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Part of International education

International education programs

Learn about the benefits of international education programs and find resources to create them.

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International education programs

Overview

International education is a term for initiatives that promote an understanding of the connections and differences between the world’s people. Alberta’s K to 12 education system helps students:

People collaborating across cultures.

work with others from different cultural backgrounds

“Globe with heart and speech bubble representing cultural perspectives.

appreciate a broad range of ideas, perspectives and values

Speech bubble representing teamwork and collaboration.

build relationships and collaborate with others

Head with light bulb representing global competencies.

develop global competencies and intercultural skills

Benefits

International education programs support students, educators and Alberta’s economy. 

  • Benefits for students and educators

    International education programs help students and educators:

    • gain international and intercultural knowledge, skills and awareness
    • develop greater understanding and respect for cultural diversity while learning about different perspectives, practices and systems

  • Benefits for Alberta

    International education programs also:

    • build Alberta’s globally skilled and trained labour force that contributes to increased trade and investment diversity
    • bring more than 3,000 international students to Alberta K to 12 schools, providing long-term economic and social benefits for the province

  • Economic and social impact

International Education Week

International Education Week is celebrated annually in more than 100 countries during the third week of November. This global initiative emphasizes the value of international engagement and demonstrates how global learning equips students with intercultural skills to succeed in an interconnected world. Explore diverse cultures, foster meaningful connections and celebrate the transformative power of international education.

Global Snack Challenge

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students in Alberta and Alberta accredited international schools celebrated global cultures through food by sharing a favourite snack and a personal memory or imagined story, brought to life through artwork. The Global Snack Challenge award recipients have now been selected. Visit the Global Snack Challenge to see the full list of prize winners. 

Kids drawing of a pizza.

Winner (Grade 1): Tobias Hildebrand, Grade 1 - Medicine Hat Christian School, Medicine Hat, AB

Kids drawing of a pizza.

Winner (Grades 2-3):Anja Un, Grade 3 - The International School of Macao, Macao

Kids drawing of sushi.

Winner (Grades 4-6): Jojo Rao, Grade 4 – The International School of Macao, Macao

Kids drawing of falafel, a popular Middle Eastern deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or a mix of both.

Winner (Grades 7-9): Rafif Mhanna, Grade 8 – D.S. Mackenzie Jr High, Edmonton

Kids drawing of milk candy, a popular, creamy, and sweet confection from China.

Winner (Grades 10-12): Sophia Zhang, Grade 10 – Old Scona Academic High School, Edmonton

Ways to participate in international education

You can create an international education activity anywhere, and it can take many shapes or forms.

Here are some ideas and resources to help you celebrate and promote opportunities to learn about other cultures and places.

Resources

Activities and program ideas

  • Classroom activities

    • Host a panel discussion with local representatives from international organizations to answer questions from students.
    • Hold class discussions on topics like intercultural competence, international engagement or global partnerships.
    • Video conference with an international school partner.
    • School or class projects with one of Alberta’s internationally accredited schools.
    • Meet with students over lunch to share a new language or cultural activity from around the world.

  • Events and community engagement

    • Set up an international-themed food festival.
    • Host multicultural performances by student groups or external organizations.
    • Showcase international films.
    • Invite guest speakers to present on topics related to international education.
    • Create events acknowledging international students in your school.
    • Place exhibits or posters in your school or community to highlight facts from cultures or languages around the world.
    • Present a language or cultural exchange program.
    • Hold informational sessions showing how students and educators can get involved with international education initiatives.

  • Program examples and ideas

    • Student and teacher exchange programs.
    • International student programs.
    • International school partnerships.
    • Language and culture programs.
    • Visiting teacher and special language advisor programs.
    • Agreements and relationships with international governments and regions.

Contact

Connect with International Education Services:

Phone: 780-427-2035
Email (General information): [email protected]
Email (Exchange programs): [email protected]

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