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Studying in Canada is more than just attending classes in an English-speaking High School; it's about living in a country where nature reigns and the people are warm and welcoming. In Canada, you can choose the school you want to study in, explore breathtaking landscapes, and engage in sports activities of your choice. Your stay can last for 3, 5, or 10 months!
During your time in Canada, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and specifically experience the Canadian education system. You'll also learn the language of your host country by sharing daily life with your host family. Whether you decide to stay for three months, six months, or a full academic year before or after high school, an unforgettable human experience awaits you!
Plus Program: A selection of school districts AILS offers a wide range of school districts based on criteria that prioritize the best value for money.
* We give priority to schools that offer sports activities such as snowboarding and hockey. If you're interested in an academic program, a specific sports activity, or any other type of activity,
* don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our staff members who will be happy to guide you to the institution or district that offers your desired option.
Our schools are located in 6 Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Within each of these provinces, the High Schools are grouped by district.
With our High School Plus program in Canada, you have the opportunity to not only select a school district but also choose the specific school where you want to study! (with the exception of Nova Scotia province).
When you're not familiar with the region and schools, it can be challenging to make a decision. That's why we offer to select a school for you based on your preferences and interests.
For example: Camille is 18 years old and would like to take business and Spanish classes among others. She loves skiing and has heard a lot about the city of Vancouver, which she wants to explore. With our partner in Canada, we suggested Howe Sound Secondary School in the Sea To Sky district for her. This school offers Spanish and business courses as well as a Spanish club, and it is well-known for its skiing activities! It's located just 1 hour away from Vancouver.
In Canada, you attend classes at the public school of your choice. Upon request, we can also offer you options for a private school.
Throughout your stay, you will be accommodated with a host family. You will share breakfast and dinner with your family, as well as all meals during weekends and days when you don't have classes. Canadian host families are renowned worldwide for their hospitality!
Canada, a country renowned for its quality of life, is undeniably one of the most welcoming places in the world. With easy access to education, high life expectancy, low crime rates, facilitated housing and employment opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, Canada is considered one of the most beautiful regions on the planet. With 40 national parks and over 2,000 protected natural areas, Canada offers visitors an infinite variety of breathtaking landscapes.
Canada is a multicultural nation that has been enriched over the centuries by waves of immigration. Until World War II, most immigrants came from Great Britain or Europe. However, new waves of migration from Asia, South America, and the Caribbean have contributed to the diversity of the population. Today, most Canadians have ancestors from all corners of the world.
Education in Canada is the responsibility of the provinces and territories. Each educational system is different, but they all share the quality of teaching and facilities. Schools vary in size and course options, but they all have quality infrastructure, including libraries, scientific laboratories, computer equipment, and sports and artistic facilities.
The school year is divided into two semesters, from September to January and from February to June. Secondary education (High School) encompasses grades 9 to 12 (ages 14 to 18).
Grade 9 - 9th grade
Grade 10 - 10th grade
Grade 11 - 11th grade
Grade 12 - 12th grade
You will attend classes from Monday to Friday, usually from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The curriculum varies from province to province, but generally includes four core subjects and 2 or 3 electives. Afternoons are reserved for extracurricular activities within the school, such as curling, football, swimming, ice hockey, theater, band, choral music, and more.
Examples of academic paths in Canada, which may vary depending on the school:
Scientific Path: mathematics, physics, chemistry, anatomy, biology, geology.
Classical and Literary Path: history, literature, English, French, philosophy.
Social and Economic Path: tourism economics, computer science, business, psychology, mass media theory and practice.
Sports Activities: athletics, basketball, football, running, cheerleading, golf, ice hockey, mountain biking, canoeing, swimming, rugby, volleyball, skiing, snowboarding, wrestling, lacrosse, squash, baseball, and more.
* Individual and personalized information
* Language proficiency test
* Individual selection process
* Assistance with application preparation
* Support from the AILS office and "Hit the Road" meeting before departure
* School search and registration procedures in the chosen country
* Tuition and accommodation fees
* Weekday half-board, full-board on weekends, holidays, and school breaks
* Host family search and selection, placement procedures
* Administrative procedures with local authorities and provision of necessary documents for visa application
* Orientation session upon arrival in the host country
* Evaluation and regular contact by a local representative and your AILS advisor
* Assistance and support throughout the duration of the AILS program
* Assistance and support from the AILS office for parents during the program
* Airport pickup and transfer to host family
* Comprehensive health insurance
* Student pack
* Evaluation meeting upon return
* End-of-course certificate from the school
* 3 grade reports per year, 2 reports per semester
* 24/7 emergency contact number from the host organization
* Airfare (only for the High School Standard program)
* Local public transportation
* Passport, visa, and vaccination fees
* Pocket money (covering leisure activities, outings, small school expenses, phone usage, public transportation, school transportation, books/CDs/DVDs, sports clothing, excursions...)
* Uniform (if applicable)
* Airfare
Age
- High School Flex Canada: from 11 to 19 years old*
* Some American school districts do not accept students who have completed their studies, regardless of age at the time of departure.
Level
A2-B1. Language test to be taken.
Duration
* One trimester, one semester, or one academic year
* Start and end dates of classes vary depending on the destination and country.
Departure
* From mid-July to mid-September for summer departures
* From mid-December to mid-February for winter departures
1. Get Informed
Come meet us directly at one of our agencies, at a fair, or contact us by email or phone. We are at your disposal to discuss with you and set up your project.
2. Candidate Selection
Before even registering, we offer to check with you if all the admission requirements are met for your participation in the High School program. We also test your English level to ensure it meets the admission criteria.
3. Registration
Do you want to register? Fill out the registration form or print it and send it back to us by email, fax, or mail, along with a deposit of 2,000 CHF or 1,700 EUR for J1 USA programs and 1,300 CHF or 1,000 EUR for all other High School programs. We will contact you to confirm your registration.
4. AILS File
Once your registration is recorded by our services, we will contact you to complete your online file (personal information, academic results, medical records, etc.). Our advisors take care of these procedures, which they are familiar with, and regularly contact you to ensure that the file progresses quickly and is in order.
5. Acceptance
From the date of sending your complete file, we receive your acceptance within an average of 2 weeks. The search for your host family is then initiated.
It may take some time before the date of your placement is confirmed, which could be close to your departure date (especially for the High School Standard program). But don't worry, this is the normal procedure in such a situation. Our advisors rigorously follow up on your file with you and communicate information to you as soon as it is received.
* Host family: We visit the potential host family and interview its members to better assess their ability and motivation to host a student. At the end of this stage, once the family is accepted, they are free to choose the student they wish to host. This approach contributes to the success of the placement.
* School: You are placed in a local school and follow the same secondary education program as local students. Depending on the country where you reside, the choice of subjects available to you may vary.
6. The Departure Approaches!
We prepare your file with you, assist you in obtaining a visa, arrange your medical insurance (if needed), and also book your plane tickets (upon request). A few weeks before your departure, you are invited to our "Hit the Road!" day, during which we discuss your project and provide you with all the keys to a perfectly successful year! You will also receive your student pack (orientation manual, insurance, travel documents, AILS bag, list of things to bring, etc.).
7. Your Year
Throughout your stay, your local contact and our AILS advisors remain at your disposal for any questions. In addition, we take the initiative to contact you at regular intervals to check on you.
On-site, depending on the country, coordinators occasionally organize activities (BBQ, pizza parties, swim parties, excursions, etc.) to allow participants to meet each other.
Become an "AILS AMBASSADOR": Every year, voluntary students share their international experience with the whole world via Facebook, Twitter, or email. If you are interested in becoming one of them, please let us know!
8. On-site Support
Since its establishment 20 years ago, AILS has emphasized the quality of its programs. And for us, quality includes the support provided to students before and especially during their stay!
Whether you participate in a High School Standard or High School Flex program, whether you go to the United States, Canada, or Germany, you will have a designated local representative. This person will be there to answer all your questions, help you solve any issues or concerns you may face. They will be your reference person during your stay.
An emergency hotline from the host organization is also available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Of course, AILS is at your disposal as well as that of your parents throughout your stay!
9. And After?
Upon your return, we will contact you to discuss your experience. Every year, we invite our students to share their experience during our information and preparation meetings and at the professional fairs we participate in. These gatherings are also an opportunity to share a friendly moment and tell your adventure to future American students!
AILS also offers university programs. Feel free to contact us or request our brochure "Studying Abroad at Universities."