ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
CALGARY • TORONTO • VANCOUVER • MIAMI BEACH
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS, JUNIOR CAMPS AND TEACHER TRAINING CENTERS
Since 1996 we have built our school based on some simple and fundamental principles. We offer great language programs and services to our clients. But that’s the easy part; we then focus on making sure our customers, our students, have an amazing time while they are staying with us. Every detail of our schools, including our buildings, our social calendar, our activities and clubs, our Student Houses, and our academic programs, is designed to offer a worry-free and fun-filled academic and travel experience that surpasses all expectations.
We constantly strive to be North America’s leading boutique language schools and teacher training centers by providing the highest quality programs and services delivered by a qualified, professional and enthusiastic team.
Our network of schools provides our students and staff with energetic and fun environments conducive to learning and development, as we grow organically in North America.
Our Sister Schools
Sol Schools International are part of the OHC Group. We have sister schools in many amazing destinations in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Become a Sol Schools-OHC Voyager
As a Sol Schools student, you have the option of traveling from one destination to another and studying in any of our schools world-wide, knowing you will always receive the same quality education and service! We offer an attractive discount to students who visit and study in more than one destination. Check out our Fees Schedule for details
www.solschools.com/fees. Discover your world!
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CONTENT
SOL SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL
Page 1 Page 2 to 5 Page 6 Page 7 Pages 8 & 9 Pages 10 & 11 Pages 12 & 13 Pages 14 & 15 Pages 16 & 17 Pages 18 & 19 Page 20 Page 21
About Sol Schools International
Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Miami Beach
General English, Tutorials, English for Specific Purposes English for Business Purposes
Exam Preparation Programs Class Timetables and Schedules Elective Options
Pathway Programs and Further Study Accommodation and Housing Activity Programs and Social Clubs
Other Programs – Teacher Training, Junior and Family Our Sister Schools - UK and Australia
TORONTOMontréal Washington DC San Diego Los Angeles San Francisco New York Chicago VANCOUVER CALGARY
U.S.A.
CANADA
MIAMI BEACHCalgary has all the advantages of a large city, yet, with a population of just over one million, Calgary is clean, safe, and friendly. The magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountains, just an hour away from downtown, are recognized world-wide for their stunning scenery, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. The Rockies provide an exciting backdrop for skiing and snowboarding in exceptional
champagne powder conditions, in the winter, and camping, hiking, biking and rafting, in the summer. Calgary is located in true Canadian cowboy country, and hosts the world-famous Stampede Rodeo in July – truly an amazing event!
With its bustling economy driven by an expansive oil and gas industry, Calgary is one of the best places in the country if you’re looking for a place where you can study and earn an income at the same time, depending on your visa.
• Its own student residence, with gym and basketball court • Paid work experience (depending on your visa)
• An affordable option for students on a budget • A smaller school that feels more like a family
• Unparalleled outdoor experiences at affordable prices
CALGARY
Alberta, Canada
A GREAT SCHOOL FOR:
Ronaldo C. - Brazil
There are so many things to do in Calgary,
summer and winter. I loved my school and
classmates. The teachers were so good. We
had many chances to practice our speaking
skills.
Toronto, the financial hub of Canada, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, filled with excitement and wonder, a place where you can experience Canadian multiculturalism and meet new friends from all over the world while learning English. Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario, Canada’s largest city, and the 4th largest city in North America, Toronto has been voted again and again, one of the most liveable cities in the world.
If you like sports, Toronto is home to an NHL, NBA and Major League Baseball team, or for sightseeing, take a trip to Niagara Falls, only one hour away.
Located in the heart of downtown, our Toronto campus is situated in the historic Blake Mansion, built in 1872. Just across the road is our own Student House, where you can stay in private rooms in shared flats at very affordable prices.
TORONTO
• Big city life-style in Canada’s financial capital • A full-services school, with its own student housing
• A multi-cultural, sophisticated and cosmopolitan environment • Excellent job opportunities, based on your visa
• A large school, allowing you to meet more friends • Our own student house, right across the street
A GREAT SCHOOL FOR:
3
Ontario, Canada
Kelly C. France
From a dream to reality! I really had a good time in
this wonderful city and this amazing school.
Thanks for making these 6 months probably the
best 6 months of my life.
Vancouver is a picturesque harbor city in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by ocean, snow-covered mountains, great forests and rushing rivers. Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver is famous for its winter sports – skiing and snowboarding are only 20 minutes from downtown. In summer the outdoor adventurer also will find plenty to do: hiking, biking, sailing, canoeing, camping, and climbing. Stroll around Stanley Park, walking distance from the city - you might see an Orca or Sea Otter! Visit beautiful Victoria, the BC Capital City, only a couple of hours away, or watch the migrating whales off the Tofino Coast.
Located on the West Coast, Vancouver has always been one of the Gateways to Canada. With its vast multiculturalism, its exceptionally good public transportation, its award-winning international airport, Vancouver is welcoming to all. This modern city is one of the country’s cleanest, greenest and safest places to visit and study. Famous for its local seafood, for its nightlife and shopping, for its pub and café culture, and for its year-round outdoor sports, there is no wonder that the city’s motto is “Work hard and play hard”!
Sol Schools Vancouver is situated in the trendy Gastown district along the waterfront, in a newly renovated historic brick building typical of the Old City. The Gastown district is full of cafes, boutique shops, restaurants, pubs, galleries, and mews – small lane ways and courtyards where old stables and warehouses have been converted into residential apartments.
• A personalized learning environment with lots of individual attention
• Combining language study with winter and summer sports • Friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, and teacher-led activities, even on weekends
• A school where students really feel they are part of the family • A full array of programs, including Cambridge Exam Courses, Family Programs, and workshops for real-life English skills.
VANCOUVER
Jaewon K - S. Korea
I enjoyed my Vancouver life! I've met a lot of
good friends and teachers. Sol Schools is
fantastic and energetic!
A GREAT SCHOOL FOR:
• Sun, surf and beach loving students.
• Boutique learning environment, friendly and personalized • Our own Student Housing apartments
• Relaxed tropical Caribbean atmosphere – learn while you holiday • Making friends and learning all about what the USA has to offer There are few cities in the world that offer as much excitement as
Miami and Miami Beach!
Located on the south east coast of Florida, the Sunshine State, Miami offers an incredible array of activities and entertainment for every traveler, especially those who like the surf, the sun, the shop-ping and the year-round summer weather. Whether you hang out on some of the world’s best beaches, check out the rich and famous on their yachts, hit some of the world’s most famous nightclubs, take a weekend trip to visit Disney World or the Everglades National Park, go to a Miami Heat basketball, or Miami Dolphins football game, there are few places that offer as much to do, whatever the season. Sol Schools Miami Beach is located in the heart of South Beach, walking distance to North America’s most famous beach, and only steps away from great shopping, great nightlife, great food and drinks.
MIAMI BEACH
Timo B. - Switzerland
I had a very good time at Sol Schools Miami
Beach. Miami Beach is very beautiful, and it’s
for everyone! I learned a lot. Thanks for the
good time.
A GREAT SCHOOL FOR:
5
Learning made easy with small classes,
friendly teachers, and flexible schedules
Whether your goals are to improve your speaking skills, consolidate your grammar, understand native speakers, or obtain a high score on an internationally-recognized test, our programs allow you to customize your studies so that you can focus and succeed. Our classes are skill-based, and our teachers use a student-centered, communicative approach to get you talking and thinking.
The specialized course options and electives allow you reach your specific personal goals. For example, in our Targeted English addition, you work with a qualified teacher to tailor a program of study specific to your weaknesses or interests. When you reach your target, or if your goals change, our programs are flexible, and you can change classes, options and electives to suit your preferences, needs and level.
Our General English Programs are offered with four different schedules. At each level of study there is a core integrated skills General English component, and a variety of elective courses to choose from, allowing you to focus on and experience different aspects of the language. Choose from practical options like Accent Reduction and Pronunciation, Idioms, Conversation, Academic Writing and Reading, Vocabulary Development, Exam Preparation, and many others.
GENERAL ENGLISH PROGRAMS
Students can organize private and semi-private lessons, to cover a wide range of language and topics, depending on the need. These can be regular classes, or simply once-only lessons. For example you can arrange standard ESL tutorials, focus on specific language, e.g. grammar, conversation or presentation skills, or arrange exam-specific, intensive individual tuition to get you ready for an up-coming TOEFL, TOEIC or Cambridge exam. If you need
English for a business meeting, seminar, or project, SOL can organize Executive English Tutorials with a focus on finance, marketing, management, sales, or whatever you need. Our instructors are experienced in many ESP (English for Specific Purposes) fields: Law, Hospitality, Tourism, Mining, Air Traffic Control, Business, Science and many other disciplines. We can tailor classes to suit your individual, group or company needs.
ONE TO ONE TUTORIALS AND ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
otoCinzia M. - Italy
I really enjoyed the beautiful parks all around
Calgary, the efficient public transport and,
surely, the awesome places I visited such as:
Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Lake Moraine
(the most beautiful)…
English has become the lingua franca of the business world. More non-native speakers of English do business together using English today than ever before. Having excellent business English communication skills is essential in today’s international business community. Employers seek out people with solid English skills, who are able to effectively communicate and negotiate cross-culturally.
At Sol Schools International, students with a good grasp of English already can opt for a Business English class that equips them with the tools to conduct themselves in English in an array of business
situations, from looking for a job, to giving presentations, to resolving conflict, to closing a deal. The course uses a core text supplemented by authentic materials from newspapers, magazines, YouTube, guest lecturers, and excursions. Our highly qualified teachers deliver dynamic lessons geared towards preparing students to handle, in English, everything from customer service to crisis management. The course is ideal for a current business professional in the international arena, or for a student planning to undertake a bachelor or master degree in a business field in English at university.
ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES
ebp7 Abdullatif Yousef A. Saudi Arabia
The EBP class was extremely useful preparing me for bachelor in marketing in Canada. And I learned how to
write formal letters and emails and speak in formal business situations, like meetings. I do recommend it.
Exam Preparation
Whether your goals are to achieve a particular score, or increase your current exam score in one of the internationally recognized tests of English, or whether you’re planning further study in one of the Canadian or U.S. universities, or looking for a test result to increase your job prospects, Sol Schools offers options for all exam takers. Our aim is to prepare you to sit for a specific exam, and also to improve your overall language ability in the context of that exam. Students focus on exam taking skills, and practice
tasks they can expect on the exam, as they simultaneously increase their overall language proficiency and ability to handle unexpected exam situations. A good internationally recognized exam result looks great on your resume, too.
EXAM PREPARATION PROGRAMS
Days & Duration: Days: Monday to Friday Duration: 1 to 12 weeks Optional exam: TOEFL Exam
Recognized by universities, colleges and businesses worldwide, and especially in North America, a good score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language is an official and international recognition of your English language proficiency for post secondary studies. In the Sol School TOEFL Preparation Class, you will learn about the exam, practice strategies for increasing your success in each section, learn tips and tricks, and improve your general English skills along the way.
TOEFL EXAM PREPARATION
COURSE DETAILS
tpDays & Duration: Days: Monday to Friday Duration: 1 to 12 weeks Optional exam: TOEIC Exam
The Test of English for International Communication is used by corporations and government agencies for hiring, placing and promoting employees from non-English speaking backgrounds, and is one of the most respected methods of testing every-day English communication ability. Like our IELTS and TOEFL preparation courses, the TOEIC Exam Preparation class will familiarize you with the test format, give you ample practice in the kinds of questions you’ll face in the exam, and improve the practical language skills you need to get the score you want.
TOEIC EXAM PREPARATION
COURSE DETAILS
tpThe International English Language Testing System exam is an internationally recognized test which is often used by colleges, universities and government agencies to assess a student’s English level for post secondary study or for employment. Our IELTS exam preparation course will familiarize you with the different sections of the test, provide you with lots of exam practice, and increase your ability to use English in a formal, more academic context.
IELTS EXAM PREPARATION
COURSE DETAILS
tpDays & Duration: Days: Monday to Friday Duration: 1 to 12 weeks Optional exam: IELTS Exam
Ozcan K. - Turkey
I cannot imagine a better way to improve your
test score. I had a very good teacher, great
classmates and we practiced so much!
FCE (First Certificate of English) or CAE (Cambridge Advanced English)
Cambridge English Language Assessment Exams are recognized by government, commerce, industry and universities as proof of competency in everyday English for work and study purposes. Cambridge exam results never expire, and as such are a good lifetime achievement. The FCE is taken by those students who want to demonstrate proof of an upper intermediate level, while the CAE is a step higher, an exam giving students a recognized advanced score of English.
Sol Schools Cambridge Preparation classes are small, ensuring each student gets maximum attention with rigorous and regular practice in the interview, reading, use of English and writing sections of the exam. Students work hard, but our experienced teachers make sure you still have fun and bond with your classmates! And after school, we’ve got lots of activities planned so you can wind down. Our schools are registered Cambridge Test Centers, too, so you can write the exam on site, once you’ve finished the course.
CAMBRIDGE EXAM PREPARATION PROGRAMS
COURSE DETAILS
Program format: Full-Time SG-30 Timetable Days & Times: Duration: 10 weeks
Days: Monday to Friday Times: 9:00 to 15:20 Optional exam: FCE or CAE
cm
Gianni A. - Switzerland
Studying in the FCE at Sol Schools is a real
pleasure because we learn a lot of vocabulary.
It’s a nice classroom with a great atmosphere
and the teacher is great...
TIMETABLES & SCHEDULES
SEMI-INTENSIVE
20 lessons per week
General English
SG-20 SG-30
INTENSIVE BUSINESS**
30 lessons per week
General English Classes following SG-20 schedule
Business English Classes
INTENSIVE EXAM PREP**
30 lessons per week
SG-30
General English Classes following SG-20 schedule
IELTS or TOEFL or TOEIC
Cambridge Exam Prep FCE
Cambridge Exam Prep CAE
SPECIALIZED INTENSIVE
30 lessons per week
SG-30
General English
Academic Presentation Academic Writing
Conversation Current Events & NA Studies
English and Music English for Jobs The Grammar Doctor
Pronunciation Slang and Idioms Vocabulary Development
Choice of TWO
One-Period Electives
TOEIC score TOEFL iBT score IELTS score Cambridge UCLES
Sol School Levels
KET 500 - 600 600 - 700 47 - 59 4.5 - 5.5 700 - 800 60 - 79 5.5 - 6.5 800 - 900 80 - 99 6.5 - 7.5 900 + 100 - 120 7.5 +
Starter Elementary IntermediatePre- Intermediate IntermediateUpper Pre-Advanced Advanced Proficiency Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 Level 8
KET KET, PET BEC “Threshold”PET BEC VantagePET, FCE BEC VantageFCE BEC E.O.P.FCE, CAE BEC MasteryCAE, CPE
STUDY LEVELS
COURSE FINE PRINTS AND DETAILS
• All Electives require a minimum of 4 students enrolled to run and not all Elective Courses are offered at all schools throughout the year. If the Elective Course of choice is not offered, you are always welcome to take another Elective course as long as you meet the level requirement. Course changes must be submitted in writing and students must respect the policies of each school for course change requests. • All Test Prep and Business English Programs run on demand and will require minimum English Level for admission. Please check with the school before enrolling. Check www.solschools.com/cambridge for
start dates for FCE and CAE.
• Sol Schools Voyagers must spend at least 50% of their time in the school they first registered and paid for.
• FCE and CAE exams can only be arranged on-site if there is a minimum of 6 examinees taking the exams. Otherwise, an off-site exam will be arranged for examinees.
SEMI-INTENSIVE PLUS
25 lessons per week
SG-25 General English Choice of ONE One-Period Elective Academic Presentation Academic Writing Conversation Current Events & NA Studies
English and Music English for Jobs The Grammar Doctor
Pronunciation Slang and Idioms Vocabulary Development
periods start finish A B C lunch D E F days 9:00 10:00 11:00 11:50 12:30 13:30 14:30 9:50 10:50 11:50 12:30 13:20 14:20 15:20 SG-20 lunch gi ls rv wp lunch SG-25 wp gi ls rv el lunch SG-30 gi ls rv wp OR + esp esp el el Monday to Friday Monday to Friday Monday to Friday Monday to Friday Monday to Friday Monday to Friday Monday to Friday
SCHOOL TIMETABLE
EXAM PREPARATION PROGRAMS GENERAL ENGLISH PROGRAMS
Elective Choices*
levels offered average class size levels offered average class size elCore Programs
English For Specific Purposes
gi ls rv
English for Hospitality, Tourism, Executives
Academic Presentation Academic Writing Conversation
Current Events & North American Studies English Through Music and Songs English for Job Seekers
The Grammar Doctor Pronunciation Slang and Idioms Vocabulary Development Grammar & Idioms
Listening & Speaking Reading & Vocabulary Writing & Presentation TOEIC Preparation IELTS Preparation TOEFL Preparation FCE Exam Preparation English for Business Purposes CAE Exam Preparation
6-8 6-8 1-8 5-8 1-8 4-8 1-6 3-8 1-8 1-8 1 - 8 1 - 8 1 - 8 1 - 8 4+ 5+ 5+ 5+ 5+ 7+ 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 5+ 5+ 5+ 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 6-12 esp
English for Mining, Law, Medicine, Air Traffic Control esp
English and teacher training for foreign ESL teachers esp el el el el el el el el el tp cm cm ebp tp tp gi ls rv wp IELTS lunch tp tp gi ls rv wp TOEFL lunch tp tp gi ls rv wp TOEIC lunch tp tp lunch FCE/CAE cm cm cm cm cm cm gib lsb rvb wpb lunch Business English EBP ebp ebp
PROGRAM DETAILS
* Elective choices are conditional to a minimum number of students. ESP courses can be tailored for individuals or groups across a wide range of disciplines. Normally such courses should be pre-booked, and may incur extra costs, depending on the specific request, group size, etc.
ELECTIVE OPTIONS
ENGLISH FOR JOB SEEKERS
If you’re looking for work in an English-speaking culture, you’ll need some basic skills. You’ll need to know how to write a correct resume. You’ll need some good job interview techniques and tips. You’ll need to understand basic business etiquette in Canada or the U.S.A. You’ll need to know what level of language to use. What are employers looking for? How can you improve your profile and chances of getting the job? You learn this, and a lot more in this practical elective.
ENGLISH THROUGH MUSIC & SONGS
This is an option for all students who like music and who want to improve their language by learning the lyrics to popular and traditional songs, studying the vocabulary, the slang, and the grammar used, using their listening skills to hear what’s being sung about, and then doing some singing of their own! A great way to have fun, practice your rhythm, and sing together in English. Often the teacher is also an amateur musician with a real love of music. Expect to enjoy yourself.
ACADEMIC PRESENTATION
This class is designed for students who are planning to pursue further studies at a Canadian or US university after their English course. Students will learn the language used in delivering reports and presentations. They will also learn how to describe and present data and how to structure arguments and counter arguments for debates. Elements of effective public speaking skills will also be explored in this class.
ACADEMIC WRITING
This option is designed for students who are planning to pursue further studies at a Canadian or US university. Academic writing differs from other forms of writing. It is more formal in its sentence structure, its choice of vocabulary and in the structure of the writing itself. Students learn the language used in writing reports and essays. They learn how to describe and present data, how to sequence ideas, structure logical arguments and counter arguments in English. There is also an Introduction to
Academic Writing Option Elementary for students with a lower
English level.
CONVERSATION
How do you start a conversation in English? How do you join a conversation in progress? How do you keep a conversation going? It’s normal for non-native speakers of English to be shy when it come to speaking English in public. This class will give students some basic strategies to help them be part of everyday conversations. Learn how to make small talk, how to “break the ice”. Learn how to ask friendly, polite questions, learn how to agree and politely disagree with others. You’ll learn a lot, and your self-confidence with improve at the same time.
CURRENT EVENTS & N. AMERICAN STUDIES
This elective is for students who are interested in what’s happening in the world, as seen from a North American context. Students will look at and discuss current events, local and international, as they appear across various media – newspapers, magazine, TV news, blogs, etc. They will also look at American society and values, so that they get a better understanding of the culture both in Canada and in the USA. Topics range from sports, to leisure, politics, the economy, crime and the arts. This elective is for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English.13
PRONUNCIATION
Depending on your native language, you may have specific difficulties with certain aspects of English pronunciation. In Accent Reduction, the instructor will focus on the specific pronunciation needs of language speakers from different groups, for example Japanese, Korean, or French speakers. Students learn the phonetic alphabet, practice stress, rhythm and tone patterns, with a focus on language used in common, everyday situations.
SLANG & IDIOMS
“It’s raining cats and dogs!” In every language, there are big differences between the formal and familiar registers. Native speakers in familiar, informal situations use expressions and language that do not usually appear in your text books. You’ll hear them in music, on TV, in movies and on the street. Students who choose this option will have fun learning some of the more colorful English expressions, words and idioms used among friends when formality isn’t so important.
THE GRAMMAR DOCTOR
Some students love it, others hate it, but whatever your affair with grammar is, we all know it’s necessary. Students who choose this option will have a chance to bring their grammar problems and questions to one of our Grammar Experts – a teacher who will make grammar simple and friendly. Students look at tenses, moods, articles, phrasal verbs and prepositions, singular and plurals, syntax and much more. Teachers are chosen for their expertise and, believe it or not, their love of English grammar!
VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
How many times do students feel that they don’t have enough specific vocabulary to communicate effectively in English? This option is designed to look at word families that are particularly relevant to every-day situations and topics. Some of the popular topics are the language of food, drink, cooking and eating out; the family tree; the language of love; jobs, professions, pastimes and hobbies; and numbers and figures in everyday conversation. Students learn new words in context, and have fun practicing them in teacher managed conversations and pair work classroom situations.
ELECTIVE OPTIONS
esp
SOL SCHOOLS PATHWAY SUPPORT
Completing the Sol Schools University Pathways Program will facilitate your entry into one of our partnering colleges and universities in Canada or the USA. We provide you with the necessary skills and counselling to help you succeed in any college or university program we offer. Academically this includes fundamental skills like exam-taking techniques; essay writing skills, presentation skills, research and referencing skills, critical thinking and analysis fundamentals; academic reading, note taking in lectures, and much more.Administratively we will help with course selection and offer you assistance with your university application and enrolment. With assistance from our Pathway Placement Counsellors, you can select the program and institution that is right for you. You will benefit from the network of partner colleges and universities, and in most cases, once you graduate from Sol Schools, the university will recognize your SOL School level of English as satisfactory for direct entry.
Furthering your education
PATHWAY PROGRAMS AT SOL SCHOOLS
Your initial evaluation is one of the most important steps towards achieving your
goals quickly.
During the first week in the Pathway Program you will be tested and your English
level will be evaluated across the 4 Macro Skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing. Your strengths and weakness will be
identified.
Some students already have a university in mind; others haven’t yet decided. Our Pathway Program Counsellors will advise you on the best school for you, depending
on your future career goals. At the same time your teachers will be working with you
to help you understand and achieve the necessary level of English or exam result for
direct entry into the college of your choice.
Each college or university has its own application procedure and entry requirements. If you need help, we will assist you with this process, making sure you have the required supporting documents, that you have correctly filled out the application form, and that your English level is satisfactory for
direct entry.
INITIAL ACADEMIC EVALUATION PATHWAY COUNSELLING APPLICATION SUPPORT
14
PROGRAM DURATION
Initial Level Expected Program Duration Levels 3 & 4 Levels 4 & 5 Levels 5 & 6 Levels 6 to 8 10 to 12 months 8 to 10 months 6 to 8 months 2 to 6 months
Depending on the initial assessment of your English level, you can expect the following study duration before your entry into a university or college degree program.
Your progress will depend on your study habits and your language background and is not guaranteed. The chart above is only to provide a rough estimate.
15
PATHWAY PROGRAMS AT SOL SCHOOLS
SOL SCHOOLS PATHWAY PROGRESSION
Apply for our SG-30 program (4
core classes + 2 elective
classes) at Sol Schools. There
are 8 levels of study in total at
our schools. Most of our
university partners require
students to achieve a solid level
7 or 8 in order to be accepted
into their institutions. At this
early stage, we can help you
submit your application to the
college or university of your
choice.
As you continue your studies at Sol
Schools, your English level will be
monitored and assessed. Any
weaknesses will be identified and you
will be advised to take certain
electives to strengthen these
language skills. Once you have
achieved Level 6 or higher, you will be
required to take our Academic
Writing and Academic Presentation
classes. These academic classes will
prepare you with the language skills
you’ll need at college or university.
Once you have achieved the
appropriate level of English
(minimum level 7 in most cases),
the Director of Studies will write
you a reference letter to confirm
your English is satisfactory for
university studies. With our
pathway partner schools, this is
all you need to confirm you meet
their English language
requirements. You’re ready to
transfer.
Comfort, safety, location and affordability are all factors to consider when deciding on your choice of accommodation. In order to meet the needs, preferences and budgets of the many different students we welcome to our schools, we offer an extensive choice of accommodation, including the Sol School House, private flats, homestay, and a variety of dormitories, hostels, hotels and private suites.
Each school has an in-house Accommodations Coordinator to take care of your accommodation requirements, airport reception, and health insurance needs, and to help you during your stay with any questions or concerns. We take pride in the quality of our accommodation services and will always ensure your place of residence meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
The right place to live
OPTION
MEALS
ROOM
HIGHLIGHTS
SOL Student Housing • Shared homes • Private flats
• No meals
• Shared kitchen Available:• Single room • Double rooms
• Fully furnished rooms
• Walking distance from campuses • Shared house with other students • Well equipped units with TV and cable • Free Wi-Fi available in student rooms
Homestay • Half Board
• Full Board Available:• Single room • Double room • Private Bathroom
• Live and learn the local culture with a family • Great for short or long term stays
• Meals provided by host family
• Arranged by our accommodations department • 10 to 45 minutes from campus by transit • Homestays inspected and monitored • Variety of needs and requests can be met
Dormitories and
other residences Available withor without meals Single or shared • Various locations around the city• More availability in summer months • Variety of needs and requests can be met • More details: www.solschools.com/housing
Other options Available with
or without meals Single or shared Our Accommodations Department in each citycan arrange for a variety of other choices of accommodations such as hotels, serviced apartments youth hostels and Bed & Breakfasts upon request.
ACCOMMODATION AND HOUSING
In order to offer our students more choice in affordable accommodation throughout the year, we have created the Sol Schools Student House. SSI Student Houses are usually a short walk from our campus and consist of affordable furnished apartments which accommodate one to four students each. Students have the option of single or double private, lockable rooms with shared bathroom, living and kitchen facilities.
SOL STUDENT HOUSE TORONTO
• Across the street from the campus!• Single or double air-conditioned/heated rooms • Rooms in shared unit with other students
• Fully furnished flats with bed, desk, wardrobe, dresser, chairs, etc • Cable TV/DVD and Wi-Fi
• Shared kitchen, living and bathroom areas
• Central city location – close to amenities – shops, cafes, etc • Laundry facilities
SOL PRIVATE FLATS - MIAMI BEACH
• Private flats for up to four people (great option for students travelling in pairs or small groups)
• Fully furnished flats with bed, desk, wardrobe and dresser. • Cable TV and Wi-Fi
• Centrally located in close proximity to the school and the top hot spots of Miami Beach
• Some flats with swimming pools • Access to laundry services
SOL STUDENT HOUSE CALGARY
• Centrally located, walking distance to both campus (7 minutes) and the city center
• Fully furnished individual and twin rooms • Shared kitchen, bathroom and living areas • Television and free Wi-Fi
• Paid laundry facilities
• Game room, gym and indoor volleyball/basketball/badminton court
SOL STUDENT HOUSES
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Let’s have some fun! Every-day after class, and weekend activities program
At Sol Schools we are dedicated to making sure our students have fun and make friends while they learn English. Each school has a specially-chosen Activities Officer whose job it is to plan and organize fun, exciting activities, and get students involved. Everyday after class, and on weekends students have the option of joining in the daily activity, often with their teachers too! We know that many students are on a budget, so our Activities Officers always look for the best deal. Many activities are absolutely free, too! We’ll get you involved in the local culture, in seasonal festivals, fairs and exhibitions, in the local arts, music and sports
scenes. We’ll invite you on canoeing and camping trips, ski days, hiking and biking excursions, rodeos and rock concerts. Or you might prefer an afternoon at school making pizzas or baking cookies (and eating them!) with other class mates, learning some Latin dance moves, or getting involved in a funny talent show or drawing contest with your classmates, and winning prizes! There is something cool for everyone, and they are all designed to help students make friends, experience the local culture, and have heaps of fun.
Activity Calendars
To the left is a sample calendar of activities for our Toronto school in July. Many paid and free activities are organized at all of our campuses for all students. Check www.SOLschools.com to download the latest actual calendar for your school of choice.
SOL SCHOOL CLUBS
What better way to explore your new destination and meet new friends than to join a local club with like-minded people? Why not pick up a new hobby, a new sport, or just do something you already enjoy, or have always dreamed of doing? Or just try something completely different? Life is an adventure! Join a Sol Schools Club to make your travel experience even more unforgettable. Clubs are a great way to improve your English communication skills, too.
With schools in four of the most exciting cities in North America, we offer you a number of clubs in summer and winter to complement your travel experience. Learn to surf. Improve your photography skills. Join the cooking club to impress your friends with your culinary skills. There are so many options. Our Activities Officer can give you more information and assistance on arrival. Get involved. You will enjoy yourself to the max!
SUMMER YEAR ROUND WINTER
VISIT
www.solschools.com/clubs
TO FIND OUT MORE AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
CALGARY Soccer Club Mountain Biking Club
Hiking/Walking Club Bucket List Club*
TORONTO Soccer Club Basketball Club
Biking Club Bucket List Club*
VANCOUVER Hiking Club Water Sports Club Mountain Biking Club
Bucket List Club*
MIAMI BEACH Surfing Club Photography Club
Basketball Club Bucket List Club*
CALGARY Ski/Snowboard Club
Hockey Club Curling Club Bucket List Club*
TORONTO Ice Skating Club
Culinary Club Theater Club Bucket List Club*
VANCOUVER Ski/Snowboard Club
Culinary Club Ice Skating Club Bucket List Club*
* The Bucket List Club is made up of the bravest and most adventurous of individuals. Activities are organized by the school and students pay for each activity in which they participate. Participation is always optional. Activities include such things as skydiving, bungee jumping, race car driving, canopy tours, hot air balloon rides, zip-lining and much more. Check out www.solschools.com/clubs for more info and to sign up now.
Clubs are run during very specific times of the year in each city. Most clubs require a paid membership and many of them require off-site training. Please check www.solschools.com/clubs for more details of all clubs, scheduling and fees.
Sol Schools International has always been at the forefront of teacher training in Canada, and now in the USA. (Our sister school Oxford House College, in the UK, is also one of the leading teacher training centers in Europe.) Sol Schools was one of the first private schools to offer TESL Canada Certification, and we are one of the only schools that offer both TESL Canada and the University of Cambridge CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults). Both are internationally-recognized entry level teaching qualifications for native or near native speakers. If you’re good with people, and you like to explore, you can use this qualification to travel
and work your way around the world.
In addition to our TESL courses, we offer a free full-service recruitment package to all our successful graduates through a free membership with www.travel-teach.com.
TESOL/TESL for Non-Native Teachers
We also can organize special Teacher-Training Refresher Courses for groups of non-native teachers of English who want to brush up on their English skills and learn some new teaching and classroom management techniques to use with their students when they return to their own countries.
Become an ESL teacher
Our junior language camps - one for children and another for teens - combine language learning with fun excursions and social activities in a supervised, safe environment, which make them the perfect international holiday choice for students aged 7 to 17.
We offer one of the best junior programs in North America (We’ve been nominated for the STM Star Award for Junior English Programs under 18, in 2014). For groups or individuals, the
program includes airport transfers, residential accommodation, all meals, fun language classes, and a full 7-day a week activities program.
In 2015 Sol Camps International is offering winter and summer programs in Miami Beach, summer programs in Toronto and Vancouver, and through our sister schools, summer programs in the UK and Australia, too. Check out the website to find out more: www.solcamps.com
Junior Language Camps
Sol Schools offers one of the most unique programs for families travelling with their children who want to take advantage of our great holiday destinations and schools. Family programs are offered winter and summer to both parents and their children. Adults have the option of joining the general English classes, while their children can join the junior program, when it’s running, or we can arrange special lessons for them with our
teachers. Sol Schools offers full or partial service options, including accommodation and travel arrangements, language classes, activities and sightseeing. Families can choose as much or as little as they want. For more information, check out our website:
www.solcampsinternational.com
Family Programs at Sol Schools
OUR OTHER PROGRAMS
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Learn English where the English Language started! Oxford House College offers students the chance to study in four fantastic locations in the United Kingdom - London Central, London Richmond, Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon. The United Kingdom is not only famous for its language, but its rich history, magnificent architecture and unique culture. Each center is located downtown to give you the best chance of absorbing everything the city has to offer while
you study English. There are so many options. You will have the opportunity to participate in a huge range of organized sightseeing excursions and other exciting activities with your new study friends. We look forward to seeing you in the UK!
Oxford House College - UK
OUR SISTER SCHOOLS IN THE UK & AUSTRALIA
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Australia has always been equated with worldclass beaches, breathtaking scenery, rugby, some very unusual animals, and beautiful weather year round. For this reason, Australia is also considered one of the best places in the world to visit and to study English. Oxford House College Australia has campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns.
Each campus has something new to offer, from the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, to the sandy white beaches of the Gold Coast, to the bustling city center and sparkling harbor of Sydney , to the sophisticated, trendy and fashionable Melbourne. Get off the beaten track! Explore Down Under. Learning English has never been so much of an adventure!
Oxford House College - Australia
www.oxfordhousecollege.com.au
Established in 1963, Holmes Institute is one ofAustralia’s leading boutique business schools. Students can study certificates, diplomas, bachelor and master degrees across a variety of contemporary fields, including management, marketing, accounting and international business; hospitality, patisserie and commercial cookery; fashion design, technology and business, as well as hair, beauty, and salon management. Students who need English first, can study at OHC Australia, and then move on to Holmes Institute for their business courses, at the same campus!
Working in Australia
Students on a student visa in Australia have the right to work 40 hours in a two-week period while they study, and full time during scheduled holiday periods. Holmes Institute has a variety of internship, work-based training, work experience and job placement programs for its graduates.Holmes Institute - Australia
1212 – 1st Street SE, Unit 116 Calgary, Alberta
T2G 2H8, Canada T +1-403-233-0033 F +1-403-205-4403
1556 Alton Road, Second Floor Miami Beach, Florida
33139, USA
T +1-305-763-8520 F +1-305-763-8521 322 Water Street, Unit 100
Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 1B6, Canada T +1-604-647-1011 F +1-604-647-0025 469 Jarvis Street Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2G8, Canada T + 1-416-322-3405 F + 1-416-322-3490
HEAD OFFICE - TORONTO CALGARY VANCOUVER MIAMI BEACH
www.twitter.com/solschools www.youtube.com/solschools www.solschools.com/facebook [email protected] 1-866-481-5622 www.solschools.com SOL SCHOOLS INTE RN AT IO NA L 199 6 TO 20 15
English Language School - North America 2012 & 2014 Winner, 2013 Shortlisted
STM Star Junior Course for under 18s 2 0 1 4 W I N N E R
