Student Testimonials

The best part of my experience has got to be the open-armed friendliness that this school perpetuates. It has helped me grow from someone who was in a shell to someone who is comfortable and proud to be myself. I recommend THS for its friendly atmosphere, relatively small class sizes and easy and direct communication with teachers. It can be tough at first getting used to the open-mindedness of most students however I encourage all who decide to come to THS to use this opportunity to learn about people and their different cultures. It will help you broaden your world view and ultimately make you a more well-rounded individual.

When I was looking for a high school in Canada, my English teacher recommended that I attend this high school. Moreover, when I looked at the website, I was attracted by the atmosphere of the school (class size etc...) and the number of international students. Most of the students are from different countries. Therefore, we can share our cultures. Also, all the teachers are very friendly and kind so I don’t hesitate asking them anything. I would recommend this high school because compared to other schools, THS has smaller classes ( about 15 students in each class), and you can have intercultural experiences with friends from different countries.

I've always been interested in learning about other cultures and when I had the opportunity to study in another country, I knew I wanted to go to an international school in Canada. Being on a university campus means we can use so many cool features that other high schoolers can't . So I chose the High School at VIU. Beside the multicultural experience, the academic experience has been great. The teachers are very well educated and are aware of our cultural differences, so no one feels left out. The students work hard and are kind, and the school is a safe space.

"The people are the best part of THS. Everyone is very nice and accepting and it makes for a great learning environment. I have never felt so a part of a community before I came to THS. The small class sizes make life a lot less stressful. The location on the university campus gives us access to a lot of opportunities. And the use of technology like Chromebooks makes it a lot easier to do homework. Canadian students: do not expect THS to be like a normal high school. It is different so be open to a new school environment. ELL students: Don't worry about your English. Everybody will be patient with you and help you if you need it.

"I was born in Nanaimo but I lived in Hong Kong till I was 7. The best part of my experience at this high school has been making friends from all over the world and getting to see their point of view on life. Also, being on the university campus is great because we get to use the facilities on campus. This high school is like a family. Everyone is so supportive and welcoming. And learning in a small school environment is very nice."

"I am from Dubai, UAE, and my experience at THS has been one I’ll always be thankful for. The academic experience for me has been so rich, and the things that I have learned here, I know I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. The teachers here are so helpful and welcoming, and that is something I think, only comes with a school this size. They reach out to you in a way that feels like home. I learned a lot from my peers here, so many lessons exchanged through friendships, cultures and classes together. Coming to this school was a great opportunity for me to explore myself and discover my interests. I’ve learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses, and I can definitely say this school changed me for the better, for which I am glad."

"I started attending The High School at VIU as a grade 10 student in September 2014 and will be graduating in June 2018. My time here at THS has been an amazing experience and I wouldn't have changed it for anything. Throughout my three years here I've been able to do things such as go to Italy and meet people from across the globe. The friendships that I have built here are unlike any other. I could go to China, Japan or even Brazil tomorrow and be able call some of the people I've become close to at THS. I have never encountered a group of teachers like the ones at THS. They not only do an incredible job at supporting their students but they also are able to get them excited about learning. For new students joining, we are not just a school but a family."

"I live in Nanoose Bay, I chose to attend THS because it is a smaller school and during classes it is much more focused on work. I would recommend THS to other students because it is a very welcoming school with great staff. The teachers are always willing to help. Overall, the atmosphere of the school is amazing and something that you would want to be a part of. Also when in class you get more one on one time with the teachers. My best advice to a new student would be to just be yourself. Everyone will accept you as you are."

"I came to summer camp in 2013 and I decided to study in Canada in April 2014. I started my high school year in 2014, and I am graduating from THS in 2017. I really enjoyed spending my high school life at the THS. I studied in the ESL program for about a year, and I think it helped me understand English more. I loved getting to know people from different countries, different languages and cultures. I also loved being in a small school because I was able to ask teachers questions anytime. As well as all the teachers, the principal and my friends were caring which made me feel comfortable being at the high school. I really loved going on the field trip to Whistler to ski. I think it is great that the high school is on the University so it is easier for me if I am going to go to VIU because I already know where everything is. This school and the environment has made me learn to love new things."

"I joined The High School at VIU 3 years ago in grade 10. I graduated in June 2018, and I was co-valedictorian at my graduation ceremony. I am a different person today from who I was when I moved to Nanaimo in 2015. I have very happy memories of my friends and my teachers at THS. And I met a young lady that changed my life. In September 2018, I will start the Bachelor of Science at Vancouver Island University majoring in Biology, and after that I am hoping to continue to medical school. If you are thinking about becoming an international student in Canada, my advice is to choose a small school which has great teachers and excellent support services. That is what made my experience at THS a success."

"I am a Canadian student from right here in Nanaimo. I attended The High School at Vancouver Island University from September 2014, and graduated June of 2017. I received my conditional acceptance letter to VIU in December 2015 to attend the Bachelor of Business Administration program in September 2017. The teachers at this school are absolutely amazing. They truly care about your learning outcomes and helping you achieve your personal and academic objectives. More importantly, they teach you how to learn, not just to get good marks on tests. The principal gave me the opportunity to take a university course. That was wonderful! It inspired a love for learning regarding what I am genuinely passionate about. This school is designed to prepare its students for university, which it does an excellent job of. I have come up against several challenges during my last three years. The principal and the teachers have all worked together to help me surmount the obstacles and reach my scholarly goals for which I am incredibly thankful. This school has been an exceptionally important step on my stairway to success. The people I have met, and the memories I have made here will have a special place in my heart forever."

"I would recommend this high school to other students because they will get to learn good traits and methods of learning. The school has a good setting, and it is connected to a university. It has kind staff members, understanding teachers and good facilities. And I love Ms Jennifer (Office Manager). She was the first staff member to really listen and talk to me. I think she is an amazing person."

"I am attending the High School at VIU for the first semester of grade 10 (Sep 2017- Jan 2018). A friend from Germany went here and was convinced about the school and the island in general. My experiences at this school are just unforgettable and I am enjoying my time here. But what is so special about this school? It is just the people and the connection with teachers and students. I have met people from all over the world and I have made undestroyable friendships. I can recommend this school for anyone who wants a special school experience in a very friendly and social society."

"I wanted to start fresh and expand my experiences with people from different backgrounds, as well as study in one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. Having a small community of students really helped me get out of my comfort zone and be more open. All in all, having a more personal connection with students and teachers was more than I could ask for. My advice for other students is: People will be a lot more accepting of who you are, so just be yourself."

"I am currently in the English 047 program at Vancouver Island University (Nanaimo Campus). I am upgrading my English so I can go into the Early Childhood and Education program. The best part of my experience at The High School at VIU was meeting new people. And the smaller class sizes was a great thing for me. And I liked all of my teachers that I had, they were very helpful and welcoming. My advice for new students? Just be yourself, and enjoy your high school years. The High School at VIU was the best experience that I have ever had, and so all I can really say is enjoy the years you spend there because you will never find a high school as good as this one :)."

"I attended the High School at VIU from September 2014 to June 2016. I'm currently in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Vancouver Island University. I had a lot of great experiences at THS. It was a second family for me. The teachers were so helpful during my time there and I had the chance to build amazing friendships with other international students. To students joining THS, it is going to be a special journey of learning for you, so enjoy it as much as you can."

"I arrived in Canada and started at THS in September 2013. I graduated in the summer of 2015. I am currently an International Business student at Dawson College in Montreal, Quebec. My time at THS is the best part of my life, and I am proud to tell people about the school. Being small, it made me and my schoolmates interact more easily with each other and with the teachers. This certainly helped my learning process. If you are a new student at THS, enjoy every moment here as you will terribly miss it as you move up to college/university."

"I'm from Henan (Province), Zheng Zhou (City), China. I studied at The High School (THS) at VIU from 2012-2015 and am now studying Real Estate at University of British Columbia, Sauder School. The best part of my experience at THS was always having the opportunity to ask questions because of the small class size. And the school organized outdoor activities. My advice to a new student would be to study hard and be humble. Ha ha!"

"This high school is a good place to study and improve yourself. My classmates are kind and generous; they help me with everything and we have created lots of good memories. It’s a great environment, and an opportunity to apply for universities in Canada. And my advice for other students: just come to study and relax!"

Sofia was a Study Abroad student at the High School from our sister school in Colombia, Liceo de Colombia Bilingüe.

I always dreamed of attending this school due to its cultural diversity. From the time I was young, culture and people have fascinated me, so the high school at VIU was the perfect opportunity. Having access to all of the opportunities the high school offers has changed my perspective on both school and life for the better. With engaging teachers, cultural diversity, an incredible principal and all around kindness, this school is the perfect place to grow and learn. Additionally, having small class sizes (12-18 students) allows everyone to have more one-on-one time with teachers so you are guaranteed a successful learning experience. Speaking as a student who has tried several schooling systems, I would say that The International High School at Vancouver Island University is by far the best school I have been to, I highly recommend it to all students.

Going to high school on a university campus was fantastic! It was great to be able to use the university cafeteria, library, bookstore, theatre and more. We got to interact with university professors and even take first year university courses.

Being at this school was much more enjoyable than any other school I’ve gone to. This school really helped me learn not to have such bad anxiety when it comes to speaking to a large group of people, and the teachers really explain things to you instead of giving you work and expecting you to do it on your own. I feel like at a lot of other schools we are taught to pass tests instead of actually learning what the tests are about. This school really changed my perspective on school, and not only do I enjoy learning, I also now enjoy going to school.

I like The High School at VIU because it is a small school. I can easily interact with every student. I can remember their names and talk to them every single day. And I can learn about their culture. I would recommend this high school to other students because it is a great opportunity to study abroad. It is a small school but it is a unique one where people can meet students from all around the world. And as a high school that is part of Vancouver Island University, it opens many doors.