Rocky Mountain ESL Program
The Canadian International Services Calgary program offers quality English language instruction in the stunning setting of the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Based on the curriculum and methodology of the Niagara program, the Calgary curriculum draws from its unique activities and location.
Calgary, Alberta is a vibrant city of over a million people that is strongly rooted in its Western heritage while benefiting from a progressive outlook and strong economy. Living only 45 minutes from the mountains, Calgarians are active in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, horseback riding, skiing and camping. The city also has an active arts and culture scene, and is a particularly affordable shopping destination due to the absence of a provincial sales tax.
The program is based at one of Alberta’s best private schools, with beautiful grounds and modern, bright and spacious learning environments. Homestay families are drawn from families with children at the school and surrounding neighbourhoods.
As with our Niagara program, the Calgary 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 Calgary International Airport. Transfer by charter bus to school. Meet host families and drive to the homestay by car.
Day 2
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Visit to the Calgary Zoo, with lunch at the Kitamba Café.
The Calgary Zoo is the second largest zoo in Canada and in 2012 was the nation’s most visited zoo. In 2014 it was named by Trip Advisor as Canada’s top zoo and it has received international recognition as one of the world’s top conservation zoos. It is homes to almost 800 animals, excluding individual fish and insects, and 120 different species.
Day 3
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Climbing and skating at the University of Calgary, with lunch at the school prior to departure
Climbing – Students will receive instruction on the 13 metre climbing wall at the Outdoor Centre. It is designed to simulate outdoor climbing, which is popular in mountain regions such as the Canadian Rockies. It is fully supervised by professional trainers.
Skating – The Olympic Oval is a covered speed skating oval built for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. It is the official designated training centre for Speed Skate Canada and the Canadian National Speed Skating team. Students are provided with skates and helmet.
Day 4
All day excursion to the “badlands” of Drumheller, with lunch at the museum cafeteria
The Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of paleontology. In addition to housing one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs (such as 40 full dinosaur skeletons, including 3 Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons), the museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life. The visit includes a ninety minute hike in the surrounding “badlands:” students will search for fossils, see real dinosaur remains still in the ground, and learn about ancient Alberta.
Day 5
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Visit Market Mall and Edworthy Park, with lunch at the mall
Market Mall in downtown Calgary is one of Calgary’s top shopping destinations. It has over 200 retailers, including American Apparel, Banana Republic, H&M, J. Crew, and other major brands.
Following the mall visit, students will travel to nearby Edworthy Park. This park sits in a valley along the Bow River in southwest Calgary and includes the majestic Douglas Fir Trail, historical Lawrey Gardens, playing fields and picnic sites.
Day 6
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Visit Telus Spark Science Centre, with lunch at the school prior to departure
The programs and exhibits at the Telus Spark Science Centre are hands on and encourage visitors to experience the process of science for themselves. Students are encouraged to jump into the action and have fun while participating with each of more than 120 exhibits.
Day 7
All day excursion to Banff, with lunch at the students’ choice from one of Banff’s many restaurants
Banff is one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, renowned for its beautiful mountain setting. The highest town in Canada at an elevation of 1383 metres, Banff is located inside Banff National park, Canada’s first national park established in 1885. The park is 6641 sq. kms. and 96% is wilderness. Banff is famous for its hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. The town has many shops and restaurants to explore. It is located 126 kms west of Calgary along the scenic Trans-Canada highway.
Day 8
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Visit Heritage Park, with a “Pony Express lunch” provided.
Heritage Park is one of North America’s largest living history museums. Heritage Park’s exhibits start from the early 1860’s fur trade to the oil and automobile era in the 1950s. It is the park’s mission to preserve the history of the early west and to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. A one hour tour is led by a guide dressed in period clothes.
Day 9
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Visit Southland Leisure Centre, with lunch at the school prior to departure
This very large recreation centre has an indoor waterpark with a wave pool, water slides, and other water games.
Day 10
Morning
English conversation class
Afternoon
Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting, with lunch en route
Students will have an exciting white water paddle raft adventure on the scenic Kananaskis River. They will enjoy a beautiful mountain river located along the front range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, led by professional guides.
Day 11
Morning
Prepare for Farewell Ceremony
Afternoon
Farewell Ceremony, followed by a picnic lunch
All host families are invited to attend. The ceremony will be followed by a picnic lunch. After lunch students will return to their homestay with their host family and prepare for departure the following day.
Day 12
Departure for Calgary airport for the return flight home.
