LANGUAGES STUDIES

Why study languages in Canada?

Canadian have always put great emphasis on education, and have set very high standards for their schools. As a matter of fact, among all G7 countries, Canada is the country that spends the most on the education system. Canada is thus considered by the OECD (Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development) among the top 3 countries in the world with regards to education.

Canada is a bilingual country, the official languages being English and French. The majority of French-speaking Canadians live in Quebec, in the eastern part of the country, although there are French-speaking communities scattered across the country.

It is generally estimated that as many as 800 million people speak English on the planet, and about 250 million speak French.  As a bilingual nation, Canada offers excellent programs to learn English or French as a second language.

What are the requirements to come to study in Canada?

Immigration services impose certain admission criteria for people who want to come to study in Canada.

In general, international students need to obtain a student visa before entering the country. It is necessary to be accepted as a full-time student by an institution recognized by the government in order to apply to a student visa. It is the role of the education institution itself to determine wether the applicant has a suitable academic background and appropriate language skills to follow the desired study program.

The student visa will be issued by the Canadian Embassy, and enables the beneficiary to stay in Canada only for the purpose of studying at the institution accredited by the Canadian Education Department.

However, if you want to pursue a study program for no more that 3 months, you are not required to obtain a student visa, and a classic visitor visa will be sufficient. 

Admission criteria for a student visa:

You must demonstrate to the immigration officer that your stay in Canada will be temporary, and for the sole purpose of studying, i.e.:

- You will leave Canada after completion of the program
- You are accepted without condition by an institution accredited by the Canadian
   Government
- You have the necessary funds to live in Canada for the length of your stay and to
   pay the cost of your studies
- You have already in your possession a valid return ticket to your country of origin
- You do not have any personal criminal record
- You do not present a threat for Security in Canada
- You have supplied all the required documents to the  immigration services and
   paid the required fee
- If required, you will have to take a medical examination.

Along with your application form, you will be asked to provide information regarding the cost of your study program, of the required academic material, of medical costs, transportation costs, living expenses for you and family members accompanying you (living expenses may vary from province to province).

Our services for language students:

Alternative Canada has many language programs to offer in all the major cities in Canada for both French and English. We work together with some of the most reputable language schools established in Canada. We can help you find the program that best meets your personal or professional goals. We offer you to take care of all the administrative issues related to your studies in Canada:

- Search for the most appropriate school and program
- Prepare your application for a student visa
- Find an accommodation in Canada for the length of your stay

For example, the following programs are particularly attractive for international students:

- English or French as a second language, on a full-time basis
   beginner, intermediate and advanced levels
- Preparation for the CAMBRIDGE examination
- Preparation for the TOEFL test
- Business English

 

Homestay – Accommodation with a Canadian family

Alternative Canada offers a special hospitality program with Canadian families that have been selected by our services. Our Homestay accommodation program means you will have a private room, receive three daily meals, and have access to bathroom and laundry equipment shared with you host family. The Homestay experience is an excellent opportunity to share the daily life of a Canadian family, to learn a great deal about Canadian culture, and to practice either French or English on a daily basis.

Please do not hesitate to contact us and to explain us your specific needs for your language studies, and we will find the best package for you, based on your budget, the desired length of stay, in the Canadian city of your choice.