Graduation Transition Interviews
International Students Impress at Grad Transition Interviews
Every student who achieves a British Columbia High School Graduation must fulfill the “Grad Transition (GT)” requirement in their grade 12 year. This involves completion of several tasks including thirty hours of work-related experience, a log book of their physical activity schedules and successful participation in the “GT Interview”.
Recently, five Stelly’s International Students who will graduate in January impressed the “GT Interview” team consisting of school staff and community representatives with reflections on their experiences in Saanich and their plans for the future.
Reika and Yurie are from Japan while Even, Winnie and Lingbo come from China. Their time in Saanich ranges from 1.5 to 3 years. In their individual interviews, each student explained why they wanted to study abroad and how they have changed since arriving at Stelly’s.
All five described their determination to attend high school in Canada and how they persuaded their parents to let them go. They each had a vision that experiencing a different school system, living in a different culture, learning a new language, meeting new friends and facing unknown challenges would help them grow as independent individuals.
Jose Andre’s from Mexico and Kevin from China are enjoying their grade 8 year at Bayside Middle School in Saanich. Both boys appreciate the differences between their schools back home and what they are experiencing at Bayside. “School is simpler here, we only have four blocks a day and the classes are easier. We don’t have to wear uniforms, we can just wear ordinary clothes.” They also like the approach to learning at Bayside. “Our teachers are very nice, they help us a lot and take the time to answer our questions. We go on field trips and sometimes the teachers show movies that help us learn. That is better than listening to the teacher all the time. There is not so much homework here and it is more interesting. We do projects like biographies or posters so it is more enjoyable.”
Jeff and Baron from Taiwan are so proud of themselves for completing their high school graduation programs in Saanich. “We have been here for four years, starting with grade nine. It was very hard at first but now we are glad we came.” Both students achieved University Entrance Graduation and received offers from several big schools. Jeff has decided on Georgia Tech in the U.S. where he will study Bio-Medical Engineering.
Nanna and Iver from Norway wanted to study abroad and are pleased they chose the Saanich International Student Program because of the wide range of courses and activities available in their schools and the community. Both students say that they decided to go overseas because they enjoy new experiences and wanted to become more independent. For Nanna, “My main reason for coming was the overall experience of doing something different.” Iver feels the same, “I’m interested in experiencing new things, I wanted to live the culture and see how schools are over here.”