Overview
The establishment and operation of an international student program is within the jurisdiction of a school authority. A program framework that outlines the overall feasibility of the international student program as well as the resources required will help set the foundation for an effective and well-functioning program. The framework should also align with the school authority’s vision and goals and their responsibilities to international students under the Education Act. Below are some recommendations school authorities can take to build program frameworks.
Develop policies and procedures
Written policies clearly outline the expectations of international students and school authorities throughout the study period and appropriate courses of action if these expectations are not met. School authorities should consider preparing detailed program documents related to written governing policies such as:
- procedures for working with education agents
- placement of international students
- well defined fee payment and refund polices
- handling of international student emergencies, such as the emergence of a global pandemic
- an international student has committed or has become a victim of a criminal offence
- conflict resolution approach in case of a conflict between the host family and the international student
- clearly laid-out consequences of committing infractions
- the selection of homestay parents and lodging, where applicable
The school authority may choose to review policies and procedures annually. International students and other stakeholders can provide input where applicable.
Develop a staffing plan
School authorities may choose to identify one staff member to coordinate and champion the program. This person is key to the success of the program and may be responsible for tasks such as:
- representing the school authority at educational functions abroad
- serving as the contact for international students and their families
- providing support to schools and teachers hosting international student
- serving as a contact for emergencies and urgent needs
- acting as a liaison between program administrators and central office staff
- ensuring the implementation of program policies surrounding home stays, duty of care and other matters related to welcoming unaccompanied foreign minors into the school and local community
It’s important to properly prepare school authority staff in order to effectively integrate international students.
Consider the following:
- School authority staff must be clear of what’s expected of them.
- Staff need to be aware of their legal obligations in relation to working with foreign minors.
- Additional staff may be required.
- Staff may require additional training and resources.
- School authorities must able to adapt staffing plans when their international student program grow.
- The school authority may have to provide professional development opportunities for staff.
Plan living arrangements
School authorities need to consider where international students will live upon arrival to Canada. Living arrangements depend on the capacity of the school authority and the surrounding community. School authorities can work with homestay companies or coordinators to locate host families for international students or arrange for them to live in a supervised dormitory.
International students can also arrange to stay with friends or family – school authorities do not need to be involved in coordinating these arrangements.
Determine capacity
Section 12 in the Education Act indicates that it’s important to determine school and community capacity when considering an international student program. School authorities must:
- assess the room available for international students
- determine which schools have capacity
- ensure principals, teachers and community members in the community are prepared to work with the school authority to ensure that international students are welcomed and supported both at home and in their learning and that they have suitable housing
To manage these details and encourage school and community involvement, a steering committee may be established where all those affected by the program are represented.
Estimate costs and set fees
School authorities do not receive funding from Alberta Education for international students. The Education Act, s13 (2) and (3), specifies that school authorities determine the amount of education fees to charge an international student and may set fees to cover the full cost of the international student’s education.
When setting fees for international students, consider the:
- classroom instruction for the international student
- international student support, including English language learning support, guidance counselling and special needs assistance
- administration of the international student program, including salary and travel expenses of a coordinator, development of promotional materials, compensation for host families and other administrative overhead
- costs of the homestay provider or coordinator, if applicable
- costs of extra teaching staff to accommodate any increase of students at the school
- school transportation
It is recommended that school authorities prepare a program budget to be included in the school authority’s 3-year plan.
Develop recruitment plan
A solid recruitment plan should consider the budget available and the number, age and grade of international students to recruit.
The best recruitment plans are based on sound research, including a thorough investigation of the number, age and grade of international students the school authority can support and which countries or regions have these international student markets.
This research may include consultations with local schools, community organizations and Alberta trade offices abroad. An additional consideration when recruiting international students may include the recognition of Alberta education coursework and credit in the student's country of origin.
Some countries may only recognize school completion/coursework from their own education system, and this may become a significant obstacle for the student if they hope to pursue postsecondary education in their country of origin. It could also help to determine the type of education programming or international experience to offer the student in coming to Alberta.
For students who are planning to complete the Alberta high school credential, it is especially important to lay out the requirements and clarify how course credit will be awarded, particularly in the awarding of credits for prior learning and whether a percentage grade would be provided on the transcript.
Successful recruitment requires developing a presence in the region of focus and gaining the trust of prospective international students and their parents. School authorities may also wish to develop a multi-year recruitment plan and expect that it takes some time before they see an increase in international student numbers.
It is also advisable for recruiting staff to have the appropriate training and qualifications to recruit international students.
With a target audience in mind, the school authority could utilize the following recruitment strategies:
Propose a framework for approval
The final step in planning an international student program is to present the proposal and framework to your school authority senior administration and executive decision makers. A framework that articulates the opportunities created by an international student program and that recognizes and plans for potential challenges is most likely to be successful.