International students studying in Prince George gather for a Welcome BBQ at City Hall yesterday afternoon

Prince George, BC –  The weather was warm, and the reception even warmer on the front lawn of City Hall yesterday afternoon, as international students gathered for a welcome-to-Prince George barbeque.

This is the fourth year the City and its partner groups, including School District 57, CNC, UNBC, Tourism Prince George, and the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society have thrown a party to recognize foreign students who’ve come to the city for secondary or post-secondary education.

Mayor Shari Green said Prince George is becoming a ‘destination of choice’ for many people, including students.  "So, as individuals and as a community, we are focused on championing equity and respect for all people and ensuring Prince George is viewed as welcoming – a place where students can choose to attend school, but also will consider staying for the long-term."

CNC President John Bowman said the College of New Caledonia has approximately 300 international students from 15 countries this year.  He told the students gathered that they will not be the only ones to learn from this experience, "All of us who work for our institutions and live in Prince George are going to benefit from learning from you – about your cultures and ways of life in your countries – so please share with us your experiences and participate fully in the community while you’re here."

According to the principal at School District 57’s Centre for Learning Alternatives, Chris Molcak, there are 42 exchange students and 13 fee paying international students enrolled in the district’s schools this fall.  Last year, there were 44 exchange students, 8 full-year fee paying students, 15 half-year students, and 28 single month fee paying students.

15-year-old Hannah S. (left) and 17-year-old Anna Taliaferri (right) are two exchange students who were enjoying burgers as part of yesterday’s reception. 

Both girls are here for the full school year to attend classes at Duchess Park.  Hannah is from Germany and said Prince George is much smaller than her hometown.  "I am from a really big city, but it (Prince George) seems nice."  She said she really likes her host family.

Anna, too, said her host family is awesome.  Her first impressions of Prince George and the whole exchange experience?  "Beautiful.  A lot of fun."  She said she has yet to make many friends at school, but says she’s doing well.  Anna is really looking forward to winter because she enjoys skiing.

The University of Northern BC had a total of  396 international students from 43 countries enrolled in undergrad and graduate programs last fall.  This fall, there are 125 new students coming to the campus on Cranbrook Hill.

Nozomi Sakurai, Asami Hosoda, and Nozomi Otsuka are part of the university’s ESL program.  They, too, were enjoying the good food and good music that was part of yesterday’s bbq.

Mayor Green wrapped up her comments to the students by thanking them for choosing to study here, "We are so grateful you have chosen to live and learn in Prince George for the time that you are here, so welcome to all of you."

"Enjoy your stay in our beautiful city."