy among peers. It challenges local students to broaden their worldviews, breaks down stereotypes, and creates a dynamic, engaging learning environment where diverse backgrounds enrich the everyday curriculum.
For a student arriving from a large city overseas, what is it like to suddenly be living in a smaller community like Golden? Most of the international students know what they are coming to Golden for (the mountain playground), but don’t realize that Golden has many shops, services and amenities to offer.
They are typically able to make friends fairly quickly and get involved in community life.
• Homestay and host families
How important are host families to the success of the program? Host families are a huge part of the success of the program! Families who can offer a caring, safe and warm environment are essential to student success.
What does a host family need to provide? A private bedroom with a window, a bed, a closet, a desk, food for three meals a day and reasonable snacks. In addition, love, care and guidance!
How are host families screened and supported? Host families must apply, submit criminal record checks, photos, a letter to their student and go through a home inspection.
The program notes that students live with carefully selected host families and are supported by local homestay coordinators. What does that support look like day to day? Our coordinators reach out to students and host families and are available to help mediate and smooth out communications, support students in school, participate in activities, and support host families.
Are host families currently needed in Golden or other communities? Families are desperately needed in Golden! We need 12 more spots for September 2026 in Golden.
How does hosting benefit local families, beyond the monthly stipend? By welcoming an International Student into your home, you grow in understanding the world and its people, make lifelong friendships and learn something new every day.
Do host families and students often keep in touch after the placement ends? Absolutely! We have many, many stories of families that still keep in touch with students 5, 10, 15 years later.
Looking ahead
Are applications currently open for the upcoming school years? Yes, we do open applications quite early – most families need significant time to plan for the program, and also to apply for study permits, etc.
The website indicates that some upcoming entry periods have limited space.
What does demand look like right now? The size of the program is mainly limited by homestay availability. We have lots of students interested from all over the world!
What are the biggest needs for the program right now? Host families. We are also working on ensuring our students and host families feel supported and connected, and increasing the diversity of students.
