The Parkland has become a hotbed over the last more than dozen years when it comes to international students.
The Mountain View School Division's international student exchange program has been and continues to be a great success. Running for 15 years, about 1,200 students have come from different countries to study within MVSD.
Marc Kunza is the director of the program and has been for the last seven years.
"We love welcoming students from all over the world into our schools and communities," said Kunza. "They bring energy into our communities and a different perspective. Our students and families that host them benefit from having them here."
The students main focus is schooling and learning everything they can over the course of a calendar school year. Outside of school, many students have been seen out and about at local community events including Dauphin Kings games. A group of nearly 30 attended a game this past season and some were regular visitors to Credit Union Place.
"They love all of the new experiences," said Kunza. "There is a lot to do in our communities and they definitely take full advantage."
They also love to give back. Six students have helped coach local soccer teams. While the students will return to their home countries, eight will do so with a diploma. MVSD is pleased to announce that eight students have graduated, six of which did so at the DRCSS and two at Goose Lake High School in Roblin.
MVSD made the following Facebook post to congratulate them.
Kunza also said it's a special feeling to know students from abroad come into the community to learn and succeed.
"I am very proud of each and every student," said Kunza. "It's not easy for them. They're learning a new language and away from home, it's not easy but they work so hard."
MVSD is looking forward to continuing with its exchange program for the 2022-2023 academic year.
