Welcome
We are so excited that you have made the decision to come to Toronto this summer! The Youth International English Program has always been an incredibly fun and vibrant community. We can’t wait for you to join us!
Of course, many questions will need answering before you arrive. Everything you need is right here. This package will tell you all about the incredible city you’re about to visit, the diverse group of students you’ll meet, and provide you with everything you need to have the best experience possible.
This program isn’t just a fun summer away from home. It’s an opportunity to explore the world outside your personal borders and learn what’s out there. This could be the first step towards making the University of Toronto your postsecondary home!
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES
New College Residence
University of Toronto, New College
40 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1C6
New College Office
University of Toronto, New College
Room 136, 21 Classic Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5S 2Z3
New College Mailing Address
Your Full Name (as registered in the program)
University of Toronto, New College
40 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1C6, Canada
All students attend class in the morning from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Some students take classes in the afternoon as well. Afternoon classes will be from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
On the first day of class, you will take a written test and talk with a teacher for a few minutes. These tests will help us place you in the best class for you, with students of a similar level.
Youth IEP students can choose from a range of courses, including the General English Course, Academic Preparation Course, IELTS or TOEFL iBT Preparation Courses, and the Extended English Course. You should think about your course selections carefully. Classes fill up, and we are not always able to accommodate requests for course changes after your arrival.
If you successfully complete your classes, you will receive a certificate of course completion from New College, University of Toronto, a personalised evaluation from your teacher, and (if you take IELTS or TOEFL) your score on your final practice test. To get your certificate, you have to:
- Participate in class activities and talk with the other students in the class
- Complete the major class project
- Go to class on time, every day.
If you skip classes (and you’re not sick), we have to inform your parents. If you are often late to class, or miss 4 or more classes without a good reason, you will be at risk of not receiving your certificate. Students missing class without a valid reason will also lose activities and Free Time privileges.
Remember that you’ll be in a class with students from different countries. Some of them might have different points of view from you, or different accents. Or maybe their best subject is grammar, while what you’re really good at is speaking. That’s what makes our program special: you have the chance to make friends from all around the world. Be ready to learn from each other, not just the teacher.
For many students, residence is the best part of the program. You’ll get to call UofT your home while living with all of your new friends. Whether you spend your time playing games in the cozy lounge spaces, hanging out with your friends in the common rooms, or just relaxing in your own room, this is the university experience!
During the program, we have many activities planned for you – you’re here to have fun too! Throughout the week, your counsellors will take you to a variety of on-campus and off-campus activities – we’ll be sure to take you to the main tourist attractions like the CN Tower.
On weekends, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the farther places like Niagara Falls and Canada’s Wonderland. Attendance to all activities is mandatory – unless you have class.
For more information about Clubs, please visit the Life at Youth IEP section.
Clubs are engaging counsellor-led activities for students registered only in morning classes*. Clubs are a fun way to meet new people and learn new skills. Each Club meets every week, allowing students to continually work on a project in their area of interest.** You will be signing up for an afternoon club once you arrive at the program.
*Clubs are only offered during the afternoon. If you are taking afternoon courses (Extensive English Course, TOEFL iBT Preparation Course, or IELTS Preparation Course), you will not be taking Clubs.
**Please note, we cannot guarantee space in your preferred Club based on space and availability.
Music
This club provides a space for our campers combine basic music theory with song-playing. We encourage students to bring their instruments! This is a great club for students wishing to improve their musical ability and performance skills.
The club may include:
- Singing
- Dancing
- Performance Art
We are able to provide some instruments for students – please contact us if you have a specific request. We also encourage you to bring your own instrument – please note that if you do bring your own, the International Programs Office is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Arts & Crafts
This club is an opportunity for creative self-expression. This club will let students explore how they express themselves through art and showcase their work in the program.
The club may include:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Crafting
Cuisine
This club allows students to share and communicate elements of their culture and cuisine through food. Counsellors will guide students through food safety and basics of following a recipe, meal prep, baking, cooking, and proper use of kitchen tools. This club introduces students to important and useful skills while sharing flavours and tastes from home.
The club may include:
- Baking
- Cooking
- Food Safety
- Following a Recipe
- Meal Preparation
Media
This club allows students to explore different cultural areas of Toronto, with an emphasis on the creative use of digital and social media. This is a great club for students who want to capture memories from their summer in Canada!
The club may include:
- Videography
- Photography
- Social Media
- Digital Responsibility
Intramural & Organized Sport
This club is for our students interested in athletics, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students who like team sports, trying new things, competition, and inclusiveness will love this club.
The club may include:
- Football (Soccer)
- Basketball
- Being a Team Player
- Leadership
Toronto is one of the world’s safest cities, but it’s also unfamiliar for most students. Our counsellors will always be with you when you leave New College.
Here is a list of suggested items to bring to help you prepare for your trip
Students are responsible for their own belongings and valuables. The University of Toronto International Programs office is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged property.
The University of Toronto’s International English Programs follow all Canadian laws and policies. Students participating in the program will be responsible for doing so as well. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to arrange transit home should they violate rules that result in expulsion. Students will be given an extensive presentation on these rules when they arrive.
All students are expected to adhere to the University of Toronto Code of Conduct. A shortened version is available below. For the full Code of Conduct, please see HERE.
Discipline/Program Response
Disruption of our program environment or any of the policies listed below will result in any or all of the following actions:
- Meeting with program staff
- Reprimand/Warning
- Reporting of incident to parents/guardians
- Immediate suspension from the program
- Immediate expulsion from the program
Program Environment
Our program maintains a space where everyone can feel safe, have fun, and enjoy a positive academic experience. Inclusiveness and respect are important parts of our program. Any form of bullying, malicious, or harmful behavior will not be tolerated.
Activities
Attendance to all activities is mandatory. Failure to arrive on time will result in disciplinary action. It is the students’ responsibility to know meeting locations and times. Counsellors are always available to assist, if needed. Students are responsible for respecting their surroundings (e.g. museum rules, attraction rules, etc.).
Curfew
Students must be in the residence and on their own floor by 11:00pm. Attendance will be taken. By 12:00am, students must be in their room and respect quiet hours.
Common Areas
Students are responsible for keeping all common areas (common rooms, lounges, hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.) clean after use. If any common area is not kept clean, all students will help clean it. Any damage to or the removal of any property within the residence is forbidden. Students will be required to pay for any damages they cause to residence property.
Residence Rooms
Students are responsible for keeping their room clean. Male and female students are not permitted in rooms together, and all students must sleep in their assigned rooms every night. Students must ensure that their door is closed and locked behind them. Students should keep their room keys with them at all times. The Program is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. If a student’s room key is lost or damaged, it will be replaced at their expense.
Class Attendance & Environment
Students must attend their classes every day and on time. In the case of illness, the International Programs Office must be notified. Failure to attend class without valid reason will result in disciplinary action. If a student is often absent in class or otherwise misbehaving, their certificate will be at risk. Our instructors have their own individual classroom policies. Students disrupting or harming the classroom learning environment will be expelled from the program.
Smoking
The University of Toronto is a non-smoking campus. Students will not be allowed to smoke on campus. In Toronto, it is illegal to smoke inside any building or within 9 metres of an entrance or exit of any building that is used by the public. It is also illegal for those younger than 19 to purchase any smoking products. All of the above also apply to all substances, including, but not limited to, e-cigarettes and vaporizers. Failure to follow these laws will result in large monetary fines and expulsion from the program.
Drugs
No illegal drugs are permitted. If students are caught using, under the influence of, in possession of, or distributing drugs, the police will be notified. This will result in expulsion from the program, and the student will suffer legal consequences. All prescribed medication must be reported to the program prior to arrival. A doctor’s note must be provided upon request of the office.
Inappropriate Dress
Inappropriate dress is clothing that does not meet our community standards of decency and includes language and/or images related to violence, profanity, discrimination of any kind, or is demeaning to an individual or group.
Fire Alarms
Do NOT pull the fire alarm unless there is a fire. Students will be fined up to CAD $500.00 per fire truck that responds, typically 3. Should there be an actual fire, students are encouraged to use the alarms.
Fake IDs
Fake identification cards (IDs) are not permitted at any time. If students are caught using or in possession of a fake ID, it will be taken from them. The police will be notified, as identity fraud is a crime.
Alcohol & Cannabis
Under Canadian law, it’s illegal for those younger than 19 to purchase or consume alcohol or cannabis. If students are caught consuming, under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol or cannabis, the police will be notified. This will result in expulsion from the program.
Bullying
Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with the University of Toronto’s Code of Student Conduct, no student shall engage in any disrespectful conduct based on one’s race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, family status, handicap, and/or any action that is known to be unwelcome by any student.
If a student has an issue with another student or staff member, please inform a counsellor. Mutual respect between all students and staff members is expected. Any breach of this respect will result in disciplinary action and/or expulsion from the program.
Can I leave the campus on my own?
On some evenings, students will have the opportunity to sign out of the residence for free time. Only students with the proper authorization forms will be able to participate in the free time. We will also offer on-Campus activities on those evenings, so there will always be something planned for students to do!
My relatives live in Toronto. When can I go see them?
If there’s someone outside the program that would like to see you, your parents/guardians will need to email us at study.english@utoronto.ca at least 1 business day in advance. For more information, please refer to the Parent/Guardian Information Package.
What happens if I need to go to the doctor?
If you’re feeling sick, please call or visit the International Programs Office. We’ll arrange a doctor’s visit, and have a staff member take you to the clinic if necessary. If it is an emergency, please call the Emergency Number on your Youth IEP Wristband.
I can’t find the counsellor at the airport. Help!
Our counsellor should be the first person you see outside the luggage claim. They’ll be holding a large ‘University of Toronto” sign and wearing a blue U of T t-shirt. If you can’t find a counsellor, please call us at +1.416.946.3853. We’ll contact our counsellors and make sure they reach you as soon as possible!
I have a pre-existing condition that needs treatment. Will my health insurance from the program cover it?
The Health Insurance our program provides does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you need something checked that is pre-existing, you will need to pay for any medical fees. For a list of what the health insurance covers, please visit: www.guard.me. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
How do I get placed in a class?
On the first day of class, you’ll take an English placement test and have a short interview with an instructor. Based on the results, you’ll be placed in a class with students of a similar level.
What if I don’t get the room choice I requested?
We’ll do our very best to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee it. Rooms are assigned based on availability.