“There’s such a community here…” April 6, 2007
They have traveled thousands of miles to come and study at LCBI, leaving behind their families, language and culture to experience another part of the world and receive an education that will prepare them for the future.

Students from Hong Kong, Germany and Brazil have recently studied at LCBI. Principal Guebert suggests, “The international students bring a new dimension to our campus. Often we get into a routine of our little world around us, but the international students bring a regular reminder that the world is very diverse.”

Their decision to come to LCBI sprang from their desire to experience another culture and improve their English skills. Godwin Ho (Gr. 11, Tsing, Yi, Hong Kong) said, “My parents wanted me to see and understand another part of the world. Canada is pretty international. There are people of different cultures and colors.” Lais Fuchs (Gr. 12, Maringa, Parana, Brazil) explained, “At first it was just a dream. I wanted to go to another place and see everything so my family and I began to pray a lot. Then things began to happen!” Missionaries the Fuchs family met with had connections to LCBI Chaplain Pastor Ron Bestvater and some wheels were put in motion. Lais spent time on the LCBI web page and became very excited about the possibility but admitted she really couldn’t imagine it would happen. Then she smiled and said, “But it did! Before I know it I’m on a plane and I’m coming here!”

All of the international students said the biggest adjustment to be made was learning the language. They had all taken English classes in school but the focus was primarily on grammar and pronunciation. Conversation is another thing entirely. Manda Wu (Gr. 12, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong) said she needed to just sit back and listen for the first few weeks she was here. “That’s how you learn,” she explained. She laughed and said, “For example, last night I learned what ‘hang out’ means. I didn’t understand at first but now I do! It just means stay together.” She added, “Sometimes I misunderstand but my classmates help me.”

LCBI is quite different from the schools they attended previously. Susanne Spira (Gr. 12, Ilmenau, Germany) was in a student body of 900 and said the school was “not very personal. They’re just not that interested in you.” After arriving here she commented, “It’s more friendly here. People are so nice and everyone knows you. I was not used to everyone asking me how I am.” Godwin remarked, “All the people are so friendly. On my first day here people were waving to me and I’m thinking ‘Do I know them’?”

Many of the students were surprised by how many extracurricular opportunities are provided at LCBI. Godwin said, “You can find something you like to do, like basketball, and know that every step you take will help your life experience.” Katherina Baum (Gr. 12, Berlin, Germany) was on the Lady Bison basketball team that went to the Provincial Championship in March. She said, “I had played street ball but not on a real team before. I wanted to make the team so badly. I was so glad the day I did. I just jumped around that day.” She feels the way the school supported the team is a reflection of what LCBI is all about. She was overwhelmed by the posters that were hung up around school to congratulate the team and the fact that the whole school was part of the provincial championship experience. “There’s such a community here and I’m so glad to be part of that community.” Susanne added, “People talked about LCBI being a family and it is. It is like family here.”

The international students all say being in Canada and studying at LCBI has benefited them greatly. Dephine Liu (Gr. 12, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong) remarked, “It’s such a good experience. I’ve learned a lot of English. The other students have been so helpful. Everyone is so close.” Lais remarked, “This school is amazing. Everything is so good. I’m so grateful to be here.”