Toronto Centre guide

Transcription

1 Toronto Centre guide All of us here at Embassy Toronto look forward to welcoming you to our Study Centre and fantastic city. Our Centre is located above Bay station in the exciting and fashionable Yorkville district. Transit, banks, restaurants and all your daily needs are all near the Centre for your convenience. You will immediately be in the middle of all the excitement the city has to offer. Our strong academic focus and qualified teachers will help you achieve your language learning goals, while programs such as our Canadian Conversation Club will allow you some extra practice to help you use your improved language skills. Exciting student activities will help you experience new things and make great friendships for life while our homestay program will make you feel comfortable. Thank you for studying with Embassy and we look forward to seeing you soon!

2 Meet the team Derek Sexton Centre Director Junko Payne Student Services Manager John Kalapodis Centre Operations Manager Glen Teramoto Student Services Contacts Address: 80 Bloor Street West, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2V1 For information and bookings: phone: fax: ahughes@studygroup.com Phone: Website: Partner information and on-line bookings: Emergency telephone number: Phone from outside Canada:

3 Location Embassy Toronto Study Centre Toronto, Canada

4 City Information The City Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario. It is the largest city in Canada and serves as the country s cultural, entertainment and financial capital. Toronto also has one of the world s most multicultural populations, so everyone can feel welcome and enjoy different cultures in one location. Even though Toronto is a large city, it is very safe and offers many beaches and parks to relax and enjoy nature. It is a great city that has something for everyone. Population Approximately 6 million Climate Hottest month and its temperature: August 30 C Coldest month and its temperature: January -5 C Major local events January Both NHL hockey and NBA basketball are always enjoyable Winterlicious: food event with restaurants offering reasonable prix fixe menus February Canadian International Auto Show March St. Patrick s Day Parade Toronto FC MLS soccer season begins April Easter Parade Toronto Blue Jays MLB baseball season begins May Doors Open Toronto: a chance to visit all the historical and interesting buildings in the city, free of charge. June Luminato: large city-wide art and activity event Jazz Festival: many famous musicians in the city International Dragon Boat Festival: dragon boat regatta highlighting Asia Taste of Little Italy: Italian food festival Gay Pride Parade: one of the largest gay pride festivals in the world Caribana: festival of Caribbean culture and is North America s largest street festival July Honda Indy Toronto August Taste of the Danforth: Greek food and culture festival Canadian National Exhibition: largest fun fair and exhibition in Canada September Toronto International Film Festival: World famous event attracting movie stars and famous directors. Screenings of new films across the city. October Nuit Blanche: large arts event held overnight throughout the city November Santa Claus Parade: The Santa Claus Parade has been a Toronto tradition since Fantastic animated floats parade in the company of two dozen marching bands and a couple of thousand costumed participants, cheered along by excited kids. December Cavalcade of Lights: Holiday lighting and decoration event Useful city links

5 How to find us Directions to the Toronto Centre The Toronto Centre is located downtown and is connected to Bay Subway Station. Transfer to your accommodation Students going to homestay accommodations are advised to use the Embassy English transfer service. Other options include taxi, public transit (TTC) and shuttle bus to the downtown core. Students using the Embassy transfer service from the Pearson International Airport should look for a sign with their name printed on it in the Arrivals area. Train Students can use the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) bus and subway service to get downtown from the airport. Take the 192 Airport Rocket bus to Kipling Subway Station, then take the Bloor-Danforth Line to Bay Station. The fare is $3.00 and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Bus Students can take the Toronto Airport Express bus service to 9 different downtown locations. This service costs approximately $30.00 and takes about 45 minutes to reach downtown. Useful transport links

6 Facilities The Centre is in a modern office high-rise building on the 8th and 9th floors with some amazing skyline views, including Lake Ontario and the CN Tower. The building is in the trendy area of Yorkville, near all facilities including banks, restaurants, pubs, post office. Facilities list 16 classrooms with interactive whiteboards Student lounge areas with microwaves Computer lab Wireless and internet access Library

7 Courses General English including Beginners level English for Academic Purposes Language Semester Abroad TESL-YL J-SHINE Communication Skills TOEFL and IELTS Exam Core One-to-one Lessons Course Descriptions: General English A structured programme to suit all levels, this course follows a general English syllabus and it is an ideal way to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for everyday use. The standard programme follows a core general English syllabus and the intensive programme combines the core general English programme with electives. It enables you to study in more depth, to make faster progress and to customize your course. It is offered in two versions: Standard and Intensive. A1 Elementary Number of lessons available Standard programme 20 x 50 minute lessons Intensive Programme 28 x 50 minute lessons Average class size 15 Start dates Every Monday English for Academic Purposes Intensive English language training with academic study skills development for students wishing to pursue university and further education courses in Australia (10 weeks), Canada, UK, and USA (11 weeks). One to four terms, depending on entry and exit level required B1 intermediate; IELTS 4.5; TOEFL ibt Number of lessons available Intensive Programme 28 x 50 minute lessons Course dates in Australia 05 January 20 March 30 March 12 June 29 June 11 September 21 September 4 December English for Beginners This is an intensive English course designed for students with little or no English who need to make fast progress. 0 Beginner Start dates Every Monday Number of lessons available Standard programme 20 x 50 minute lessons Intensive Programme 24 x 50 minute lessons

8 Language Semester Abroad A long-term general English course the perfect solution for students looking to gain fluency during a gap year of study abroad. This course is the most cost-effective way to improve your English. One free exam is offered for each level TOEIC, FCE, CAE and TOEFL A2 pre-intermediate; A1 Elementary enrolled in general English until they reach A2 One to four 11-week terms Number of lessons available Standard Programme 20 x 50 minute lessons Intensive Programme 28 x 50 minute lessons Course dates 05 January - 20 March 30 March - 12 June 29 June - 11 September 21 September - 04 December TESL-YL This is a specialized program for those interested in teaching English to children ages 12 and under. Students will learn classroom management, lesson planning and develop techniques (listening, phonics, reading strategies, vocabulary, writing, games, arts and crafts, textbook adaptation) to help successfully teach children English. Students will receive a TESL-YL certificate if attendance is above 85% and all assignments have been completed. B1 Intermediate 8 weeks Number of lessons available Intensive Programme 20 x 50 minute TESL-YL lessons 08 x 50 minute elective lessons J-SHINE This is a specialty program that certifies individuals to teach young learners English in Japan. This program focuses on classroom strategies to help children learn English and includes lesson planning as well as classroom management skills. With the focus on learning English at a younger age in Japan, the need for qualified teachers will increase rapidly and this course can provide the skills and confidence to fill this need. Please be advised that this program is taught in both Japanese and English. B1 Intermediate 8 weeks Number of lessons available Intensive Programme 20 x 50 minute TESL-YL lessons 08 x 50 minute J-SHINE lessons Communication Skills This course develops oral communication and presentation skills students need to success in both work and academic settings. Improve overall speaking ability and gain confidence in meetings, classes and social situations. Number of lessons available B1 Intermediate Minimum four weeks Standard Programme Intensive Programme Start dates Every Monday 20 x 50 minute CS lessons 08 x 50 minute elective lessons

9 TOEFL Exam Preparation Structured courses with teachers experienced in studying for and achieving success in internationally recognized examinations. 4 weeks minimum B1 Intermediate Number of lessons available Standard Programme Intensive Programme 20 x 50 minute GE lessons 08 x 50 minute elective lessons One-to-one lessons Private lessons designed to meet individual students needs and goals. 0 Beginner Number of lessons available Blocks of 5 lessons weekly, added to either standard or intensive programme Maximum class size 1 Start dates Every Monday 05 x 50 minute lessons 10 x 50 minute lessons IELTS Exam Preparation Structured courses with highly experienced teachers who help students achieve success in internationally recognised examinations. B1 Intermediate 4 weeks minimum Number of lessons available 20, x 50 minute GE lessons 08 x 50 minute IELTS elective lessons Electives: Business Communication Skills English for Academic Purposes Exam Preparation

10 Sample timetable Time Monday Tuesday- Wendesday Thursday Friday- Saturday- Sunday 9:00 10:40 11:00 12:40 13:40 15:20 15:45 17:45 Core-Class Core-Class Core-Class Core-Class Core-Class Break Break Break Break Break Core-Class Core-Class Core-Class Core-Class Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Elective-Classes Elective-Classes Elective-Classes Elective-Classes Break Break Break Conversation-Club Conversation-Club Conversation-Club Core-Class Visit%to%the%Museum Conversation%Club CN-TOWER canoeing Visit%to%the%Aquarium beach%volleyball shopping Check-out-Activityboard-for-Weekendday-trips-and-2-dayexcursions.-N- Niagara-Falls,-French- Canada,-New-York Your first day Student should please report to reception upon arrival. First day schedule 08:30 09:00 Welcome & Document Collection 09:00 10:00 Placement Test (including a written and spoken portion) 10:40 12:40 Orientation and school tour 12:40 13:40 Lunch 13:40 15:20 Join elective class (Full time students) or free time Placement Test This tests your level of English, so that we can put you in the right class. The test can include: grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening and speaking. You will be placed in a class according to the test result, and the staff s determination of your level.

11 Accommodation We want to make sure you re comfortable and safe throughout your time with us. We also want to ensure that your English language learning continues outside the classroom. Choose to stay with a host family in their home or enjoy the community feeling of living in a residence. Either way, your accommodation will help to make your Embassy Experience a memorable one. Trying to decide between staying in one of Embassy s Residences and finding an apartment on your own? Consider these differences Embassy Student Residence Non-Embassy Accommodation Social environment Make new friends with classmates you live with! Embassy and Residence staff at your service! Fully furnished rooms with bed, desk, TV, chair, wardrobe, linen, lamp, etc. *premium rooms also have kitchenettes Small or no deposit All utility bills included $0 0 Professional Security Isolated at home Maintenance problem? Good luck getting the landlord s help! Buy all your furniture Often one to three months rent deposit Internet, cable, electric, gas, water bills add up quickly! Minimal security Flexible room booking 12 month commitment required for most apartments Homestay Live with an English-speaking host and practice your English every day! Most families live less than 40 minutes away by public transport. Choose between half board (breakfast and evening meal) or just breakfast. Students can also choose between single or shared rooms. We value our students and our homestay providers very highly and believe that your accommodation is just as important as your academic course. We try to match you with the right homestay host so that you can enjoy each other s company and also have the chance to learn about similarities and differences in culture and lifestyle. We have dedicated staff that will help you with any concerns you have, please make sure your preferences are stated clearly in the application.

12 Student services All centres have dedicated student support staff, who can provide assistance with the following; Opening a bank account in Canada Local services and leisure activities Medical and related services Police registration Accommodation matters Transferring money Insurance information Counseling and help for individual and personal problems Entering an international examination Postal information Emergency contacts Travel details around Canada or on departure Trips and excursions from the Toronto Study Centre Trips and excursions are an excellent way to explore the rich culture of the country as well as making friends. From Toronto there is a wide variety of exciting places and popular tourist destinations to visit. There are trips organized almost every weekend at an extra charge. Activities Activity Algonquin Park - beautiful national park with canoeing and camping facilities Niagara Falls - spectacular waterfalls at Lake Ontario $49 Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec - visit the beautiful heart of French speaking Canada St. Jacobs Country - take a step back in time and visit the Mennonites farms Price (CAD) $79 $310 New York - 4 day by bus $350 Chicago day by bus $297 Toronto Island - a beautiful waterfront park with Centreville Amusement Park, great picnic areas and an historic lighthouse Snowboarding - Snow Valley day trip $80 $39 $7

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