A new face of DVSS was on full display last Friday as students, teachers and members of the community celebrated International Education Week.
    November 12-16 is International Education Week and Canada is part of a community of more than 100 counties to mark the occasion that showcase the contribution international education makes.
    The world was on a stage at DVSS. This year there are 57 students in the international program at the school representing about a dozen different countries.  This year the numbers are up over last year and principal Curtis   LaPierre said he expects the program is growing again.
    “We’re getting really good at what we do, we are good at the placement of students, testing students in terms of their level of English and the marketing of students in terms of who we are bringing in,” said LaPierre. “The caliber of kids that we have been getting has been going up significantly.”
    The cross section has changed as well. While in previous years the program had been marketed heavily in Asia, this year all continents save for Antarctica and Australia are represented.
    The program is beneficial for the international students as it give them the opportunity tom live abroad, and study, learn or improve a second language and expand their world view. For the local students there are also great benefits.
    “We call it an international program but the student body has embraced and accepted this program just as something we do. This is our normal. It is nothing extraordinary, they are just used to meeting new kids all the time that speak another language,” sad LaPierre.
    Last Friday students were celebrating what makes them special through music, food, and sharing their talents. There were opportunities for students to expand horizons as well. The Duke of Edinburgh program was represented at the event and Tracy Kakuk of the Drumheller Rotary Club was on hand sharing the kinds of international experiences it offers to youth.

The food was a big hit as students, and staff at DVSS celebrated International Education Week. This year 57 student representing about a dozen countries are in the international program at the school.

    South Korean students participating in the Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) international program will be returning home today.
    The program is considered to be a great success this year, but its future is currently being evaluated.
    “It’s still a question mark whether or not we’ll continue next year. We need to have that conversation with the staff. Logistically on a short term stay, it’s very challenging,” said DVSS principal Curtis LaPierrie. “The only reason for continuing would be the phenomenal group we had this year. In terms of revenue, the school doesn’t need it.”
    The Korean exchange program was first held in the fall of 2011. After the success of the first exchange, it was decided to invite another 20 students in 2012.
    At the start of the school year, 20 students from South Korea arrived in Drumheller to expand their knowledge in the cosmetology, hospitality, and food industries.
    Over the past several months, the students attended class at DVSS and participated in work experience programs at local businesses.
    “This group came in with a much higher functioning level of English, their personalities are great, and they had phenomenal training before coming here. The foods students came in already knowing French classical cuisine, cake decorating, how to fillet a fish, sauces, and the list went on and on,” said LaPierre.
    Currently, the exchange occurs for the first three months of the school year. There had previously been consideration for expanding the exchange to include 40 Korean students in both school semesters. Should the exchange happen again next year, LaPierre hopes to keep it small.
    “We just don’t have a large enough community to handle that kind of capacity from a work experience standpoint. When they come, I have to make timetables and meal plans for example, so logistically it’s challenging,” said LaPierre.
    DVSS is hosted a farewell dinner for the Korean  students last night. LaPierre has spoken with students who have expressed a desire to return.
    “There are a number of students who would like to apply for a job here in Canada and get work Visas,” said LaPierre. “The reward is experiences the kids, our school, and the community has as a result of this program.”

Tony Shin (left), Crystal Mun, Britney Lee, and the remaining 17 Korean students will be heading home this Friday. The students arrived in Drumheller at the beginning of the school year and have been learning about Canada, western culture, and training for their trades. The students spent time working at local restaurants, salons, and other businesses during their stay.