Prairie Land Regional Division
Prairie Land Regional Division
Prairie Land Regional Division, one of the largest school jurisdictions in Alberta, spans approximately 15,500 square kilometers in the East-Central region of the province. Despite its vast geographical expanse, this jurisdiction serves a relatively small population of approximately 1,300 students from kindergarten to grade twelve. The area is sparsely populated and situated at a considerable distance from major urban centers. Historically rooted in agriculture, the region has witnessed increasing energy-related development in recent years. The administrative hub of Prairie Land Regional Division is located in the town of Hanna, Alberta.
The formation of Prairie Land Regional Division took place in January 1995 as a part of Alberta's education governance restructuring. Four small school divisions, namely Berry Creek, Neutral Hills, Rangeland, and Starland, amalgamated to optimize system governance and administration costs. Focused on providing quality education to all students across the jurisdiction, regardless of their location, Prairie Land Regional Division takes pride in its commitment to maintaining small schools and embracing innovative approaches to delivering excellent educational programs.
Programs
In Prairie Land Regional Division, the pursuit of academic excellence is a priority, with a focus on ensuring that students reach their full potential. However, the commitment to student growth goes beyond academics, encompassing a diverse range of activities that align with the division's three focal points. The goal is to nurture well-rounded and productive global citizens as the students journey into the future. Although the examples provided are just a glimpse of the offerings at the schools of Prairie Land Regional Division, students can explore more unique and intriguing activities by visiting their local school or checking out their website. In small schools, students benefit from the advantages of smaller class sizes and closer relationships with their educators. Gone are the days when small schools struggled to offer diverse programming. Thanks to modern instructional methods and technologies, the Prairie Land Regional Division now readily adapts to the needs of its learners. Students enjoy access to various opportunities, such as Program Choice, Flexible Seating, Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Green Certificate, Work Experience, and more.
Emphasizing health and wellness throughout the jurisdiction aims to contribute to improved educational outcomes and instill a lifelong commitment to active living. Prioritizing students, staff, and communities' well-being forms a crucial part of the holistic approach to education. This includes initiatives like Comprehensive School Health, Community Fitness Facilities, Nutrition/Breakfast Programs, Sports Programs, Project Reach, and more.
Though located in rural communities, each school of Prairie Land Regional Division possesses its unique identity. Embracing and celebrating these differences plays a key role in enhancing the jurisdictional culture and fostering inclusive school communities. Efforts to recognize local culture, nurture an inclusive environment, and enhance personal relations extend within the jurisdiction and beyond. Notable endeavors include the Inclusivity Project, Safe and Caring Schools, Community Gardens, Fine Arts, Community Use of School Buildings, Focus on Agriculture (Altario School), Active School Councils, and more. Prairie Land Regional Division takes great pride in delivering quality programming to students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their location across Alberta, Canada, or the world. Under the umbrella of its International Program, Prairie Land Regional Division offers numerous opportunities for students to choose from, including Remote Learning, Credit Recovery, Residency Programs, or any combination that meets their needs.
Prairie Land Regional Division extensive experience in providing quality synchronous and asynchronous remote learning opens doors for students living worldwide, in Canadian cities, or remote rural areas. Following the Alberta curriculum, remote learning entails small class sizes guided by imaginative, experienced, and dedicated professionals genuinely invested in their students' success. The International Program's Credit Recovery (CR) enables students, irrespective of their geographical location, to address skill gaps in courses they haven't passed or have less than desired results. This tailored approach identifies strengths, builds upon them, and targets areas of weakness through specific learning modules. CR helps students stay on track with their overall academic program while addressing gaps in their learning journey. For local and international students, Residency Programs present exciting and community-based opportunities of varying lengths, ranging from four weeks to nine months. These programs enrich students' experiences, allowing them to make the most of their time in the community.
The Academic Graduation Program/Schools of Excellence Program offered by Prairie Land Regional Division is designed to provide international students with an enriching educational experience in Alberta, Canada. The programs are flexible, running for either one semester or a full academic school year of 10 months. Their main objective is to enable students to study and live in Alberta while completing a half or full year of study that leads to a recognized Alberta Graduation Certificate through Alberta Education. This certificate holds high value and acceptance by major universities worldwide, making it an excellent pathway for students aspiring to enroll in universities in Canada and beyond. With a strong focus on academic excellence, Prairie Land Regional Division graduation program ensures students are well-prepared for their future academic pursuits. The program's credibility is further reinforced by provincially administered Diploma Examinations, validating its rigor and high standards.
Additionally, students may have the opportunity to choose from the Schools of Excellence Programs, which provide specialized educational experiences based on availability and individual interests. For students seeking a cultural immersion experience and improvement in English Language Learning, Prairie Land Regional Division Cultural Programs offer a 4-6 week exploration of Prairie Living in Western Canada. Geared toward students aged 13 to 18, this program provides a firsthand understanding of life on the prairies, including agricultural practices. Excursions to agricultural learning centers introduce students to animal husbandry and sustainable ranching.
Beyond the prairies, the program takes students to the Alberta Badlands, where they delve into the history of Dinosaurs. Explorations continue with canoeing and immersing in the natural landscape. The program at Prairie Land Regional Division also incorporates visits to the renowned Banff and Jasper National Parks, nestled in the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Range and the Columbian Icefields. Amid these natural wonders, students gain insights into global warming and sustainable living, with a particular focus on agriculture. While engaging in these enriching experiences, students have dedicated ESL instruction time daily, allowing them to complete journals and enhance their writing skills. The combination of cultural exploration and language development makes this program an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and global understanding.
Accommodation
Studying abroad offers an enriching and transformative experience for international students, allowing them to explore new cultures, gain knowledge, and make lasting memories. Among the various factors that contribute to a successful study abroad journey, accommodation plays a crucial role. As international students embark on their educational pursuits at Prairie Land Regional Division in Hanna, Alberta, the question of housing becomes paramount. This article delves into the housing options available to overseas students at Prairie Land Regional Division, highlighting the accommodation facilities provided by the school and exploring alternative ways to address the housing needs of international learners.
Prairie Land Regional Division understands the importance of a comfortable and supportive living environment for international students. To ensure that students have a conducive place to call home during their studies, some schools of the division offer on-campus housing facilities.
For some international students, immersing themselves in the local culture and language is a priority. Prairie Land Regional Division recognizes this and offers a homestay option for those who prefer to live with a Canadian host family. Living with a homestay family allows students to gain firsthand insights into Canadian customs, traditions, and daily life. The homestay experience enhances language skills and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Typically, the costs for homestay accommodation vary depending on the location and specific arrangements, but they are generally estimated to be around $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month.
In instances where on-campus or homestay options are not available or preferred, international students can explore various off-campus housing alternatives. One popular choice is renting an apartment or house. The cost of renting in Hanna, Alberta, can range from $800 CAD to $1,500 CAD per month, depending on the size, location, and amenities of the property. Another option to consider is sharing an apartment or room with a roommate, which can significantly reduce individual housing expenses. In such cases, the cost can range from $400 CAD to $800 CAD per month, depending on the arrangement.
Future Prospects
A post-graduation work permit program enables international students who have completed their studies at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable work experience in the country. This program is a crucial step for graduates looking to kickstart their careers and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their education. The post-graduation work permit is typically issued for a duration of up to three years, depending on the length of the study program completed. During this period, graduates can work for any Canadian employer, explore various industries, and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Canada values the contributions and talents of international graduates and offers various pathways for them to transition from temporary residency to permanent residency. Graduates have the potential to obtain permanent resident status through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which specifically targets individuals with Canadian work experience. This option provides graduates with the assurance of a long-term life in Canada, offering access to essential social benefits and a stable environment to pursue their career aspirations.
Obtaining Canadian citizenship emerges as a feasible choice for individuals seeking complete integration into Canadian society. It comes with an array of advantages, such as the ability to actively engage in Canadian democracy, access essential social benefits, and enjoy the freedom of travel with a Canadian passport. Beyond its practical benefits, Canadian citizenship signifies a profound sense of belonging, empowering graduates to play an active role in their communities and contribute meaningfully to Canada's future.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay in order to study in Prairie Land Regional Division or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
