Study Abroad Canada

Q: Can I arrive early or stay a few extra days?
A: Yes, you can arrive early or stay longer; however, there will be an additional fee for the extra nights and days you will be in the program.

Q: Who will meet me at the airport?
A: A school representative along with your homestay family will be at the airport to welcome you to Prince Edward Island.

Q: Is there an emergency contact number?
A: The emergency contact number will be the Study Abroad Canada cell phone. Study Abroad Canada will provide this information prior to your departure.

Q: Where is the closest hospital?
A: The closest hospital is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the city of Charlottetown. It is a 5 minute drive from the school.

Q: How can my family contact me?
A: You will receive the contact information if you are staying with a homestay family. Your family may contact you there. Your family may also contact you at the school: telephone (902 628 2379), or fax (902 892 1198) or mail Study Abroad Canada P.O. Box 3231 Charlottetown PE Canada C1A 7N9.

Q: How far in advance do I have to pay tuition and school fees?
A: All fees are due 30 days before the first day of class.

Q: Is it possible to cancel my program after I register?
A: Cancellations made 30 days before the beginning of the program start date will receive a full refund less application and placement fees. There are no refunds on programs less than 12 weeks. Refunds on programs longer than 12 weeks will be granted for only the portion of tuition greater than 12 weeks and are subject to a $200 administration fee.

Q: Should I get travel/health insurance before I arrive?
A: Health insurance is necessary for students studying at our school. You can purchase it before you leave home, or you can purchase it through Study Abroad Canada. We use StudentGuard (www.studentguard.com). You may also purchase the insurance directly from them.

Q: What will the weather be like during my stay?
A: Winter: a warm winter coat, boots, hat, scarf, and gloves are necessities.
    Spring: It is still cool in spring, so bring warm clothes, including sweaters and jackets. An umbrella is always a good idea in spring!
    Summer: Summer on PEI is very comfortable. You should bring lightweight clothes like t-shirts, shorts, lightweight pants and jackets.
    Fall: It can be cool in PEI in fall so be prepared with warm footwear, a jacket, gloves and a hat.

Q: What can I expect on my first day of school? What should I bring on my first day? What time should I arrive?
A: The first day of school can be a little scary, but do not worry! Our friendly staff will make you feel comfortable as soon as you arrive.

Intensive English Program:
The first day begins at 8:30. You will participate in icebreaker games and meet staff and other students. Following the activities, you will write a placement test. This test includes reading, writing and listening comprehension. After the placement test, you will have a lunch break and then orientation. On the first day, you should bring pens or pencils, paper and a dictionary.

Study Tour Program:
The first day begins at 9:00. You will meet staff and other students. In your first class of the morning, your teacher will ask you to write about yourself in a diary. You will have a morning speaking class. After lunch, you will have an afternoon activity which may include Anne of Green Gables House, a craft, or canoeing! On the first day, you should bring pens or pencils, paper and a dictionary.

Q: How many classes are there?
A: There are between two and five classes at our school.

Q: How many students are in one class?
A: The maximum number of students in one class is 14. The average is 8 per class.

Q: Will I meet students who speak other languages?
A: We welcome students from a variety of areas including Asia, South America, Europe and the province of Quebec. At any one time, there are usually students who speak 5 or 6 languages at the school.

Q: Do I have to speak English at all times at the school?
A: Study Abroad Canada has an English-only rule. You must speak English at all times while at the school and when participating in school activities. We collect $1 if we hear you speak your first language. This money is used to buy treats (such as cookies) for students.

Q: Will I have a placement test at the beginning of my program?
A: Yes, you will complete a placement test on the first day of class. This wil include reading, writing and listening sections.

Q: What are the qualifications of the teachers?
A: The teachers have a Bachelors degree, a certificate for Teaching English as a Second Language, and experience teaching ESL/EFL.

Q: What are the classes like?
A: Our classes are friendly and educational. In the Intensive English Program, we offer reading, writing, listening / speaking/pronunciation, grammar, multi-skills and TOEFL preparation. Study Tour students practice listening and speaking. Since we have a maximum of twelve students per class, the classes are warm and students receive a lot of personal attention from teachers.

Q: What is the average number of students per class?
A: The average number of students in each class is between 7-9.

Q: What is the maximum number of students per class?
A: 14 students is the maximum number in all classes.

Q: Does your school offer TOEIC and TOEFL preparation?
A: We offer TOEFL preparation throughout the year and TOEIC on demand.

Q: Do I receive a diploma at the end of my program?
A: Yes, all students receive a diploma at the end of the program. The diploma indicates the course in which you participated and the length of time.

Q: Does the school have computers the students can use?
A: Yes, the school has a computer lab with 8 computers that full time students can use.

Q: What school activities does your school offer?
A: If you participate in the Study Tour program, you will have activities every afternoon as part of your program. Students in the Intensive English program have free activities every Friday afternoon. Depending on the season, our Friday afternoon school activities may include kayaking, making a craft, going to the Anne of Green Gables House, making and eating a lobster lunch, or ice skating.

Q: What things do students usually do after class?
A: Students have access to a computer lab at the school so some students spend time writing emails or exploring the internet. We also have language learning software that you may use. The Charlottetown school is located in the downtown area where there are many stores, coffee shops, a public library and the gymnasium for which all students have access.

Q: Does the school have kitchen facilities?
A: There is a large fridge, a microwave and a sink at the school.

Q: Where can I get drinks such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
A: Study Abroad Canada provides coffee, tea and hot chocolate for free. Some students in Charlottetown prefer to go out at break time to buy a hot drink at one of the many coffee shops located downtown.

Q: What kind of accommodations are available?
A: Students usually stay with a homestay family.

Q: How far are the accommodations from the school?
A: Our homestays are located no further than twenty minutes away by car. Remember that your homestay family will drive you to school and pick you up after class.

Q: When will I receive information about my new homestay family?
A: When our homestay coordinator receives your application, she will then find a suitable homestay family for you. Then she will send the information within a few days.

Q: How near are the homestay families’ homes to the school?
A: Our families are located in and around the Charlottetown area. Most homes are between five and twenty minutes away by car.

Q: How do I travel between my house and the school?
A: Your homestay family will take you to school and pick you up after school every day.

Q: How are students matched with the homestay family?
A: When you send us your application form, we look carefully at the information you include such as interests, hobbies, etc. We then try to find a family that shares your interests.

Q: How many people are in most homestay families?
A: The number of people in the host families varies. Some families include mom, dad and children. Others may be elderly couples whose children no longer live at home. Some families include a single parent with children.

Q: What if I have special diet needs?
A: If you have a special diet need such as an allergy to foods, or you are a vegetarian, please indicate this on your application form. This is important for us to know when we are trying to place you in a homestay.

Q: Am I able to use the phone at my hometay family’s house?
A: You should ask your homestay family about using the phone. Local calls are free; however, some families will tell you if they have house rules about the length of time you should talk on the phone. If you are making long distance call, we suggest that you buy a calling card in order to pay for the call. Also, most families prefer that you do not receive calls really late at night or really early in the morning. Ask your homestay family what is OK in their house.

Q: Am I able to use a computer in my homestay family’s house?
A: Many families have personal computers now. You should ask if it is OK to use the computer, if there is one in your homestay. The school has a number of computers for you to use before and after class.

Q: Am I able to use my own computer in my homestay family’s house?
A: Again, you should check with your homestay family to ask if this is OK. You may be able to connect your computer to the school network.

Q: What about food?
A: Canadian breakfast is usually at about 7:30 am on weekdays and later on the weekends. Canadians eat cereal or toast with tea/coffee, juice or milk for breakfast. On the weekends, we sometimes eat a larger breakfast or a breakfast/lunch combination called brunch.

During the week, lunch is usually eaten at school around 12:30. On the weekend, lunch may be eaten between 11:30 and 2:00. An example of a typical Canadian lunch is a sandwich and fruit, along with other foods like yogurt or cookies. Snacks are sometimes eaten between meals. A snack is usually a piece of fruit, cookies, a muffin, etc.

Canadian supper time is usually between 5:00 and 6:30 pm. Meals often consist of meat, potatoes and vegetables. Of course, every family has different likes and dislikes, so you may find your family enjoys foods like pizza, fish, spaghetti, or pasta. Also, desserts are a favourite among Canadians.

Your homestay family may ask you to help with supper, such as setting the table before supper or clearing away the dishes after supper. It is good manners to offer to help if you see that the family is busy with preparations. This is also a good time to practise English! Take time to talk to your family about food likes and dislikes.

Q: What do Canadian families usually do in their free time?
A: Some activities families like to do are visiting friends and family, playing sports, using computers, going for walks, crafts, etc. Being a new member of your Canadian family, you will be invited to do things with the family. Please feel free to join in and enjoy the fun times with your family. Your English will improve if you get out and are active. Of course, you need your quiet time too. It is OK to say, “I need some quiet time.”

Q: When should my child arrive?
A: Your child should arrive the Sunday before classes begin.

Q: Can my child arrive early?
A: Yes, your child can arrive early; however, there will be an additional fee for the extra nights and days he or she will be in the program.

Q: Who will meet my child at the airport?
A: A staff person from the school will be at the airport to meet your child. The staff person will be at the exit. He/she will be wearing a Study Abroad Canada shirt, and will be holding your child’s name on a large piece of paper. The staff person will drive your child to the Junior Vacation site.

Q: Is there an emergency contact number?
A: The emergency contact number will be the Study Abroad Canada cell phone. Study Abroad Canada will provide this information prior to your child’s departure.

Q: How can I contact my child?
A: Your child will be given an email address. You may also telephone: 902 628 2379, or fax 902 892 1198 or mail Study Abroad Canada P.O. Box 3231 Charlottetown PE Canada C1A 7N9.

Q: Where is the closest hospital?
A: The closest hospital is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the city of Charlottetown. It is a 5 minute drive from the school.

Q: What are the qualifications of the teachers?
A: The teachers have a minimum of a Bachelors degree, a certificate for Teaching English as a Second Language, and experience teaching ESL/EFL.

Q: What kind of activities will my child participate in?
A: Your child will participate in organised sport activities, cultural and drama activities, outdoor walks, beach activities and touring.

Q: Who will be leading the activities?
A: Study Abroad Canada employees will be leading all the activities. We subcontract some activities to various companies in Prince Edward Island if special equipment or instructors are required. For example: canoe and kayaking, horseback riding, or cycling. However, a Study Abroad Canada employee will be with the students for all these activities.

Q: How will my child travel while in Prince Edward Island?
A: Your child will travel in a van or a bus.

Q: How many students are in one class?
A: The maximum number of students in one class is 14. The average is 8 per class.

Q: Will my child have a placement test at the beginning of classes?
A: Yes, your child will have an informal placement test at the beginning of her or his class.

Q: Do I need to purchase medical insurance for my child?
A: Yes, medical insurance is required. You can purchase it at home or it can be purchased through Study Abroad Canada.

Q: How much spending money do I need to give my child?
A: We suggest you give your child between $25 and $40 (Canadian) per week. Please give your child travellers checks and a limited amount of Cash.

Q: Will my child meet students from other countries?
A: Study Abroad Canada’s Junior Vacation program welcomes students from Asia, South America, Mexico, and Europe and the province of Quebec.

Q: Will my child meet children from Prince Edward Island?
A: Yes, we try to match students in the Junior Vacation program with homestay families who have children around the same age.

Q: What kind of food will my child eat?
A: Your child will eat balanced, nutritious meals provided by your child’s homestay family.

Q: Will my child speak English at all times?
A: Study Abroad Canada has an English-only rule. The students will sign an English only contract at the beginning of their program. We also collect a $ 1.00 Cdn penalty if we hear them speak their mother tongue. ( The money collected is used once a week to buy treats such as cookies for the students.)

Q: Are there any extra curricular activities in the evenings and on weekends?
A: Study Abroad Canada places students with homestay families that have been carefully chosen. Your son/daughter will participate in typical activities that your homestay family does in the evenings and on weekends.

Q: Will there be 24 hour supervision?
A: Yes, your homestay family will supervise your child during the evenings and on weekends. The homestay family also drives your child to school and picks her/him up after class. While in school, your child will be supervised by Study Abroad Canada staff.

Q: What will the weather be like during my stay?
A: Winter: a warm winter coat, boots, hat, scarf, and gloves are necessities.
Spring: It is still cool in spring, so bring warm clothes, including sweaters and jackets. An umbrella is always a good idea in spring!
Summer: Summer on PEI is very comfortable. You should bring lightweight clothes like t-shirts, shorts, lightweight pants and jackets.
Fall: It can be cool in PEI in fall so be prepared with warm footwear, a jacket, gloves and a hat.

Q: Can my child do laundry?
A: Yes, your homestay family will assist your child in doing laundry.

Q: Is my child able to call home?
A: Yes, your child may use the public phones or the homestay family’s phone. It is possible to buy telephone cards for long distance calls.

Q: Whom should I notify if my child has special needs?
A: At the time of registration, please inform us if your child has special dietary or medical needs.

Q: Does my child need to bring towels, blankets, and sheets?
A: No, they are provided by the host family. Please bring a beach towel if visiting during the summer!

A : You can study whatever fits your specific needs or interests. Some topics include Listening/Speaking, Grammar, Academic Writing, Reading, Business English, Canadian Culture, Preparation to Immigrate to Canada, the Anne of Green Gables Program, and more!

A: Classes are 50 minutes in length. If you would like to study for a longer period of time, we are more than happy to meet your needs.

1. Students are expected to pay for a minimum of four 50-minute classes and must use at least 1 class per week. These four classes must be paid for prior to the start of the first lesson and are non-refundable.

2. If a student books and pays for more than four classes and a student wishes to cancel those classes, the first four lessons are not eligible for a refund. The remaining classes are refundable provided that two-weeks written notice is given.

3. If a student is sick, the class may be postponed,however the student must email 24 hours before the class. The missed class must be delivered within one week of the last previously booked and paid class. Missed classes are non-refundable and may not be included in the calculation of any refund to be granted.