Queen’s University and the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) share a belief in the importance of bringing global perspectives into their classrooms. So they are partnering on a new initiative to help attract top international students and enrich the diversity of Kingston schools.

Queen’s and LDSB are developing a pre-admission initiative that will provide international students with a seamless path for completing their high school studies and obtaining direct entry into Queen’s. It will also give students the opportunity to enhance their English language skills and to experience the richness of Canadian culture.

“Both Queen’s and the Limestone District School Board understand that our students’ success increasingly depends on their ability to thrive in a global setting,” says Queen’s Principal Daniel Woolf. “Attracting students from around the world fosters better cultural awareness and builds international literacy. This is good for students both in high school and at our university, and it will help build Kingston’s profile as an education destination.”

The initiative will target a small number of high-achieving students from around the world who wish to continue their education in Canada. Students accepted will first participate in a joint summer English language program at Queen’s and LDSB and then undertake Grade 12 studies with the LDSB.

While completing high school, students will be billeted with local families through LDSB’s successful homestay program. These host families provide room and board in a welcoming and safe environment, while offering assistance, support and encouragement to international students studying in Kingston.

“The Limestone District School Board is excited to be embarking on this new initiative with our partners at Queen’s University to expand our international education opportunities,” says Brenda Hunter, LDSB Director of Education. “This partnership will further enhance our school communities by allowing students to develop an awareness of vibrant and diverse cultures, and to build new relationships and understanding.”

After successfully completing their high school diploma, students will participate in a summer bridge program at Queen’s that will provide further intensive language instruction and build the key academic skills required to successfully transition to university studies. They will apply to Queen’s like any other high-school student and will need to meet the university’s entry requirements.

Queen’s and the LDSB will continue working on the initiative details.

Both Queen’s and Limestone have a long history of attracting international students. At Queen’s, 20 per cent of graduate students are international and five per cent of undergraduates come from abroad. Limestone has offered international student programming since 1974 and at present attracts 200 students annually.