This press release is reproduced as issued by MLC Education
Bergamo, 7 October 2026 – Relations between Canada, Europe and Italy are growing increasingly close, creating new opportunities for young people and families interested in international study experiences. On October 15, at the Sala Galmozzi in Bergamo, MLC Education will bring together representatives from 10 leading Canadian school districts — Coast Mountain ISP, Halton District School Board, Huron-Perth Catholic School Board, Lakehead Public Schools, Medicine Hat Public, Nanaimo Ladysmith International Education, Red Deer Catholic International, Riverside School Board, Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board and UNISUS School — to introduce students, parents and schools directly to the opportunities offered by Canadian high schools.
The Canada High School Day is the first event of its kind in Italy and is organised in collaboration with Global Eyes, under the patronage of the City of Bergamo, with the participation of the Trade Commission of the Embassy of Canada. Two MLC Education Ambassadors will also attend the event. Having already experienced life and study in Canada first-hand, they will be available to answer guests’ questions and share their personal experiences.
Interest among Italians in Canada as a study destination has grown steadily over the years. According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 1,225 Italian citizens held a Canadian study permit in 2025, representing a 22% increase over just a few years. The Bergamo event will give families the opportunity to go beyond the numbers and learn more about the schools, communities and educational pathways available across Canada.
“I am increasingly convinced that studying abroad can be an important step in a young person’s personal growth. That is why we want to give students and families the opportunity to learn more about different destinations and speak directly with the people who welcome students into Canadian schools every day. Bringing representatives from 10 school districts to Bergamo, together with Canadian institutions, makes Canada and its schools feel closer and more accessible to Italian families,” says Vanessa Rota, Co-Founder and CEO of MLC Education.
One of the key aspects to be explored during the event will be the possibility, offered by many Canadian programmes, of choosing the school district in which to study. This choice can lead to very different experiences, from large urban centres to smaller communities, and from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic provinces. Yet the goal remains the same: “to offer personalised support and an authentic Canadian experience, immersed in a welcoming community,” explains Joe Dominguez, Superintendent of the Coast Mountain School District.
The educational offering also varies from one region to another, with opportunities in academic, arts, technology and sports programmes. Speaking directly with school districts will help students understand which environment and activities best match their interests, whether they are planning to spend a term or semester abroad or a full academic year.
The day will also address some of the most practical questions families have: How do students choose their subjects? What is the relationship between students and teachers? Which sports and extracurricular activities are available? What is it like to live with a host family, and how are international students welcomed?
The Canadian representatives will share insights into everyday school life and the characteristics of their local communities, giving families valuable information to help them assess an experience that goes well beyond learning a language.
The event is also open to teachers, school principals and international mobility coordinators, offering an opportunity to learn more about the Canadian education system and strengthen dialogue between Italian schools and international partners.
Canada High School Day 2026
When: Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Sala Galmozzi, Via Tasso 4, Bergamo, Italy
Admission: Free, with registration available on the event page
MLC EDUCATION
MLC Education specialises in cultural exchange programmes, study abroad opportunities and language-learning experiences for students and adults. Founded by Vanessa Rota and Nicola Leffi, the company has offices in Dublin, Bergamo, Oderzo and Rome.
In 2026, MLC Education celebrates its first 10 years in business, marked by continued growth and an increasingly broad and personalised range of programmes — from study trips and term, semester and academic-year programmes abroad to international university pathways, American dual-diploma programmes, and educational experiences focused on technology, robotics and sports.
