Between 2007 and 2013, China, Korea, Mexico, Japan, and Germany were the top five foreign student contributors to the K12 education sector. British Columbia and Ontario are the most popular provinces regarding the number of students and foreign programs. This article will explore the importance of having international students in the K-12 schools in Canada.

Foreign Students Bring New Learning Opportunities

In the K12 field, there is increasing awareness that international students benefit from school cultures by providing cross-cultural and global learning experiences for native students and communities.

There is a trend in Canada’s K12 school systems aimed at providing standardized learning strategies to promote global competency. These initiatives are supported by international students enrolled in Canadian K12 institutions.

According to CAPS-I reports, 127 public high schools host international students. One example of a popular program that promotes global and multicultural capabilities is the Ottawa-Carleton International Certificate Program.

Currently, international students are accommodated in 47 of BC’s 60 school systems. BC public schools do have the operating capability or capacity in school systems to accommodate international students.

This will aid in the growth of global networks as well as more stable and harmonious international affairs. Since most K12 students live with local families, this provides another opportunity for community groups to gain intercultural competence.

Economic Impacts on Local Communities

International students have a major economic influence in Canada. They added $9.3 billion to Canada’s GDP and benefited every corner of the country economically. To put this in context, $11.4 billion in educational sector revenues accounted for 11.9 percent of overall national income in Canada.

During the 2011-2012 academic year, international students in British Columbia’s K12 sector paid $182,363,821 in tuition fees. The government uses the revenue generated by international students to improve current school district services and build opportunities for teachers and support workers.

International students are recognized for raising significant funds that subsidize public financing to K12 school systems. The economic benefits to the hosting school system have been determined to be meaningful.

In conclusion, international students in our K–12 schools contribute to learning experiences and the growth of global and multicultural competencies. This provides fantastic chances for Canadian students to gain foreign exposure with their own community groups.

International students’ economic contributions to Canada cannot be underestimated. Since international students select Canada as a place for their academic endeavors, these initiatives foster job creation and development in our local populations.