CISS Toronto

The programme offers two distinct course options to suit different student goals and proficiency levels. General English is the choice for most international students, providing 15 hours of classroom instruction per week in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The focus is on helping students of all proficiency levels improve their fluency and accuracy of speech, with experienced and qualified instructors using communicative methodologies. There are 4 levels of ESL from Beginner to Advanced, with a placement test administered on the first day. Each lesson is 60 minutes, and classes have a maximum size of 20 students.

The Global Leadership course is designed for students with an intermediate to advanced level of English (IELTS 4.0+) who are ready to embrace the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This programme offers 20 hours of lessons per week over 3-week sessions, delivered by specialised instructors. Through interactive workshops, cross-cultural exchanges, and real-world problem-solving, expert instructors guide students on a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Throughout the course, students collaborate on a final project while strengthening their presentation skills, culminating in a showcase where they confidently present their ideas and leadership vision to their peers.

The programme package includes 15 hours of General English or 20 hours of Global Leadership tuition per week, accommodation in university residences, three meals daily (brunch and dinner on Sundays), full WiFi on campus, 1 full-day and 3 half-day excursions per week, afternoon and evening activities, emergency medical insurance, full supervision, arrival and departure transfers, and a CISS t-shirt and certificate of completion. Registration fees may apply. Optional activities are offered once or twice per week with additional costs, with average spending of approximately $60 CAD per week. Extra fees include extra night, extra transfer, late arrival/early departure fee, Unaccompanied Minor service, and custodianship fee (for legal documents for visa purposes).

Students stay in university residence accommodation at St. Hilda's College, part of the University of Toronto's Trinity College campus. Most students are placed in single rooms, though some may share a double room with another student attending the programme. Students are separated by gender within the residence. Each room has 1 or 2 individual beds, desks, chairs, dressers, and/or wardrobes. All bed linens are provided, along with a bath towel. Shared washrooms and shower facilities are located on every floor. Laundry machines are conveniently located within the residences for use at a nominal fee, with laundry detergent available. Safety is a priority, with staff living in the same residence providing full supervision.

Three delicious meals are provided daily from Monday to Saturday, with a relaxed brunch and dinner on Sunday to give students a chance to sleep in. All meals are served buffet style in the spacious and historic dining hall, providing a variety of choices for everyone. The on-site professional staff prepares each dish to meet strict nutritional standards, ensuring that every meal is both wholesome and satisfying. A wide variety of healthy meal options cater to diverse preferences.

Students always have something to do beyond their course of study. The programme includes 1 full-day excursion and 3 half-day excursions per week as part of the programme. Full-day excursions may include Canada's Wonderland, Niagara Falls with boat tour, Treetop Trekking, or Wye Marsh Canadiana. Half-day excursions may include the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Blue Jays Baseball, Casa Loma, CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Toronto Islands, Toronto Zoo, and more. Afternoon and evening activities include Amazing Race, board games, capture the flag, casino night, crazy Olympics, dances/discos, fashion show, karaoke, movies, neighbourhood tours, on-campus sports, photo scavenger hunt, yoga, and Zumba. Students aged 14+ may be allowed to sign-out once per week in groups of 3 or more for independent local shopping and sightseeing. Optional activities with additional costs may include arcade, movies, or outlet malls.

The campus offers large classrooms, a historic dining hall, full WiFi access, and spacious common areas. An athletic centre is within walking distance. Coffee shops, boutiques, and shopping centres surround the campus. Medical centres and hospitals are within 1 km of the campus. The central downtown location places students near Yonge Street, charming coffee shops, unique boutiques, and an array of exciting attractions. Students have the opportunity to relax in comfortable lounges or enjoy the beautiful outdoor areas. Reliable WiFi access is available throughout the entire campus.

CISS has been providing transformative summer learning experiences since 1979, bringing students from around the world together in Canada. The CISS Toronto programme is delivered by motivated, caring, and qualified staff who provide personal attention in a student-centred environment. The programme fosters independence, multicultural understanding, and an open-minded atmosphere with a strong focus on Canadian traditions. Students benefit from premium locations in university residences with classes in university classrooms, and specialised care for the unique needs of young teens. With a maximum class size of 20 students, participants receive individualised instruction and support. The combination of high-quality language instruction, exciting excursions, and a safe, supportive campus environment creates an unforgettable Canadian summer experience that builds confidence, language skills, and lasting friendships with peers from around the world.