Top 10 Reasons why
we love having international students at LBPSB
by Martine St-Pierre, Shalini Dowlani, Gianluca Muia
1. We love the cultural diversity international students bring into our school/centre.
International students share their stories, cultures, and dreams with us, and help us see the world in new ways. They also enrich our school/centre with their talents, skills, and achievements. They are part of our community and our friends. We love them because they make our school/centre a better place for everyone.
2. It allows LBPSB staff and students an opportunity to proudly showcase Quebec culture.
Staff and students celebrate and share the heritage, creativity, and diversity of Quebec with others. It fosters intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and learning among different communities. It enables our community to express pride and appreciation for the unique and vibrant cultural environment of Quebec.
3. It provides us with the opportunity to see our surroundings with a fresh perspective.
Seeing our own surroundings through the eyes of someone else helps us appreciate the beauty, diversity, and complexity of our own environment, and challenges us to question our assumptions and biases. It also opens our minds to new possibilities, ideas, and solutions that we might not have considered before.
4. International lifelong friendships!
Students in our schools can build an international network across the world, leading to cultural exchanges and deep friendships.
5. Broadening of world view.
Meeting someone from a different part of the world introduces a set of diverse cultures, values, and perspectives. The experience helps us understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience and challenges us to reflect on our own beliefs and assumptions. It can inspire us to be more curious, open-minded, and respectful towards others, and to appreciate the similarities and differences that make us unique.
6. It highlights the value of our Quebec Education System.
We are proud to offer our international students’ high-quality education that prepares them for their future goals. The quality of education in Quebec is very highly regarded internationally.
7. It provides us with the opportunity to be kind and welcoming.
Imagine starting in a new school, in a new country, it must be a fun, but stressful, adventure. It is also a fantastic opportunity for local students to step up and be kind and welcoming to these new classmates.
8. Laughable awkward memorable moments.
International students provide us with lighthearted and humorous moments when we realize we are using different words or pronunciations for the same thing. For example, J is pronounced as H in Spanish, so students often get Ham, when asking for Jam on their toast!
9. Language acquisition.
As international students come to Quebec to improve their French and English skills, our students can learn the language of the international student. What a fun exchange.
10. Food!
International students enrich our schools/centers with snacks/food that we may have not tasted before. What a wonderful way to experience different flavours in great company.
