In most international programs yes: there is an after-hours emergency number, although the school office itself keeps normal weekday hours.
- Program emergency lines: Districts such as Central Okanagan and Abbotsford publish a 24-hour emergency number for their international programs.
- Office hours: Routine questions go to the international office during business hours. Surrey's office, for example, is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Insurance helplines: Some school insurance plans include a 24/7 multilingual assistance line for medical situations.
- Custodian and hosts: You should have the mobile numbers of the custodian and the host family or residence staff.
- Check before enrolling: Ask whether the emergency line is answered by staff at all hours and in which languages. For immediate danger in Canada the number is 911.
Please note: Not every school publishes a 24-hour line; confirm this point in writing.
Official sources: Central Okanagan Public Schools (SD23): International student handbook · Abbotsford School District: Homestay program student guidelines (2025) · Surrey Schools International Education
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