Canada

Age and eligibility

Students must be at least 14 years of age, but no more than 18 years when their program starts. Canada applicants must also be younger than 18 and 8 months whilst on the program.

Students who are gluten-free or vegan will be charged an extra CAD$200 per month, while those who are both gluten-free and vegan will be charged CAD$300 per month. This covers the cost of additional food to meet the student’s dietary requirements.

Vegetarian or pescatarian students must live in homes where meat is consumed and will incur a CAD$150 monthly stipend to allow for their dietary needs. They should be self-sufficient in managing their diet.

Language criteria

There are no formal language requirements for Canada.

Program length

Programs are available for 2 or 3 months, Academic Semester, Academic Year (10 months), or a Calendar Year (12 months).

Schools

High school hours are usually from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm. Extracurricular activities and sports are scheduled after school hours. Lessons in public schools are held from Monday to Friday and there are no lessons on Saturdays or Sundays. Some students attend summer school. All schools are provincially accredited, follow a standard curriculum and publicly funded. High school is from Grade 9-12, September – June (Academic Year). There is no choice of schools on the Classic Program.

Vaccinations

Students are required to be vaccinated and have received their standard childhood vaccinations for their age group. Your host country will require you to be fully vaccinated for Meningococcal (MenACWY). Covid-19 is recommended (not compulsory).

Visa

For students under 6 months, there is no visa required, just an online eTA form to be completed. For students staying longer, you will need to apply for a study permit. Further information will be provided by your program coordinator.

High School Choice Program

Students who are looking to go on exchange to Canada have the option to apply for an Academic Semester or an Academic Year program and choose from a range of regions, school districts and schools in Canada. Students can fully participate in athletics, clubs and other extracurricular activities whilst on exchange.

With the High School Choice programs you can customise your study abroad by choosing your destination, or a lifestyle or sport you love – a school in a big city, near the beach, close to the mountains, warm weather all year round and more! International students can study at a public school for a year, semester or even a short term program!

We can’t wait to welcome you to Toronto! Our camp staff are getting ready, the itinerary is set and all that is left is to meet you at the airport!

You will be joining the Canada team for 4 days to explore Toronto & Niagara Falls, learn about Canada, meet new friends and begin your exchange adventure! Your Local Coordinator will meet you once you arrive in the local area.

EXAMPLE OF THE SLC AGENDA

Day 1:

Early-PM: Airport Meet & Greet
Hotel Check-in: Students will be transferred  to the hotel for check-in once student groups have arrived.
PM: Get to Know the Leaders & Participants
6-9 pm: Welcome Dinner & Get to Know You (dinner included).

Day 2:
AM: Breakfast & Bus. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included) before departing by bus to Niagara Falls to visit one of the wonders of the world – Niagara Falls!

AM/PM: Visit the Wonder that is Niagara Falls. Enjoy free time at Clifton Hill, explore the mid-way, stop by the Hershey’s Chocolate World, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Niagara SkyWheel and more…! (lunch purchased by students). Discover the Falls, photo time and and learn the history of Niagara Falls. Take the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour and get up close and personal to the Falls. Head back to Toronto for the evening Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Game (dinner purchased by students).

Day 3: Toronto (By land and lake!)

AM: Exploring, Shopping & Selfies

A morning breakfast at the hotel (included)

Students participate in a morning cultural orientation meeting and review the program expectations – prep for success! Then shop ’til you drop and dine (lunch purchased by students) at The Eaton Centre Shopping Mall. Photo time! Get a group photo at the iconic PanAM Games “Toronto” sign. Walk through historic downtown to the CN Tower. Take a trip to the top and view the city from a new height.

PM: Touring on an Evening Cruise.

Board the Yankee Lady Cruise-ship for a Dinner and Dance cruise along the Toronto Harbour (dinner included).

Day 4: Departures – It’s time to meet your host family!

AM: Goodbyes & Hellos – All in One Day!
Enjoy a morning to-go/packed breakfast (included) before departing to your host community. Staff members will assist you to the airport to catch your flights, to the train or bus station or cars awaiting you, to set off to meet your host family and begin your exchange adventure!
A to-go/packed breakfast is provided. (Student’s will purchase lunch on their own (either at airport or en route, depending on transfer details).

Soft Landing Camp fee includes: hotel accommodation, entry into tourist destinations, airport transfers, meals as described in agenda.

Soft Landing Camp fee does not include: domestic transfer to host family community, some meals, personal expenses