International Certificate Program - ICP

To enroll in the OCDSB International Certificate Program please fill out the IB Enrollment Form and submit it to your school’s ICP Advisor or send it to Mr. Oussoren.

Here are some of the benefits students in the program have gained from their experience:

• Learning or improving another language
• Increasing global awareness
• Immersing yourself in another culture
• Making lifelong friendships
• Becoming more independent and confident
• Exploring opportunities for your future
• Hosting an international student in your family
• Traveling and visiting other countries and cultures
• Understanding differences and similarities between cultures
• Connecting personal experience with coursework
• Developing leadership skills
• Contributing to local and foreign communities
• Participating as a global citizen

Carleton University 

Carleton University offers scholarships up to $1000 if you are an ICP graduate and are enrolling in their Bachelor of Global and International Studies program

uOttawa

uOttawa offers scholarships up to $1000 if you are an ICP graduate enrolling in their School of International Development and Global Studies.

For more details on either of these scholarships please contact Sean Oussoren sean.oussoren@ocdsb.ca

Huron at Western University

ICP graduates are eligible to apply for $1000 scholarships to study at Huron at Western University. More details are linked here. 

The Lynch-Getty Global Student Award

The Lynch-Getty award will be presented to four students each year attending school in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board – this award is intended for both Canadian residents as well as international fee-paying students within the OCDSB. The students will have demonstrated leadership in their community and involvement in groups, events and activities that foster cross cultural learning and understanding in school and in the community. Participation in international exchange programs, intercultural clubs, international volunteer programs, peer tutoring, student organizations, charity groups, and community associations are some activities that would help to support an application for the award.

More details are linked here

The International Certificate Program (ICP) for High School Students was introduced in Canada in 2009 by the Calgary Board of Education. 

The OCDSB introduced its own version in 2013 and have expanded it to all of its high schools in Ottawa. With over 780 students currently enrolled, and an annual graduating cohort of nearly 100, this program has truly taken off and has been the inspiration for other school boards across the province to start their own International Certificate Programs

What do I “get” by completing the OCDSB International Certificate Program?

• Each student who successfully completes the requirements of the program will receive a special certificate presented at a graduation ceremony in their grade 12 year. 
• Students who qualify for the “Honours” designation will receive a special seal on the certificate.
• There is an intrinsic value in participating in a unique program which encourages student leadership and global citizenship along with fellow students who may have similar values and aspirations. The student will gain cultural competency and the certificate may provide an opportunity to explore future educational and career opportunities. 

Why would I want to complete this program?

• Learning or improving another language 
• Increasing global awareness
• Immersing yourself in another culture
• Making lifelong friendships
• Becoming more independent and confident
• Exploring opportunities for your future 
• Hosting an international student in your family
• Traveling and visiting other countries and cultures
• Understanding differences and similarities between cultures
• Connecting personal experience with coursework
• Developing leadership skills
• Contributing to local and foreign communities
• Participating as a global citizen

Upon completing the certificate, do I receive any special consideration for university or college acceptance?

• Huron at Western College and  Carleton University’s Bachelor of Global and International Studies offer ICP graduates the chance to apply for their $1000 first-year scholarships. 

How do I enroll in the OCDSB International Certificate Program?

• Fill out the enrolment form on this website or ask your school’s ICP advisor. 

 What is the role of the International Certificate Advisor at my school?

• The International Certificate Advisor is a teacher who has volunteered to assist in promoting the program and to help you in planning the pathway you choose to take to meet the requirements for obtaining the certificate.   
• In many schools the International Certificate Advisor will hold regular meetings for all students enrolled in the program and also advise you on course selections, along with your Guidance counselor, in order to complete the program. 
• The advisor will be well informed about the program to give you advice and monitor your progress. 

If I travel overseas with my family during the summer or school year can I receive credit towards the “International Experience and Engagement” requirement?

• In many cases this will count but you are encouraged to get PRIOR approval from the International Certificate Advisor or International Education Coordinator.
• If it does count, you will need to share a reflection about your experience. 

If my “mother tongue” is a language other than English or French, does this automatically count towards a student completing the language requirement?

• In most cases this would not be acceptable since you must complete an Ontario Ministry of Education credit to qualify for the language requirement. The intent of this component is (1) to learn another language besides English, French, or your language spoken at home, OR (2) to further develop proficiency in your “mother tongue.”

If my family hosts an international student in Homestay more than once, or if I am an international student who stays in Homestay more than one semester, can I get credit for more than 50 hours?

• A student enrolled in the International Certificate Program can receive a maximum of 50 hours credit for Homestay experience, whether the students’ family is hosting more than once or if the student is an international student who lives in a Homestay for more than one semester.