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General Information
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Q. What is the weather like in Atlantic Canada?
Atlantic Canada is a very temperate province with four distinct seasons-winter, spring, summer, and fall. Summers tend to be warm (20°C - 30°C), and temperatures tend to cool in October. There is usually snow by December. January and February are the coldest months (-15°C- 0°C) while temperatures begin to rise by late March. Approximately 2,350,000 people live in Atlantic Canada and 7,750,000 in Quebec Q. What is the weather like in Quebec?
Québec's southernmost climate is marked by seasonal extremes of temperature. A rigorous snowy winter, with an average annual snowfall of over 3 meters (10 feet), gives way to an exhilarating spring and a hot summer, extinguished by a crisp and flamboyant autumn. But through all the thermometer's ups and downs, the hospitality and conviviality of the nearly 7.5 million people living in Quebec is legendary. Coming to Canada Q. When are schools open in Atlantic Canada?
First Semester: 5 months - Beginning of September / January 31st
Year Program: 10 months - Beginning of September / June 30th
Second Semester Program: 5 months - Beginning of February / June 30th
Q. When are schools open in Quebec?
First Semester: 5 months - August 15th / January 15th
Year Program: 10 months - August 15th / June 30th
Second Semester Program: 5 months - January 15th / June 15th
Q. Do I need to speak fluent English or French to attend a school in Atlantic Canada or Quebec?
No. International Students are not required to be fluent in English or French, however some understanding of the language will make your transition to Canada easier. Q. How do I apply?
International Agencies provide students with detailed program information and an application form. Q. Where will I live?
Students are placed with a carefully selected host family. Q. What school will I attend?
There are approximately 130 participating schools in Atlantic Canada and Quebec in the program. Each school is a member of one of the provincial participating school boards. The school board will choose the school you attend based on the information you send. You will be notified of your school before you arrive. Q. How do I obtain a student Visa?
Visas are issued by the Citizen and Immigration Canada, Canadian Embassy or Consulate. Agencies will help you in obtaining your Visa. Q. How long is the program?
The program is for as long as you would like to study in the respective province. Most students come for one year or five months, but some have taken two years or more. Each year you participate you are responsible for paying the program cost. Q. Will I receive medical coverage?
Yes. Part of the program fees includes the cost of provincial medical insurance. Your medical insurance will insure you for trips to the doctor and any hospital coverage. It will not cover you for dental work unless the work needed to be done is the result of an accident since you've been in the province. Q. Can I receive a High School diploma?
Yes. Students may graduate if they meet provincial high school graduation requirements. Q. When can I arrive?
If you are planning to begin your studies in September you can arrive a couple of days before school starts which is usually the first week in September for Atlantic Canada and Mid August for Quebec. If you are planning to come for the second semester, you should be prepared to arrive in late January early February for Atlantic Canada and Mid January for Quebec.Q. Who will pick me up at the airport?
You will be met at the airport by a representative of ISR Canada and either your homestay family or a member of the school board. Q. Are school books and school supplies provided?
Text books are provided to the student by the school, however, school supplies such as pens and papers are not provided and are the responsibility of the student. Q. What should I bring with me?
Bring with you mementos from home. Pictures, a flag-any special items to show your new family and friends where you come from. During My Enrollment Q. Can my family come to visit me while I study here?
Yes. ISR Canada encourages students parents to come for a visit. It is advised, however, that parents come towards the end of the program. Families are expected to arrange for their own accommodations. Q. What do I do if I have problems with school or my host family?
ISR Canada representatives can be reached 24 hours 7 days a week to discuss your problems with. In addition, each school board has a representative and at least one home-stay coordinator you can turn to as well. Q. Can I travel while enrolled in the program?
Yes. Students are able to travel under certain conditions. See travel policy in the student handbook. Q. Is transportation provided to and from school?
It depends on where you attend school and how far away you live from the school. Students who are eligible for transportation are picked up in the morning and dropped off in the afternoon by school buses. In the urban centers students quite often travel to and from school using the public transport system (student is responsible for cost), while those who live close to their school quite often walk. Q. Is driving permitted?
Under the rules of ISR Canada students are allowed to obtain a beginner's drivers license but only under the following conditions: students take driver's education with a licensed, certified professional; license is sent to the ISR Canada office and cannot be used by student; student has written permission from their family; students cannot drive their host family's car, and all costs of the training are paid for by the student. Q. How does the International Student Program find the right school for me?
According to the application we receive, you will be placed by the Department of Education in an area where school and host family meet your needs and requests best. Upon Completion of the Public High School Program Q. Can I attend a Canadian university/college after completing the program?
Yes. All universities/colleges in Atlantic Canada accept international students. You are required to pass the TOEFL, (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam before being accepted. University enrollment in Quebec upon request.
© Copyright 2008 International Student Relations (ISR) Canada - Study Abroad - High School, University ESL, Group Exchange & Language Programs
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