The B.C. government and the government of Spain are working together to promote and create English-Spanish bilingual school programs for B.C. students.

Today, government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Spain as the first step toward giving B.C. students the opportunity to learn Spanish language, culture and history through grades K - 12.

While B.C. students will benefit, more students from Spain will be able to come to B.C. to study, promoting international student diversity and strengthening the global economy. The agreement also provides the framework for B.C. to open offshore schools in Spain in the future.

Today’s MOU supports the Province’s International Education Strategy, which promotes the two-way flow of students, teachers and ideas between B.C. and the rest of the world. Communities, families and businesses throughout B.C. reap the social, cultural and economic benefits of a strong international education sector.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“We are proud to partner with Spain in support of international student learning and diversity. B.C. students will not only have the opportunity to learn the Spanish language and culture, but also be given the chance to learn and work abroad.”

Carlos Gómez- Mugica, Ambassador of Spain to Canada –

“We would like to underline the importance of this MOU which will strengthen the cultural and educative co-operation with British Columbia, and contribute to the deepening of our mutual knowledge and to the reinforcement of our relations with Canada.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2015-16, there were over 18,700 international students in B.C.’s K-12 system – more than 14,639 in 49 school districts and more than 4,072 in 108 independent schools – contributing an estimated $446 million annually to the provincial economy.
• The number of international students in B.C.’s K-12 system has increased by more than 50% since the launch of British Columbia’s International Education Strategy in 2012.
• There are currently 46 certified B.C. offshore schools in eight countries, including China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Japan, Qatar, South Korea and Thailand.
• Students who graduate from B.C. offshore schools receive a Dogwood Diploma, making it easier to enter B.C.’s post-secondary system.
• Alberta entered into a similar MOU with Spain in 1998. In 2015-16 there were 28 Alberta schools (15 elementary schools, eight middle schools and five high schools) offering bilingual Spanish/English education programs, enrolling 6,072 students in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer. 
• Manitoba signed a similar MOU with Spain in 2013 and opened a first Spanish bilingual program in the 2016.

Learn More:

International Education: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/international-education

B.C. Offshore Schools: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/international-education/offshore-schools