GUIDE WELCOME
JUNIOR CAMP AT MCGILL MACDONALD CAMPUS WELCOME GUIDE CONTENTS ARE YOU READY FOR 3 Preparing for your trip THE EXPERIENCE OF
4 Once you arrive A LIFETIME?
5 Life at the residence ILSC’s Junior Camps are an exciting and fun way to learn English, and to connect with other students from around the world-while 7 Frequently asked questions getting a taste of the local culture at one of our unique locations.
8 Classroom and activities conduct This welcome guide will help you prepare for your visit, and give you tips and advice for while you’re here so that you 9 Health and safety tips can get the most out of your experience. We look forward to meeting you! 10 Important information
11 Our philosophy
The use of the McGill University name in this document is strictly for the purpose of identifying the location at which ILSC Education Group is delivering the program. ILSC Education Group has no affiliations with McGill University and McGill University is not involved in or responsible for the quality, suitability, delivery, or other aspects of ILSC Education Group in any way.
2 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Make sure your parent or guardian has submitted the following documents to ILSC: Completed application package Balance of program fees (must be received 2 weeks prior to your first day at ILSC)
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING
IMPORTANT INFORMATION & ITEMS CLOTHING Letter of acceptance from ILSC T-shirts This Junior Welcome Guide (be sure to record important Shorts information in the back of the guide on page 10 so that you Jeans/pants have everything in one easy location) Windbreaker/jacket/umbrella (suitable for cool or Your passport and travel documents (it is always a good rainy weather) idea to have a photocopy of your passport and other important documents stored in a location away from your Pajamas/sleepwear originals, and also leave photocopies with your parent or Swimsuit guardian) Sun hat Travel health insurance Shoes suitable for walking and/or for sports Any special medications that you require PERSONAL ELECTRONICS SCHOOL SUPPLIES Camera Backpack or school bag Cell phone (if required) Pens and paper Please take care of all your personal belongings as you do not TOILETRIES want to lose them, or have them stolen. Toothbrush and toothpaste Comb or brush Shampoo and soap Sun screen Towel 3 ONCE YOU ARRIVE
AT THE AIRPORT
If you are coming from an international flight, you will be arriving at the international airport. All of ILSC’s locations are located in major cities, and the airport will be between 20-45 minutes away from the school depending on which city you will be studying in.
When you arrive, there will be someone from ILSC waiting for you inside the terminal. The person will be waiting for you with a sign that says your name, and includes the ILSC logo. This ILSC representative will greet you and take you directly to your accommodation.
Look for them carefully and don’t worry; someone is always there waiting for you. If, after looking carefully, you can’t find anyone, go to the information booth and ask to make a phone call to the ILSC emergency phone, which is always on, 24 hours a day. An ILSC staff member will answer the phone and make sure you are connected with the person picking you up.
SEE PAGE 10 FOR IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
4 LIFE AT THE RESIDENCE
You will reside at McGill MacDonald, Laird Hall residence (left). The residence features double rooms (centre) and spacious floor lounges (right).
LEARN
We make use of the academic facilities at John Abbott College, with all classes taking place on campus. Classrooms are typically a 5-10 minute walk from the dormitory. »» Number of language levels: Our five-level junior curriculum program is designed to meet the diverse needs of students like you, who come with various language skills and abilities, and to challenge you to progress and excel. »» Number of lessons: 17 lessons, 15 hours per week. »» Number of students per class: 16 students maximum. »» Content: Academic reading, grammar, vocabulary, paragraph and essay writing are taught in dynamic and interesting ways. Speaking and listening are practiced through discussion topics that are important to today’s youth. »» Certificate: An end of course certificate and student progress report will be provided.
LIVE
You will live and dine within the McGill University’s, MacDonald residence, in the heart of a 650 hectare green oasis. This campus features a cafeteria that prides itself on sourcing sustainable, fair trade food from local farmers. Double rooms are available with large shared bathrooms on each floor, with boys and girls accommodated in separate sections of the residence. Bed linens are provided and changed weekly; however, you should bring your own towel. You’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the largest green space on the island of Montreal.
»» Capacity: Approximately 150 »» Accommodation: Double rooms available. »» Bathrooms: Large shared bathrooms on each floor featuring showers, sinks and toilets. Bathroom amenities are available at a ratio of approximately 1 for every 6 residents. »» Laundry: Machines located within the residence cost approximately $2 CAD per wash and $2 CAD per dry. »» Internet: Wireless internet is available throughout the Laird Hall residence and is accessible throughout most of the McGill MacDonald campus. »» Student safety and care: You will be supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by live in staff. In addition to ILSC staff, the dormitory provides their own 24/7 security team. »» Meals: You will receive three meals a day at the McGill MacDonald cafeteria. One full day excursions (once per week) you will receive a boxed lunch and a restaurant dinner. »» Additional facilities: The dormitory features large common spaces and a kitchen with fridge and kettles. The campus offers outdoor soccer fields and volleyball courts, an indoor gymnasium and a large indoor pool. All facilities are made available during select times during the week.
SWIMMING TENNIS BASKETBALL WALKING STUDENT POOL COURTS COURTS TRAILS CAFETERIA
5 EXPLORE MACDONALD
Enjoy a social program that combines on-site afternoon and evening activities and off-site trips.
»» Afternoon on-site activities: Students are offered a selection of on-site afternoon activities every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Activities include group sports, as well as performing and visual arts options. Options available vary from week to week. »» Evening activities: Activities include scavenger hunts, sports evenings, student performances and dance parties. »» Off-site activities: 4 off-site activities per week. Activities may include: various downtown Montreal locations, visit to Ottawa and Quebec City, Six Flags and more.* * Specific trip destinations vary depending on the students’ attendance dates.
To Morgan Arboretum/ vers l’ Arboretum MACDONALD CAMPUS MAP Morgan WR LR E
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v T To Arboretu40m ouest Highwal’ Arboretuy 40m B Barton Building vers l’Autoroute PR Brace Research Unit S C BR C CINE T S CC Cattle Complex CCB Centennial Centre Building (Student Services) OB CR Mary Emily Clinical Research Unit CC E Eco Museum
FC ER Eco Residence NL Ferme du Macdonald 20 FC Farm Centre Campus Farm l’Autoroute 20/ FM Facilities Management Highway GA Glenfinnan Arena LA GH Glenaladale House Glenaladale Terrace Orchard / GT n Verger Statio HH Harrison House CPR P HS Horticultural Services
P IP Institute of Parasitology PB LA Large Animal Research Unit AC P P HS LH Laird Hall C PF IP LR Emile A. Lods Agronomy G A (Research Centre) R École secondaire B MS MacDonald-Stewart Building Macdonald Playing Field/ M S High School Terrain de jeu NL Nutrition Lab ER OB Old Barn Terrain McEwen P Parking LH Field
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Road - TH Tadja Hall DC s 1 Lakeshore 1 GH - Chemin s Outaouai 2 TS Technical Services Building de 0 FM e /Rivièr r WR Weather Radar a Rive Ottaw 6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO WILL I BE LIVING WITH AT THE RESIDENCE? WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE, ADJUSTING TO A NEW While the layout of each residence is different, the majority feature COUNTRY? double rooms. This means that students are able to enjoy the The program is a great opportunity to explore a new culture, experience with a roommate. Unless a special request is made in improve your language skills, and meet other young people the case of students travelling with friends or siblings who want from around the world. This exciting opportunity is definitely to stay together, we pair students who are of a similar age and fun, but it can also be challenging. Once you arrive, you may come from different countries. We’ve found this is the best way for experience “jet-lag” which leaves you feeling a little bit tired for students to make new friends and improve their English. In most the first few days until your body naturally adjusts to a different cases, boys and girls live on separate floors but, depending on the time-zone. Eating unfamiliar food might also affect your layout, they may live on the same floor but in different sections. stomach until you adjust to new food. Be patient, your body will Our residential staff are housed by gender in the same way as the naturally adjust to these new experiences. It’s a good idea to let students and live on the student floors in clearly marked rooms. us know how you’re feeling, so we can best support you.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM PACKAGE? WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL HOMESICK? The package fee includes 15 hours of lessons per week, ILSC Feeling homesick is very common, especially if it is your first afternoon and evening activities, 3 meals a day, airport transfer time away from your home, and/or family on your own. Being in service, medical insurance and all scheduled trips. Entry fees and a new country, where everyone speaks a different language, can transportation for all scheduled trips are included. cause a bit of “culture shock,” and be disorienting. The best way to cure homesickness is to talk about your life, experiences and HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING? feelings with friends and/or an ILSC team member. Expressing Students are required to bring a $100 cash deposit which how you feel, and sharing what you love about your home will is given to the ILSC team when they arrive at the residence. help you feel better. Writing how you’re feeling in a journal can This deposit will cover any lost keys or damage caused to the also help. residence and will be returned to the student at the end of the course, provided no property is lost or damaged. Students WHY DO I HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH ALL THE TIME? should also bring enough money to cover any personal needs, ILSC’s English Only policy is in place to help you learn the including shopping for personal items and/or souvenirs. language faster! Although it might feel very challenging at first, the people you meet at ILSC will understand your efforts and HOW WILL I KNOW WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO? frustrations and they will help you as much as possible. If you Within each residence, there will be a central office where a meet a person who doesn’t understand, try not to get upset. They member of the management team can be found. This is not a may not know what it is like to learn another language or they private office for the staff, but a central hub for the program may just be having a bad day. No matter what, keep trying and where students are encouraged to spend time. Near the office, soon your English will be better than ever! there will be a large notice board. This notice board will contain class lists, daily and weekly schedules, sign-up sheets for activities and program rules.
TIPS FOR LEARNING ENGLISH
»» Always speak in English! It’s simple, the more you practice, the more quickly you learn to communicate in that language. »» Spend time talking with your classmates, friends and teachers. Listening to and speaking with English speakers is the best way to learn. »» Carry a dictionary at all times and use it! »» Make a list of new words and expressions you learn outside of class. Writing things down is a great way to remember them. »» If you have time, read over your school notes or your list of new vocabulary at the end of each day. Even a brief review on the same day you learn something will triple your retention. It is a proven fact! »» Don’t hesitate to ask questions when you don’t understand! Your homestay parents and teachers are here to help you learn.
7 PERSONAL CONDUCT FOR CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
LATENESS & ABSENTEEISM CELL PHONE POLICY
You are expected to be on time to classes. Attendance, punctuality »» Respect your teacher and classmates. and participation are important parts of learning. »» Please turn your cell phone off during class times.
Students who come to class every day, on time:
»» Learn more English! LOOKING AFTER YOUR »» Get the class off to a good start! VALUABLES
Always keep your valuables with you: your wallet, bag, cell phone, ENGLISH ONLY POLICY electronic dictionary etc.
The English Only environment helps you: BEING ENVIRONMENTALLY »» Think in English »» Improve your English faster FRIENDLY
»» Learn about other cultures We want to help planet earth! So remember the three R’s: »» Make friends! »» Reduce: Carry your water bottle around with you (you’ll be We want to help you get the most out of our program! provided with one on arrival). Remember: if you do not follow this policy you will receive an »» Recycle: Use the right recycling bins, for beverage bottle and in-school detention with extra English work. Your detention will cartons, food scraps (compost) and paper be for your morning class(es) only, and will be able to attend your afternoon class. HAVE FUN!
8 IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS
In order to ensure the safety and fun of everyone, it is essential that you understand and follow the following safety regulations. Please use your common sense and do not do what you don’t do in your own country!
IN CASE OF ILLNESS OR INJURY
»» Report any illness or injury to your teacher or another staff member. »» Do not move a person who is injured. »» Follow the instructions of your teacher/ILSC staff, or medical staff. »» If there is no teacher or staff member available, call the emergency phone number or call 911.
YOUR BELONGINGS
»» It is important to pay attention to your belongings in and out of school. »» Do not carry around large amounts of cash, or your passport. »» Remember to be aware of where your belongings are at all times - including on organized trips outside of school. »» When you are walking around keep your phone and other belongings in your bag, don’t carry them in your hand.
TALKING TO STRANGERS
»» In general, people are friendly and it is safe to talk to strangers in public areas; however, if you are not feeling comfortable to talk with someone, you can always say “Excuse me, it is not a good time to talk” then move on.
IF YOU GET LOST
»» Find a staff member at the place you are visiting, and ask them to call ILSC Education Group. If it is past 5 pm, ask the staff member to call the ILSC emergency phone number. »» DO NOT attempt to make your way back to the school site on your own.
IF THERE IS A FIRE
»» If there is a fire, or you hear a fire alarm, calmly exit the building and gather in a safe place outside with your classmates and your teacher or activity coordinator. »» Follow all instructions from your teacher, activity coordinator and/or fire fighting staff who can inform you when it is safe to return to the building, or to leave the area.
IF THERE IS AN EARTHQUAKE
»» If there is an earthquake, hide underneath a desk or a table to protect yourself—DO NOT leave the school! »» When the earthquake stops, your teacher or activity coordinator will take a head count and will give further instructions.
9 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ILSC 24-HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER You can call the emergency number anytime during your stay if you encounter an emergency situation. It is important to note that this phone number is only active during the course dates.
EMERGENCY NUMBER 1.438.831.9413
CITY EMERGENCY NUMBERS If you encounter a serious emergency situation, such as a fire, medical emergency, or emergency requiring police, and you cannot find an ILSC staff member, homestay family member, or teacher to help you, you can contact local emergency services by dialing911 .
YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE DETAILS
NAME OF HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDER:______
YOUR POLICY NUMBER: ______
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: ______
EMERGENCY CONTACT IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY
NAME: ______
RELATIONSHIP: ______
PHONE NUMBER: ______
EMAIL ADDRESS:______
YOUR PASSPORT INFORMATION
NAME: ______
DATE OF ISSUE: ______
CITY/COUNTRY OF ISSUE: ______
PASSPORT NUMBER: ______
IMPORTANT NOTES ______
______
______
10 OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Learning works better when it is Learning works faster when People learn best when they are student-centred. it’s combined with everyday confident, at ease and happy.
We combine a set curriculum with the experiences. At ILSC, you’ll be part of a community of flexibility to accommodate each student’s Immersion learning through role-playing, staff, teachers, and fellow students who special interests and learning needs. field trips, and group learning activities will support your success on a fantastic You’ll be motivated to learn about things helps you learn the language more quickly. learning adventure. that personally interest you.
CONNECT WITH THE ILSC COMMUNITY #MYILSC ILSCFB @ILSC @ILSC ILSCTV
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