They can’t believe we drink our tap water. They’re overwhelmed by the natural beauty and wildlife of Vancouver Island and their visit has only just begun. Five Korean teenagers arrived Jan 7th for a month long stay in the Valley. The students are all part of a new program developed by Excel Career College. This innovative program is designed to entirely immerse International students into Canadian life during their visit. The curriculum promotes English studies through Excel Career College and is enhanced by public school visits and cultural excursions. For the next four weeks, the students will be traveling to museums and art galleries, experiencing West Coast outdoor sports, recreational activities and enjoying our clean air and water.

Excel President Pauline Stevenson says “none of the students have been to Canada so their excitement and astonishment of the area is refreshing. They remind me how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.” Stevenson adds “the young visitors are excited about meeting Canadian teenagers in the school system and just like our own kids are worried about how they will be accepted. In fact, one of their biggest fears was that they would be the shortest.”

Excel College is pleased at how well international families are responding to the new short stay program. Stevenson says “while many schools in Canada offer English training programs, the focus on cultural training in a safe, small town environment has been very appealing to them.”