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Before coming to Canada, many international students and their parents do not know that Canada’s high schools and Chinese high schools are very different. In China, as long as children are sent to prestigious high schools, the students can follow fixed educational processes, complete their courses, graduate on time, and take the college entrance examination. Therefore, in China, the choice of a high school is extremely important.
In Canada, however, children have a lot of autonomy. Classes are the same as those in Chinese universities. In addition to registering for courses required by universities, students can choose from courses that they are interested in. Thus in Canada, high schools are not as important. The determining factor of success is instead the students’ personal performance.
When Chinese middle school students come to Canada, a large number of students go to Canadian public high schools. Usually, the schools provide ESL (English as a Second Language) assistance; that is, they concentrate on English language training for non-native English speakers. Therefore, the first thing that international students must do is to take an English proficiency test. Once the tests results are determined, the schools arrange students into different classes according to their English levels. The standard ESL program in public schools consists of 8 courses. Besides ESL courses, there are courses that focus on students’ extracurricular interests. Due to their limited English abilities, international students cannot choose normal courses, such as English 10 or Social Studies 10. However, in BC, high school graduation requires 80 credits, including 19 courses and community volunteer activities. If students stay in an ESL program for a long time, they are unable to complete the specified courses. We at APASS often encounter children who are about to graduate to Grade 12, but who have less than 30 credits, only half of the requirements for graduation! They cannot complete these requirements in time for university applications, which happen in the first semester of Grade 12.
This frustrating but common issue is due to the fact that most overseas study institutions in China do not understand the Canadian education system. These Chinese institutions persuade students to study abroad without addressing the problems that children may face.
No one wants to see this happen, and it is best to prevent problems before they happen. Fortunately, many parents are beginning to seek front-line information from educational professionals Canada to receive guidance in academic studies, to plan for their children’s future, or to avoid wasted time so that students can enroll in their favoured university for further studies.
If you are failing to graduate from high school, what should you do?
You are in Grade 11, but you find that your credits are insufficient. What should you do?
Find help from professionals!
We will analyze the situation and propose solutions.
This is the only way, whether the expert is a relative, a friend, a school counselor, or an professional academic adviser in an educational institution.
This solution includes three main directions:
- Online Courses: Choose suitable online course providers. These do not need to be from the Canadian education bureau.
- Summer Vacation Courses: If the time is right, use summer break to complete one or two courses.
- Transfer to an International School: In public high school, students can take 8 courses a year; international high schools offer 12 courses.
These choices seem simple, but can actually do a lot. Nevertheless, if the selection is wrong, it may delay students’ university applications. At this critical stage, students are inseparable from the guidance of professionals.
According to Western ideals, when children grow up, frustration helps them mature. The child is the helmsman of his/her own life. But a mentor’s guidance is like a riverbed that will keep the child’s ship on the correct route. Therefore, it is shocking that many Chinese parents do not give more support to their children. Elaine Qin has pointed out to everyone about this phenomenon, and has warned that it is necessary to take precautions.
Call to talk to anAPASS Academic Advisor!
604-563-8300