The base for our Toronto City Camp is St. Michael's City Residential Campus where each weekday morning the exceptional facilities are used for the innovative, structured ESL teaching sessions using the latest methods and qualified language specialists. In the afternoons campers are kept busy with activities on and off campus and a great choice of full and half-day excursions, highlighted by the Niagara Falls, maybe a Blue Jays Baseball game, Wasaga Beach and a disco cruise on Lake Ontario.
Located on the historical and picturesque University of Toronto downtown campus, St. Michael's operates in July and August and offers a variety of arrival dates specifically selected to accommodate the particular requirements of individual participants.
Accommodation
Students are accommodated in the St. Michael's Residence in single or twin bedrooms. Washroom and shower facilities are located on each floor. Students will be grouped according to age and gender. Laundry facilities are conveniently available on the premises. The University campus is extensive and offers many facilities including common rooms and internet cafes in close proximity. Arrangements have been made for membership for all students at a nearby sports complex. The campus employs its own security personnel.
Camp Organisation
The daily programme is scheduled into three distinctive parts. Each weekday morning, formal language instruction focuses on the development of speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and writing. The programme's high standard is maintained using the CISS language curriculum and the latest teaching methods. Students receive 20 hours of ESL instruction per week, taught by qualified language specialists.
Each afternoon, the activity programme provides students with a wide variety of choices. Students can immerse themselves in Canadian culture by making use of campus facilities, sightseeing or spending time in the community. This independence provides a real opportunity to improve verbal communication skills. Practical language use is strongly encouraged both in and outside the classroom with fellow students, staff and local Canadians.
The evening programme is both on and off campus. The precise programme will vary according to the special events and festivals taking place in the city at the time.
Classes
In order to provide an intensive learning environment, the class size will be a maximum of 15 students. All students will be assessed and placed in one of four ESL levels appropriate to their English language proficiency.
Supervision
Students are encouraged to develop their sense of independence and responsibility within the framework of the programme’s supervision policy. In the afternoon students are permitted to leave the campus to explore the sights of Toronto. However, before leaving the campus, all students must sign out with a staff member and, upon return, must report back in. Staff member are available to join those students who prefer to be accompanied by an adult when leaving the campus. The evening programme is operated under strict staff supervision.
Meals
Full buffet meals are provided three times daily in the college’s dining hall. The catering staff prepare nutritious meals as part of a well balanced diet. The menu provides a choice at each meal and portions are not restricted.
Excursions
Outside class time, students have many opportunities to explore Toronto and participate in leisure activities. The programme includes one full-day, one half-day and one cultural excursion each week and offers many optional afternoon and evening activities available at a minimal extra cost. Excursions can vary from session to session and may include:
Full Day
Niagara Falls Canada’s Wonderland Canadiana Tour Wasaga BeachHalf Day
Historic Distillery District & CN Tower Disco Boat cruise on Lake Ontario Ontario Science Centre with IMAX film Blue Jays Baseball GameCultural
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Harbour Front Local Toronto festivalActivities
Organised activities take place daily. Evening programmes are discussed and agreed between the staff and students and take place on or off campus. Talent shows, dances and movies are arranged on-campus whilst festivals, concerts and theatre can be enjoyed in the city. The evening entertainment forms an integral part of the campus programme and all students are expected to participate.
