Cultural Enrichment Program
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A Unique Opportunity to Develop Global Citizenship
Schools provide meaningful and engaging experiences that foster personal, social and academic growth and prepare students for a bright future. Today, more than ever before, schools must also assist students to appreciate global citizenship and an international perspective in our increasingly connected world. Cultural enrichment experiences help to develop "citizens of the world," and the Louis Riel School Division's Cultural Enrichment Program supports this goal.
The Participants
Students in Grades 9-12 from all LRSD high schools are invited to apply to participate in a cultural enrichment exchange program with one of its partner schools. Any student registered in Grades 9-12 in a Louis Riel School Division high school may apply. The administration team of each high school collaborates with LRSD Go Global to consider each application and to make the final selections.
Selected applicants each stay in host families which have been carefully selected by the host countries’ school administration. All host families are able to speak some level of English. Students attend school along with their exchange partner. Excursions to local sites, businesses, nearby communities, and cultural attractions complement the cultural experience.
The Benefits
In addition to learning about diverse cultures, students have an opportunity to develop an appreciation for:
- Cultural traditions, languages and lifestyles
- Global interdependence and cooperation
- International school systems
- Relationships that are created through the hosting experiences
The Schools and Partners
While the Cultural Enrichment Program School Partners are very similar in nature, they each have their own unique context. Four are true reciprocal exchanges. In these programs, LRSD students go to their partner country and stay with a student and their family. That student then travels to stay with the LRSD student and their family and to attend school in LRSD. One school partner, Japan, does not require a host family, as students stay in dormitory accommodations.
The exchange experiences are of various lengths of time and occur at different times in the school year. Dates are determined annually and are communicated to LRSD high schools directly.
1. Japan Meitoku Gijuku High School in Kochi City
Meitoku Gijuku is a high school in southern Japan with an enrolment of approximately 1050 students. In its Japanese immersion program, LRSD students study written and spoken Japanese. They also participate in numerous cultural activities with other Japanese immersion students from countries around the world.
Selected students stay in the school’s dormitory, and the school’s cafeteria provides all their meals. Students may learn about bamboo production, visit a paper factory, or take in the history and sites in Kochi City. They also join one of the school’s many clubs that focus on sports, martial arts or the fine arts.
The stay in Japan ranges from 6 to 8 weeks, and begins at the outset of Semester Two. As students stay in dormitory accommodations, no host family is required.
Grades 9-12 are welcome to apply.
2. Germany Stadtteilschule Bergstedt High School in Hamburg
Stadtteilschule Bergstedt is a high school in northern Germany with an enrolment of approximately 1100 students. In its international program, LRSD students have an opportunity to learn about German culture and history. A knowledge of the German language is not required but students are introduced to the foundations of the language. In addition, students have an opportunity to participate in German family life and experience cultural activities with their fellow students and host families.
Excursions to local sites, businesses, nearby communities, and cultural attractions will complement the experience. Students can learn about the important role that Hamburg has played as one of the largest ports in Europe.
LRSD students attend school for 3 to 4 weeks in May-June and students from Bergstedt travel to stay with students for 3 weeks beginning in October. Interested families must be able to host a student in their home.
Grades 9-11 are welcome to apply.
3. Chile Saint Matthew School in Villarrica
Saint Matthew School in Villarrica is a K–12 school with an enrollment of just over 500 students, located in southern Chile on a beautiful plain at the base of tall mountains, including an active volcano. Students participate in a variety of activities while at the school, many of them involving physical activity in the beautiful surrounding area of Villarrica.
Being able to speak some Spanish is an asset but willingness to learn the language is most important. Most people living in Villarrica only speak Spanish. However, basic English is taught at every grade in the school. Many students, and some staff, can converse in English.
The length of stay in Chile is approximatley 4 weeks in March-April. Interested families must be able to host a student in their home.
Grades 9-11 are welcome to apply.
4. Spain Eurocolegio Casvi in Madrid
The Casvi campuses are located on the outskirts of Madrid. They are two beautiful, modern school campuses with a long history in international education. The Casvi student population consists of students from around the world and the local area. Selected LRSD students live with their exchange partner's family. Students can expect to attend school and experience the culture and history of the region through a variety of outings.
Spanish is spoken in the school, but most students have also developed strong skills in English. Staff at the school are mostly bilingual.
The length of stay in Spain is approximatley 4 weeks in April-May. Interested families must be able to host a student in their home.
Grades 9-11 are welcome to apply.
5. France Lycée Gabriel Faure in Tournon-sur-Rhône
The school is located in the south-east of France in a beautiful geographic location. Lycée Gabriel Faure School in Tournon-sur-Rhône, is part of the organization called DAREIC – Délégation Académique aux Relations Européennes, Internationales et à la Coopération. They have a long history of facilitating exchange programs. Gabriel Faure is located in one of the most beautiful and historic school buildings in all of France.
This exchange provides an opportunity for French Immersion students to further develop and refine their language skills. It may also be an incentive for students in English schools to pursue acquisition of a second language. Regardless, it provides an opportunity for students to experience French culture and to better understand our own national French heritage and the importance of developing cultural competency.
The length of stay in France is approximately 4 weeks in April-May. Interested families must be able to host a student in their home.
Grades 9-11 are welcome to apply.
6. Italy Liceo Scientifico e Classico Euclide in Cagliari, Sardinia
Liceo Euclide is located in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, a beautiful Mediterranean island known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. The school has a confirmed student population of 1,036 students and offers both scientific and classical academic programs, providing students with a strong educational foundation in sciences, mathematics, languages, literature, and humanities.
This exchange offers Canadian students the opportunity to experience the Italian education system, immerse themselves in Italian language and culture, and discover the traditions, history, and lifestyle of Sardinia. Students will attend classes alongside their Italian peers, develop international friendships, and experience everyday life in an Italian community. The program encourages cultural exchange, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of Sardinian and European culture.
The exchange is intended to provide a reciprocal cultural experience, allowing Italian and Canadian students to learn from one another while strengthening international connections between their schools.
The length of stay in Italy is approximately 4 weeks in March-April. Interested families must be able to host a student in their home.
Program Costs
The cost to participate is established every October and is shared with potential applicants when presentations take place at each LRSD high school. In addition, students must provide their own spending money.
The Application Process
Any student registered in Grades 9-12 in a Louis Riel School Division high school (must be a Canadian Citizen or hold permanent resident status) may apply. All applications are submitted online. Details will be provided during October presentations.
Troy Reinhardt
Manager of Cultural Enrichment and Community Engagement