The Avon Maitland District School Board is going global in its student recruitment.

Communications Officer Steve Howe tells us the board is becoming a player on the international stage, drawing students from other countries for field trips and study stays.

Howe tells Bayshore Broadcasting News the program exposes Huron and Perth students to the different cultures of those who come to attend classes here.

He says the Ontario Secondary School Diploma is a ticket to many international universities.

Howe says the AMDSB's coffers benefit-- as the foreign students all pay tuition.

He says recruitment efforts are being expanded as a hedge against declining enrolment.

The overseas students are matched with host families who have undergone background checks.

Steve Howe says there are some logistical gymnastics needed to keep class sizes to contractual limits for the short-term visitors.

AMDSB trustees were treated to a presentation on the initiative at their meeting October 23rd.

It was observed that if the program expands any further, it would benefit from a designated liaison officer to work with the various international agencies involved.