International Students

Welcome to Windsor-Essex!

At the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), we invite students from all over the world to experience life and learning in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

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Learn more about the International Students Program

View our Agent and Family Manual, which provides valuable information about our school district, processes, expectations and requirements for participation in the International Students Program. Please refer to the manual and review its contents before registering.

Contact us!

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact the International Students Program office staff at [email protected] or at +1 519-255-3200, extension 10340.

Apply to GECDSB

International students, their families and agents can apply online to the International students Program and make a payment online.

Homestay

Learn more about MLI Homestay, the GECDSB's official homestay partner for International Students in Grades 9-12.

Elementary Students

Elementary school International Students are warmly welcomed at the GECDSB. Our youngest learners in Kindergarten to Grade 8 MUST reside with a parent for the entire duration of their elementary school studies.  Elementary school students are not permitted to reside in the MLI Homestay program and they may NOT live unaccompanied by their parent for any length of time. The Parent Accommodations Contract located in the online application outlines your responsibilities and must be submitted with your child's application.

Parents, you must apply for the appropriate Visa or travel documents for yourself when applying for your child's Visa. Our office is happy to provide you with a letter of support to attach to your own Visa application. 

Travel to Canada

International Students, their families and agents are responsible for understanding and complying with Canada’s travel requirements and restrictions. 

Student Stories

View our music video "Discover Me" which tells the story of a valedictorian's educational journey in the GECDSB as she reflects on her past school years and looks forward to the future!

View more stories from GECDSB international students as they describe their educational experience at our schools (complete with subtitles for Chinese students).

Top 10 reasons to study at Greater Essex!

1. Windsor is a mid-sized Canadian city very well-suited to students living away from home for the first time.
2. Windsor has all the amenities of a large city, including an international airport and amazing entertainment, recreation, academic and cultural opportunities, plus easy access to the U.S.
3. Windsor has a relatively low cost of living.
4. Windsor-Essex is home to some of the safest municipalities in Canada.
5. Known as the Automotive Capital of Canada, Windsor is the place to be for opportunities in automotive and mechanical engineering, manufacturing and robotics.
6. Our International Students Program has lots of capacity to welcome international students.
7. Our right-sized schools allow for personal attention, care and opportunity.
8. Windsor is a vibrant, multicultural city with a long history of welcoming newcomers.
9. Windsor's temperate climate has mild winters, beautiful spring times, hot summers and stunning autumn colours.
10. We have choice and opportunity, with 13 secondary schools, four ESL programs, one school for the creative arts, and many extracurricular activities at all our schools.