Niagara ESL Program
Every summer Canadian International Services offers English as a Second Language (ESL) homestay programs out of Ridley College in St. Catharines, one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished private schools. This summer will be the twenty-second year that international students have come to Canada to study English, see the beautiful sights of the Niagara Region, and experience Canadian culture by staying with a host family.
All programs are custom-designed and therefore vary according to the interests of the school sending its students to Canada.
Programs
Example Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Toronto International Airport. Met at airport and driven by charter bus to Ridley College in St. Catharines, about a ninety minute trip. Students meet their host families and are driven to their homestays by car.
Day 2
Morning
Tour of Ridley College
English conversation class
Afternoon
Countryside discovery tour – downtown St. Catharines, Port Dalhousie beach and carousel on the shores of Lake Ontario, ice cream store, White Meadows maple syrup farm
Canada is known for its delicious maple syrup! White Meadows crafts 100% Pure Maple Syrup and savoury maple specialties in Niagara, Ontario, on the family farm established in 1937.
Day 3
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Go Kart Riding
Niagara Outlet mall
This fun afternoon includes speeding around one of North America’s fastest go kart tracks, and shopping at a large outlet mall with over 100 brand name stores.
Day 4
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Hornblower Niagara Falls cruise
Free time in Niagara Falls
Students visit magnificent Niagara Falls and get as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of water, power and mist on a state-of-the-art catamaran. They also have free time to explore the fun tourist attractions of the Clifton Hill district, from haunted houses and a Ferris Wheel, to wax museums and arcades.
Day 4 & 5 (Weekend)
Free time with host family (host families will involve the student in their regular summer weekend activities, such as swimming and BBQs, and often take the student sightseeing)
Free time with host family (host families will involve the student in their regular summer weekend activities, such as swimming and BBQs, and often take the student sightseeing)
Day 6
Morning
English conversation class
High Ropes experience at Brock University
The High Ropes experience is fun and challenging. This adventurous but safe activity helps students learn more about themselves and instills a sense of team spirit among classes.
Afternoon
English conversation class
Day 7
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Students beat the heat this afternoon at a massive indoor wave pool with 16 thrilling waterslides.
Day 8
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Picnic at Queenston Heights park
Tour of historic Fort George
Free time in Niagara-on-the-Lake
This afternoon explores some of the many historic sites in the Niagara region. Fort George is a military post that defended Upper Canada against American attacks in the War of 1812. Students take a tour of the barracks and watch a re-enactment of soldiers doing drills.
Day 9
Morning
Horseback riding at HorsePlay Niagara in Port Colborne
Visit to Marshville Chocolates
Students saddle up and go on a scenic trail ride with HorsePlay Niagara. The rides are guided and students receive safety and riding instructions before starting out. The rides consist of walking and trotting, a gait that is easy even for beginners. On the way back to school, the bus stops at Marshville Chocolates, where students can stock up on delicious treats.
Afternoon
English conversation class
Day 10
All Day
Visit to Toronto
Blue Jays baseball game
This day is always a highlight for students. They spend a day shopping and sightseeing in the exciting city of Toronto. They also attend a Major League Baseball game and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the ballpark.
Day 11 & 12 (Weekend)
Free time with host family (host families will involve the student in their regular summer weekend activities, such as swimming and BBQs, and often take the student sightseeing)
Day 13
Morning
English conversation class
End of program ceremony with cultural presentations, songs, and certificates
At the end of each program, students put on a show for their homestay families in the performing arts centre of the school. All students participate with a wide range of acts that they have prepared. Students are also given certificates of completion by their teachers, and a valedictorian delivers a short speech for each class.
Afternoon
Farewell lunch with host families and English teachers
Following the ceremony, students lead their homestays to the dining hall for a lunch to celebrate the end of the program.
Day 14
Students load luggage on bus and say goodbye to host family. Departure from Ridley for Toronto International Airport.
