For Ross Pepper, Principal of the International Student Program at Qualicum School District on Vancouver Island, keeping students safe and supported is at the heart of his work. But being in a rural community comes with its own challenges — especially when it comes to accessing healthcare.
“We don’t have the same resources as a city like Vancouver,” Ross explains. “The hospital’s a fair distance away. There’s an urgent care centre, but it can be limited. That’s why having someone local who understands our reality really matters.”
Ross has been working with GuardMe for nearly two decades. Over the years, he says, what’s stood out most is the consistency — not just in service, but in the relationships behind it.
“We’ve had emergencies — students hit by cars, serious situations. Having someone I can call directly, someone who knows our area and has already spoken to local providers, makes a real difference. It’s not flashy, but it’s steady. And in our work, that goes a long way.”
He also points to the smaller things: the ability to bring a student’s parent to Canada in case of a serious incident, the introduction of mobile doctor services for areas without easy access to clinics, and the mental health support added in recent years.
“It’s not always easy to find the right kind of help out here,” Ross says. “So, when we can lean on tools like that — especially after COVID — it helps our students feel less alone.”
For Ross, what matters most is knowing the safety net is there. Not just for him, but for the homestay families, agents, and students who count on the program.
“I don’t want to be worrying about medical coverage. If I can trust that part’s taken care of, I can focus on the rest. That’s been true for years now.”
Looking to support international students in your own school district?
We’d be happy to walk you through how our flexible solutions adapt to different communities — rural or urban. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
