OUR TEAM
NEIL HOSLER
Owner/Agent
Neil Hosler has been a Manager/Agent/Certified ITAC International student counsellor, since 2005, and has been hosting international students from around the world since 1998. He has worked with over 40 schools and school divisions throughout Alberta, and has helped place over 2500 students in Secondary and Post Secondary Institutions and homestays across Canada. Neil is always been encouraged that so many students have enjoyed Canada's spectacular nature, multiculturalism, people, and educational experiences.
Mr. Hosler earned a diploma in Child and Youth Care from Grant MacEwan University. After graduation he worked as a frontline staff and manager for several youth working agencies and treatment facilities in the Edmonton region. Prior to ISSA-Canada, Mr. Hosler was the Provincial Manager of Alberta for Global Partners Institute, a non profit Canadian student exchange organization. Sadly COVID-19 caused the undoing of GPI's 28 year business. Mr Hosler is moving forward with over 16 years experience and many pleasant memories of his time with GPI. Before GPI, Mr Hosler operated his own accredited wilderness camp with the Albert Camping Association, spending many years immersing teens in rewarding wilderness activities, recreation, environmental, and historical education.
For 23 years, Mr. Hosler has volunteered as Patrol Leader with the Canadian Ski Patrol, assisting skiers and summer events with emergency trauma first aid and rescue. He also enjoys biking, camping, and is married with two daughters aged 18 and 19.
Neil is passionate about the our global mission, believing that by providing intercultural experiences for host families and students, we are changing the world for the better. His most cherished memories are watching students and host families grow throughout their exchange year. Not only does each student’s English greatly improve, they depart Canada as far more mature and worldly citizens for their experience, having developed lifelong bonds with their Canadian family. Being part of that experience is the greatest reward for his hard work and dedication.
ABOUT OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT AGENCY
Dreaming about coming to Canada as an International student? At Independent Student Support Agents-Canada (ISSA-Canada), Our dedicated, experienced team of certified ITAC International student counselors, partner agents, Canadian secondary and post secondary partner institutions and homestay services provide international students with a spectrum of full student supports to assist you with all aspects of your student journey. Our staff have over 20 years experience in the assisting students in study abroad experiences. Whether you wish for short-term study experiences, language vacations, cultural immersion or if you wish for longer experiences such as high school semester programs, multiple year graduation programs or assistance in progressing to post secondary education, post graduate work programs or you are striving towards becoming a Canadian citizen we can cater a program and the appropriate connections and advice tom meet your needs
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Our Latest and Greatest
ISSA-Canada Announces...Homestay provision for Olds College, Olds, Alberta
Independent Student Support Agents-Canada (ISSA-Canada) is pleased to announce that we are providing homestays for international students coming to programs at Olds College in Olds, Alberta! This means international students now have the additional options of residing with a homestay family or staying in the Colleges student dormitories. The advantage of living in homestay is you become a member of a Canadian host family. Homestay provides more additional supports than dorm life. Plus you develop lifelong relationships, get to practice your English language skills and your family introduces you to local resources and Canadian culture. Message us to apply for student homestay or to register as a Olds host family for the fall of 2023.
Canadian PM sets visa processing times and expanding residency pathways as priorities
January 22, 2022
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has signalled reducing visa processing times and expanding immigration pathways for international students as priorities for the new Immigration Minister to work on, while the country has also confirmed further extensions for online study and postgraduate work eligibility.
In a series of mandate letters, which were published at the end of last year, the Prime Minister outlines areas for each department to focus on during the new term in office.
The mandate letter to Sean Fraser, the Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, sets out a priority to “reduce application processing times, including to address delays that have been impacted by Covid-19”.
At the time of writing, the typical processing time for a study permit application from outside of Canada is listed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as 11 weeks.
Prime Minister Trudeau has set study permit processing times as a priority. Photo credit - Art Babych, Shutterstock.
The Prime Minister also asks Minister Fraser to “expand pathways to Permanent Residence for international students and temporary foreign workers through the Express Entry system”.
Prime Minister Trudeau also writes that the Minister will “prioritise ongoing work to strengthen Canada’s immigration and refugee system, including bringing in more newcomers to all regions of Canada who will support Canada’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic”.
Bringing more international newcomers to Canada is outlined as a strategy to drive economic growth and recovery in the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan.
The potential of permanent residency is often cited as one of the key attractions of Canada as a study destination. A survey of 14,228 international students in Canada by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) in 2018 found that 60 per cent of respondents intended to stay and eventually apply for permanent residency after completing their studies.
Meanwhile, IRCC confirmed a further extension of flexibility on international students studying outside of Canada and still being eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit.
International students will be allowed to count online study time from March 2020 to August 31st 2022 towards PWGP eligibility and will be able to complete up to 100 per cent of studies with a Canadian institution online and still be eligible.
Media Source: By Matthew Knott
News Editor-Study Travel Network
LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GAP YEAR EXPERIENCE WHILE RAISING TUITION FOR POST SECONDARY?
June 1st, 2021
ISSA-Canada is a Canadian partner of Camp America! If studying abroad in another country is not your cup of tea, ISSA-Canada can create a more fun, comfortable and equitable summer travel/work experience with our good friends at Camp America, South of the Canadian border. Every summer we send over 7,000 people from all over the world to work on summer camps across the USA. We work with hundreds of camps and we're the most experienced! Contact ISSA-Canada at neilhosler07@gmail.com for more information
WE ARE GEARING UP FOR WHEN THE WORLD RE-OPENS TO STUDY TRAVEL! OUR HOST FAMILIES ARE EAGERLY WAITING YOUR ARRIVAL!!!
June 1st, 2021
As the world gradually re-opens from the COVID-19 Crisis, ISSA-Canada has over 800 eager Canadian host families awaiting to welcome international students into their homes and communities. Whether you wish for a urban educational experience is one of Canada's larger cities or you wish for more of a cultural/language immersion experience in a smaller more cost effective rural communities we have fully screened host families for you! Contact ISSA-Canada at neilhosler07@gmail.com for more information.
CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWS
Oct 1, 2021
Ottawa’s successful COVID-19 vaccination program is buoying the confidence of international students who had planned to defer their studies for a year but are now saying they want to come to Canada to study as soon as possible.
“With governments around the world now accelerating their vaccination programmes, the focus will be on which countries are the first to more widely open their borders to international students, and the policies they enact when it comes to their own student populations being vaccinated,” writes Kym Nguyen, vice president of client development with QS Enrolment Solutions.
“Canada’s successful vaccination rollout will hold the country in good stead to take the lead on a less restrictive international travel environment though universities will still need to carefully consider how they manage their international recruitment strategies for the rest of the year and what measures they can implement to safeguard against any future setbacks.”
Read More Canada Immigration News
Major Demand For Canada Jobs In Nursing, Manufacturing, Hospitality After COVID-19
Canada Urged To Look To Immigrants To Solve Severe Skilled Trades Labour Shortage
Confirming Your Canadian Permanent Residence Online: All You Need To Know
In its latest Canadian International Student Survey, entitled Supporting Recovery and Driving Growth in Global Higher Education, QS World reveals international students who had planned to defer their studies in Canada are now changing their minds.
Covid-19 Vaccination Program Is Making Canada Safe Again, Say International Students
Many of those students, who have been following Canada’s efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic with a national COVID-19 vaccination program, are feeling the country is once again safe enough to attend university and college in Canada.
In the three months that ended in July this year, 71 per cent of prospective international students interested in Canada as a destination stated the COVID-19 crisis has affected their plans to study abroad, with the majority intending to defer their studies until next year.
The vaccines’ rollout across Canada, though, has led to many international students once again setting their sights on Canada.
“The acceleration of the vaccine rollout has created a divergence in intentions, with 20 per cent now wanting to start their studies earlier than they had previously planned due to the vaccination rollout,” notes the report.
Campuses across the country have re-opened this autumn, many of them with a hybrid model of education where some classes are held in person and others online.
The vast majority of prospective international students, 84 per cent, say they prefer in-person, classroom education over online courses.
More Than a Third of International Students Fine With Hybrid Educational Programs
But the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many of them being open to the now-common hybrid model of university and college education in Canada.
“We also see 35 per cent of prospective students expressing high levels of interest in a hybrid or ‘blended’ learning mode, and 22 per cent expressing high levels of interest for fully online study,” reveals the QS World report.
Among the attractions of Canada for these international students is the opportunity to find jobs both while studying and afterwards, something made possible by the country’s Study Permits and Post-Graduation Work Permits. That work experience can then count towards upping their Comprehensive Ranking System points and improve their chances of immigrating to Canada and becoming permanent residents.
“The ability to upskill is an important consideration for many prospective students when thinking about their preferred course and how that can influence their future careers,” notes the report.
“Those same students also have ambitions to go on to establish their careers in multinational organisations or government sector roles. Sixty-eight per cent of prospective students interested in studying in Canada intend to stay temporarily upon graduating in order to work and live, and 29 per cent plan to stay permanently.
Ability to Work, Immigrate to Canada Are Attractive for International Students
“Equipping international students with the skills and experience they need to successfully find and maintain employment – whether in Canada, their home country or elsewhere – will continue to be a critical component of maintaining student satisfaction and bolster Canada’s reputation as a top destination for international study.”
Canada enjoys a reputation as one of the best places for international students to come and get their university degrees.
In the latest QS World University Rankings 2022 released earlier this year, 26 Canadian universities made it onto the list of 1,000 best places to study, with 10 of those Canadian universities ranked in the top 25 per cent throughout the world.
“Canada has a well-established position among the world’s leading study destinations,” noted QS Quacquarelli Symonds on its website.
“The most popular Canadian provinces for international students are Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, which between them are home to many of the top universities in Canada.”
ISSA-GENKI LANGUAGE INSTITUTE PEN PALS
Oct 28, 2021
Looking for Pen Pals to share letters with in Canada or Japan. Come join ISSA-Canada's Pen Pal Program and share your culture, help a friend learn a new language and make new international friends. Drop us a note for an ISSA-Canada Pen Pal Application to get started.
ISSA-CANADA PARTNER SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Past & Present
Clients are always at the forefront of our work, which is why we form a true partnership with everyone we work with. Independent Student Support Agents-Canada (ISSA-Canada) clients are clients for life. Please have a look at who we’ve worked with in the past. Interested in our Canadian Placement High Schools? Visit our placement catalogue PDF below
JSL METHOD - TOKYO/OKINAWA, JAPAN
One of Our Most Successful Campaigns
ISSA-Canada is the Canadian Representative for JSL MeTHOD. JSL MeTHOD is an efficient tool for learning key Japanese grammar patterns. Watch easy-to-understand videos and engaging stories, then measure your comprehension by completing quizzes. The JSL MeTHOD helps you gain a deep understanding of the Japanese language.
JSL NIPPON ACADEMY
Study Abroad Opportunities for Canadians in Okinawa & Tokyo through ISSA-Canada
ISSI-Canada is the Canadian representative for JSL Nippon Academy. Would you like to study abroad in Japan during 2022/2023? We can make it happen for sort term or long term programs. Contact us at neilhosler07@gmail.com for more information and work with us to build the right study travel vacation for your needs...Since establishment in 1986, JSL Nippon Academy manages Okinawa and Tokyo Campuses to bring up students who succeed globally and we have graduated students from over 40 countries and places. We offer various course curriculums and quality of teaching from well-trained instructors for students with high enthusiasm to achieve their goals and needs. Japanese learning indeed, we also teach Japanese culture and Japanese manners on the path for an education and career. We support and care with kindness and politeness to make sure your future is excellent and bright. We are looking forward to seeing you in Japan!
ECOLE MCTAVISH HIGH SCHOOL
Fort McMurray Public School Division
One of ISSA-Canada's premier Canadian Partner High Schools...
Ecole McTavish has developed into an amazing place over our years we have been open. High academic results, strong character building, dominant sports programming, amazing fine and performing arts, and engineering and robotics that have won events at both provincial and international competitions, are some of the things we have at our school. We house approximately 1000 grade 7-12 students and have just opened a multi-million dollar high school for the students to learn in.
We truly have become the home to the 21st Century learner at our building. With advanced technology, highly collaborative staff, and engaged students, we have much to offer potential students. Contact us if you have any questions about the building or how it can help your child reach their academic, athletic, and leadership potential.
Scott Barr
Principal, École McTavish Public High School
KEYANO COLLEGE
ISSA Canad's #1 post secondary trades institution
Keyano College is a comprehensive community institution in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Stretching from north-central Alberta to the borders of Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo is one of the largest municipalities in Canada.
Keyano serves students through its Clearwater Campus and Suncor Energy Industrial Centre in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan Campus, and through our Learning Centres in Fort McKay and Gregoire Lake.
The College meets both the training and skills acquisition needs of industry, and the personal enrichment and cultural needs of the Wood Buffalo community. Keyano provides opportunities for lifelong, relevant and practical learning, and is committed to increasing access to post-secondary programs.
and baccalaureate degrees. The College also supports the development of professional knowledge and skills in several sectors, including energy, construction, business, health and safety, arts, sciences, education, human services, and transportation. A wide range of corporate training options are available to client companies as well as Aboriginal Education and Regional Stewardship programming focused on improving access to learning opportunities.
CHINOOK'S EDGE SCHOOL DIVISION
ISSA Canada's Highest Quality Rural Immersion Partners
ISSA-Canada is the sole international placement and homestay provider for Chinook's Edge School Division. Chinooks Edge offers us over 11 of Alberta's best community high schools in 11 unique communities. If you have a specialized interest or need for your study abroad plans, ISSA-Canada & Chinook's Edge can provide you with what you need. Contact one of our certified ITAC student counsellors for more information and community/school profiles to help you make your decision.
RED DEER PUBLIC SD
ISSA-Canada's partner school division for best student activities
While studying in the central region of the province of Alberta, you will be provided with challenging academic studies and English language learning opportunities in classrooms where you will be fully integrated with your Canadian fellow students.
Your education program will be based on high standards of academic excellence.
Red Deer Public Schools will prepare you for continuing your studies at the College or University levels. In addition to the regular curriculum, the Red Deer Public School District offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs.
The Red Deer Public School District promises you
A Focus on Student Achievement
CHOICE of Schools and Programming
Respect and Appreciation for Cultural Diversity
Focus on Language Learning
Focus on Technology
Access to fully networked computer labs (both MAC and PC)
Internet connections and a personal email address
A safe, caring environment in a mid sized city
RED DEER COLLEGE
One of Central Alberta's top post secondary institutions
Through ISSA-Canada's multiple partnerships with Secondary and Post Secondary Institutions in Alberta's 3rd largest city we have the ability to stream students from their high school experiences straight into post secondary programming and even post graduate work permits
GOLDEN HILLS INTERNATIONAL
ISSA-Canada's Southern Alberta Dormitory School Partner
Golden Hills School Division is an ISSA-Canada Partner. What makes the Golden Hills SD unique is they are one of the only school divisions in Alberta to provide dormitory accommodation for international students in 3 locations throughout Southern Alberta. So if you are a high school student whom residing in a dormitory rather than homestay makes yourself and your parents more comfortable, this is a terrific option for you. Golden Hills encompasses a vast geographical area across rural mid-eastern Alberta. We value our diverse environments and the communities we are part of that are rich with culture and educational opportunities. But what makes our schools really incredible? Our students are inspired by outstanding teachers and our international students are welcomed with open arms. Our dormitory leaders and homestay parents nurture and encourage students and help make their residence both a place they can call home and a sanctuary where they can relax and study. Your heart will always be at home and at Golden Hills International you will always feel at home.
ASPENVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ISSA-Canada's Central/North Alberta Partner School Division
Our placements in Aspenview SD offer international students exceptional modern schools, low student/teacher ratios, reduced tuition costs, exceptional sports and recreational programming and also create immeasurable English immersion experiences and community volunteership opportunities. All in the amazing natural surroundings of Canadian aspen parkland and lakes
LIVINGSTON RANGE SCHOOL DIVISION
On the slopes of the Alberta Rockies students get the best that Alberta can provide in terms of natural, recreational, educational student experiences.
Livingstone Range School Division spans a vast geographical area across southwestern Alberta, an area surrounded by brilliant blue skies, fresh air, wide open spaces, and a warm and friendly spirit. Located along the foothills and into the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Livingstone Range Schools offer international students the opportunity to explore the history of Alberta while enjoying western hospitality. Each community in the region offers a vibrant and supportive learning environment along with a unique personality and attractions. Quality education, safe, caring homestay families and schools situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Alberta make Livingstone Range a perfect place to study, learn and grow.
CANADIAN IMMIGRATION AND BEYOND-NEW BEGINNINGS
ISSA-Canada Contract Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC# 522186)
Our Authorized Consultant
Our consultant, Yvonne Sackeyfio, is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC# 522186). She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, and worked in the Immigration Section of the Canadian High Commission in Ghana as a Program Assistant for 6 years, managing Canadian application processes.
She graduated with a Diploma in Business Administration from NAIT. and after graduation, worked as a Senior Program Officer with the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for 10 years, assessing and making daily decisions on applications for permanent residence in Canada. She graduated from Humber College in 2016 with an Immigration Consultant Certificate (Honors), and is a member in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
Yvonne came to Canada as an International Student and experienced first-hand the challenges students and especially first generation immigrants face. She has a passion for helping people, and became a consultant to simplify the process for her clients, sharing her immigration knowledge and experiences with them in a friendly, professional and honest way. Her solution-driven approach gives hope and focus to her clients, allowing them to trust her and commit to following the advice and guidance she gives to help them succeed.
Our Team
The team at Canada Immigration and Beyond guides you to success in moving to Canada to study, immigrate, visit and work, and to enjoy all that Canada has to offer. They are committed to creating a plan of action for you with simple actionable steps you can understand.
Canada Immigration and Beyond has served people from many countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, United States, Columbia, Portugal and others, helping them to successfully study, immigrate, visit and work in Canada through various programs.
Why choose Canada Immigration and Beyond?
With us you are assured of:
- Honesty
- Friendly and family-oriented
- Exceptional customer service
- Commitment to your success
- People you can trust
BATTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
Rural English/Cultural Immersion Secondary Placements
For the last 20 years we have been placing secondary international students throughout the communities and schools of Battle River School Division. In addition to the supports of ISSA-Canada to our students, Battle River has amazing activity programs and a staff team dedicated to all international students in the Division. For profiles on Battle River Schools and Communities contact ISSA-Canada for a free consult.
HORIZON SCHOOL DIVISION
Our partner school division in study abroad excellence
Horizon School Division and Independent Student Support Agents-Canada (ISSA-Canada) support all international high school students in their efforts to come to Canada and study in the upcoming 2020-2023 school year and forward. Let us be your choice if you are Dreaming of Study in Canada and let us show you how to achieve success in your educational journey!
SIDEKICK INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CARD
A sidekick is a buddy, a friend, a comrade. Think of us as the Robin to your Batman, the Watson to your Sherlock, the Donkey to your Shrek. We’ll be by your side on your adventure, ready to help out when you need us.
We don’t just help you get your money from A to B (though, yes, we’re very good at that). We’re here to make sure international students can get the most out of their funds and truly enjoy their adventure in Canada. We connect our clients with partners who offer low exchange rates while we provide a safe and secure service, and complete control over your budget – so students can focus on having the time of their lives.