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Since its inception, Bedford Academy has drawn parental interest from both national and international circles. A number of international students have attended the school over the years through educational exchanges. Students from other countries have chosen to reside in the Bedford community and become a pupil at the school. The primary purpose of such an exchange has been for the visiting student to acquire the ability to converse in English fluently and learn about the Canadian culture. These opportunities have proven to be equally beneficial to the host families as well, in that they have shared in the life of a child from afar and have learned just as much about their guest's country and way of life.

Bedford Academy has embarked on yet another experience designed to further educate our students above and beyond the traditional, prescribed curriculum. Our International Student Home Stay Program will begin this fall in partnership with EduNova.

EduNova is a co-operative industry association of education and training providers. They are the only provincial education and training co-operative in Canada. EduNova's focus is on collaborative international student recruitment activities. They help connect our province to international students who wish to study abroad in Nova Scotia.

Bedford Academy, working in collaboration with EduNova, will invite International Students to apply for a school year exchange. The Academy will be posting a notice of interest for families within the school and surrounding community who wish to investigate the possibility of hosting an International Student. Meetings with Academy families who express an interest will be established in order to provide a clear appraisal of the program so that a decision to host could be made. An agreement would then be put in place between the International Student's Family and the Host Family formalizing the fees and obligations of both parties.

English as a Second Language (ESL) support is one of the foundation courses offered as an integral part of the program. Every effort will be made to make the transition into the school and community as seamless as possible for the International Student. The Host Families will be reassured that the exchange is a group effort between the Academy and the home.

This once in a life time educational experience, will provide Academy families with a unique opportunity for their children. Questions concerning the International Home Stay Program can be forwarded to the Academy Director at [email protected].