International House Vancouver

IH Vancouver provides high-quality, innovative language programs with an aim to improve the standard of language training in Canada. We acheive this with a student-centred approach to learning and with teachers who are well-trained and motivated. IH Vancouver is a member of the International House World Organisation; affliated to over 120 schools located in more than 42 countries. As a member of IH, yearly inspections ensure the highest level of language training and the delivery of excellence both inside and outside the classroom. IH Vancouver provides English-based classes in all language areas; Grammar/Writing, Reading/Vocabulary, Listening/Pronunciation and Conversation as well as Test Preparation (TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE) and Specialized Classes (Business English, TESL, Advanced Speaking/Listening, Workplace Preparation, etc.) For students wishing to gain work experience in an English-speaking environment in their field of interest, education and/or employment history, IH Vancouver offers an Internship Program. Professional, supervised placements are made with host companies following an equal duration of study at IH. In addition to our adult English programs (offered year-round), IH Vancouver has a Children's Adventure Program (ages 5-15) and Secondary ESL Program (ages 14-17) in July and August. Group tours for groups of 10+ can be arranged any time of year and can combine classes with a wide variety of excursions based on the groups' interests, duration, etc. For students requiring accommodation, IH Vancouver offers homestays with Canadian families, a student dormitory and a student house. An in-house Housing Director is available 24 hours per day for student support. Apartment-hotel accommodation can be arranged for families.

Vancouver is a safe, friendly city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains. This location provides the ideal conditions for a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, golfing and hiking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Vancouver is the largest western Canadian cente of trade, business and tourism. The international atmosphere of Vancouver provides a great variety of mulitcultural events and venues. The city also possesses some of the most beautiful, natural scenery in the world. With its mountains, lakes, parks and beaches, it is easy to forget you are in a city! The city has perhaps the most comfortable climate in Canada with temperatures averaging 9 degrees celcius in the winter and 25 degrees celcius in the summer. It is one of the few places in the world you can go golfing and skiing on the same day!

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS When you register for International House Vancouver, your register for a program (number of hours per day you will study). IH Vancouver has 4 programs: Semi-Intensive 13.75 hrs/week Semi-Intensive Plus 20 hrs/week Intensive– 5 hours 27.5 hrs/week Intensive-Plus 35 hrs/week IH Vancouver has 8 levels of classes. You will take a placement test on your 1st day of school to see which level is best for you. At this time, you will tell us which classes you would like to study. We offer a wide range of electives each afternoon.

Homestay IH has an experienced and caring full-time Housing Director who places students in safe, comfortable homes in pleasant neighbourhoods. It takes approximately 20 - 40 minutes to get to and from school by bus. Our Housing Director is available 24 hours a day to answer students’ questions and discuss their concerns. All host families are carefully screened and matched with students’ requests. Students can request families with or without children or can choose to live with a single person. The Homestay Program provides students with the opportunity to live in a Canadian family environment, practice English with the family members and to share in their day-to-day life. All homestay families and students have the 24 hours emergency phone number of the Housing Director. This is an excellent way to get insight into Canadian culture and to practice language skills taught at the school. Canadian Hosts provide: * private bedroom * breakfast, bag lunch, and dinner (breakfast and lunch are prepared by the student, dinner is cooked by the family.) * shared washroom, laundry facilities, telephone, T.V., etc * a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to practice English and experience Canadian culture. Dormitory The IH Dormitory is located approximately 15 minutes by bus from the school. The dormitory has 3 units, 2 for female students and 1 for male students. The female units have 3 rooms and the male unit has 4 rooms. The dormitory program includes: * private bedroom * breakfast, bag lunch, and dinner (breakfast is prepared by the student / lunch and dinner are delivered) * shared washroom, laundry facilities, telephone, kitchennette, living room, T.V. / VCR, CD player, etc. *Dial-up Internet access is available in each room at an extra coat. Student House The Student House is a large seven-bedroom house located approximately 15 minutes by bus from the school. The house is staffed by a Canadian caretaker and includes: * private bedroom * food is provided, however students prepare all meals. * shared washroom, laundry facilities, telephone, T.V. / VCR, CD player, etc. * free high-speed internet-access with plug-in for laptops - one computer is available for students’ use Students take part in the cleaning and the maintenance of the main area of the house, such as bathroom cleaning, kitchen cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, window washing, etc. The Student House has an English only policy. If students speak other languages, they may be asked to leave without notice. The Student House has a 3-month minimum stay requirement and is usually reserved 3 to 6 months in advance. The Student House offers a unique living experience in a safe and friendly environment.

IH Vancouver Activities: IH offers students a wide variety of different activities during class time, after school, in the evenings, and on the weekends. All IH activities are optional and classes are always offered should students not wish to participate in activities offered during class time. Westtrek Tours/High-Five Adventures: These companies offer IH students exciting and affordable tours and travel opportunities around the Vancouver area and to popular tourist destinations. These tours are offered on the weekends. (prices subject to change) • Weekend Tours to the Rocky Mountains (April-October) $315 • Day/Weekend Tours to Seattle (Seattle Mariner's MLB games available on some trips) $55/$120 • Day/Weekend Tours to Victoria $75/$150 • Day/Weekend Tours to Whistler (skiing and snowboarding offered December to April) $40/$150 • Weekend Houseboat trips to the Okanagan, etc.$200 • Vancouver Island Tours $195 • Day River Rafting Trips $100 IH Clubs IH offers students interesting after-school clubs 2-3 times per session. These clubs usually are less than $5 (most are free) with the exception of the ski/snowboard club. Some examples of after-school clubs are: • Coffee Club - Students have the opportunity to practice their English conversation in a relaxed and social atmosphere. • Resume Writing - Students learn how to construct a resume and cover letter in English. This is particularly useful for students who posses Working-Holiday Visas or plan to work for an international company. • Sports Clubs - ILLC has basketball, soccer and softball teams which partake in intramural competitions with other local ESL schools in a friendly and fun atmosphere. • Crafts Club - Students learn to make holiday favours (cards, snacks, etc) while learning about Canadian culture, holidays, etc. • Ski-Snowbaord Club - Students can visit the local ski hills at discounted rates. Lessons are provided for beginners. • Movie Club - Students meet to watch newly released movies, eat popcorn and discuss the film afterward. • Games Club - Students learn to play various board games, card games etc. and have a chance to interact with other students in a relaxed atmosphere. In-Class Activities IH offers 1 activity/month during class time. This activity is optional and classes are provided for those students who do not wish to participate. Some examples of these activities are: • Ice-Skating • Bowling/Billiards Tournaments • Holiday parties (Christmas, Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc.) • Beach BBQ's with volleyball and other park activities • Local attractions (museums, fish hatcheries, outdoor concerts, etc.) • Treasure Hunts • Hiking on local mountains and much, much more.