CISS Toronto is a summer language and city adventure programme for students aged 12 to 16, offering a choice between General English (15 hours per week) and Global Leadership (20 hours per week). The programme takes place at St. Hilda's College, part of the University of Toronto's Trinity College campus, in the heart of downtown Toronto. Students combine language learning with exciting excursions and activities designed to showcase the best of Toronto.
Two course options are available. General English provides 15 hours of lessons per week focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing to improve fluency and accuracy. Global Leadership offers 20 hours of lessons per week for students with intermediate to advanced English (IELTS 4.0+), focusing on leadership skills, self-discovery, cultural understanding, and personal growth through interactive workshops and project-based learning. Global Leadership is offered in 3-week sessions.
The programme is designed for students aged 12 to 16 years, both boys and girls. The campus offers a secure and nurturing environment that ensures young teens feel safe and supported throughout their stay.
Students are tested on their first day with a placement test. For General English, there are 4 levels of ESL from Beginner to Advanced. For Global Leadership, students must have an intermediate to advanced level of English (IELTS 4.0+). Students are placed in classes according to their proficiency level, and progress is monitored throughout the course.
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. Students are separated by gender within the residence. Each room has individual beds, desks, chairs, and storage. Shared washrooms and shower facilities are located on every floor. Staff live in the same residence, providing full supervision.
Three meals are provided daily from Monday to Saturday, with a relaxed brunch and dinner on Sunday. All meals are served buffet style in the spacious and historic dining hall, offering a variety of healthy choices. The on-site professional staff prepares each dish to meet strict nutritional standards.
Each week, students attend 1 full-day excursion and 3 half-day excursions. 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, and Toronto Zoo. Afternoon and evening activities include sports, games, dances, karaoke, movie nights, and more. Students aged 14+ may sign out once per week in groups of 3 or more for independent shopping and sightseeing.
Full supervision is provided at all times. Staff live in the same residence as students and accompany them on all activities and excursions. Safety is a priority, with staff available 24/7. Students must participate in mandatory evening activities, and sign-out privileges for students aged 14+ require groups of 3 or more.
Yes, full WiFi access is available throughout the entire campus, including in the residence and common areas, for students' convenience.
The package includes 15 hours of General English or 20 hours of Global Leadership tuition per week, accommodation, three meals daily, full WiFi, 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. Optional activities are offered once or twice per week with additional costs. Extra fees may apply for early arrival or late departure, transfers on non-scheduled dates, Unaccompanied Minor service, or custodianship for visa purposes. Students should bring pocket money for optional activities and personal shopping.
