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POLICY NAME: International Students Policy	POLICY NUMBER: 302
AWSNA POLICIES AND PRACTICES AREA:                    VERSION: 5 & 6                                 1	APPROVED: September 20, 2022
ASSOCIATED POLICY: International Students Grad Credit Policy	ASSOCIATED POLICY NUMBER: 303

Rationale
BC Waldorf Schools encourage international students to apply for eligibility to learn and grow at their schools. This policy aims to support the process of determining the eligibility of non-resident international students to attend those BC Waldorf Schools that offer international student enrolment. 

This policy links to legislation and guidelines set out in the BC MInistry of Education’s International Student Grad Credit policy and BC K-12 International Student Homestay Guidelines. Find further information about International Students in school specific Homestay Policies and BC Waldorf Collective International Student Grad Credit Policy.

Scope
This policy pertains to international high school boarding students and international students in K-12 and their parents/guardians. This policy does not apply to students in exchange programs or long-term international students.

Policy Statement
BC Waldorf Schools recognize the value of having international students in their schools. International students bring the opportunity for cultural and language enrichment of the school population and a fuller understanding of cultures from other countries. BC Waldorf Schools have much to offer international students such as academic and social learning opportunities, community engagement, and BC cultural immersion.

Definitions

• Short-term is defined as enrolment of one year or less.
• Long-term is defined as students residing in BC for more than one year. 

Procedures

Admission

• Applicants must be successfully admitted under routine admissions processes of the specific school and placed in a homestay if boarding is required (and available through that specific school) prior to enrolment.
• Short-term international student enrolment numbers shall fall within the defined capacity of international student enrolment of a specific school. For example, a school may have a capacity for international students of 10% of total student enrollment in a class of more than 10 students.
• The specific school will issue a letter of acceptance and ensure that a letter of custodianship has been arranged. It is the responsibility of the applicant to organize required visas through the Canadian Embassy or Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the country of origin.
• The applicant must provide proof that entry requirements to Canada have been met prior to attending class. It is the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian to renew the study permit as needed. It is the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian to acquire travel/health insurance at their own cost and provide these documents prior to the applicant’s arrival.
• Applicants are not required to use the services of a third party agent and/or recruiter to apply for admission. If a family chooses to employ the services of a third party agent or recruiter, it is the responsibility of the legal guardian(s) to ensure that said parties are reputable and compliant with best practice.
• International students who do not qualify for provincial funding under the provisions of BC Ministry of Education and Child Care policy will be required to pay the posted international student tuition rates at a specific school. Tuition fees are due when and as described in school specific enrolment/tuition policies. BC Waldorf Schools may charge additional fees to cover the cost of grade specific programs such as trips.
• International students who will be abroad for six months or longer must apply for BC’s Medical Service Plan (MSP) and pay applicable fees. International Student Health Fees apply.

Responsibilities

Legal Guardians
It is the responsibility of the applicant’s legal guardian(s) to complete the following:

• Obtain required visas
• Submit required visas prior to attending
• Submit payment of tuition in accordance with school's terms of payment
• Arrange for health insurance to cover the duration of the enrolment
• Enrol in MSP if applicable

Admissions Personnel
It is the responsibility of the specific school’s Admissions Personnel to ensure the school’s admissions process is followed. Homestay plays a pivotal role in an international student’s experience. BC Waldorf Schools are committed to high-quality homestay experiences for all international students. Admissions Personnel will adhere to the Homestay Policy that reflects BC K-12 International Homestay Guidelines. In addition to pertinent Homestay information and agreements, Admissions Personnel will share the following documents with International Students enrolled for 6 months or longer:

• International Student Program Medical Services Plan Information
• International Student Program Initial Study Permit Application Information

Homestay Families
It is the responsibility of the Host/Homestay family to adhere to the Homestay Policy. Any breach in the policy could result in dismissal of agreement.

Principal
The decision to deny admissions or dismiss a student is at the discretion of the Principal of the specific BC Waldorf School.

Some BC Waldorf Schools have high schools. When a school includes a high school it is the responsibility of the Principal, or delegate, to follow the International Student Graduation Credit Policy.

Resources
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