International Welcoming Schools

Schools form an important social and cultural hub for international students while they are in Nova Scotia.


Students make new friends, participate in extra-curricular activities, and learn about Canadian culture in school.

The NSISP created the ‘Welcoming Schools Program’ in 2012 to clearly identify a set of criteria to ensure schools would follow established best practices.

In order to be designated an ‘International Welcoming School’, a committee is formed within the school to complete a process of self-evaluation in five major areas:

  • International student welcome
  • International student integration International student activities
  • Effect on local students
  • End of the year activities

Upon successful completion of this process and creation of goals for three years, the school receives an International Welcoming School plaque for their front entrance and an honorarium from the NSISP to put toward the school climate goals.