canada

Canada is big. The second largest country in the world. It is a land of beautiful forests, snowy vistas, wild rivers and huge lakes. It was founded in 1867 by the Europeans and to this day the English and French are still trying to sort out their differences, nowadays thankfully in a more civilised manner. Canadians enjoy an excellent standard of living and their country is thought by many to be one of the world's most liveable places.

In our opinion:

Canada has an excellent reputation for language training. It's cities are safe and clean. There's a long snow season and lots of other adventure programmes. Canada also represents good value for money.

Vancouver

Vancouver (population: 1.8 million) is next to the Pacific Ocean. It is a beautiful and vibrant city and has been voted the world's most liveable city. Unlike most of Canada it has a relatively mild climate which ranges between 5 and 25 degrees. It is a multi-cultural city and is clean and safe. Our school is close to the city centre and offers a wide range of programmes including Cambridge exams and English plus internships.

Vancouver

Toronto

Canada's largest city, Toronto is the country's business capital. Toronto has a population of five million - one sixth of Canada's population. The climate is warm in summer but temperatures fall to minus 10 in the winter - definitely the place for a white Christmas. Our school offers general English, executive English courses, academic preparation from elementary to advanced levels.

Whistler

One of the great ski resorts in the world. Whistler has a long ski season and a language school. Students can study full-time or part-time and ski every day or even prepare in English for their snowboard or ski instructor certificates.

Whistler Canada - English courses

Whistler/Blackcomb in Canada is North America's number one snowboard/ski and adventure resort. Our English language school, International House (IH) Whistler offers English language training - General English and Cambridge FCE and CAE exam preparation three times a year. Lesson schedules are designed for students to maximise their sporting opportunities. During the winter season (from December to the end of April) many of our students also complete their level 1 Canadian Association of Ski/Snowboard Instructors (CASI) programmes which train them to become instructors. The school also organises snowboard and ski camps with professional coaches for novice to advanced snowboarders and skiers. Camps are full time Monday to Friday, each week during the winter season. Student to coach ratio average 4:1.

Students looking for a Canadian mountain and city experience can also incorporate an English programme before or after IH Whistler at the IH Vancouver sister school.

English courses at IH Whistler

Winter English (December to end of April):
General English 20 hours per week - schedule maximises on-mountain time
Cambridge exam preparation FCE and CAE - 25 hours per week
Summer English (May to November):
General English 25 hours per week
Cambridge exam preparation FCE and CAE - 25 hours per week

CASI instructor level 1 (ski and snowboard): two or three times per month. More information: The Language House.
CORE ski/snowboard camps - freestyle and free ride with top professional coaches: every week

• For brochures and more information fill in Your Training Plan or contact The Language House by email or telephone - 0041 22 321 52 63.

Whistler - hospitality and adventure diplomas

The Montagna Alpine College in Whistler offers two year diplomas in Hotel Management and Adventure Tourism. The courses offer tutorials at the college on the mountain, and on-line study courses while students complete work experience on the mountain.
Max class size: 12
Minimum English level: FCE exam or upper intermediate Student can do English plus Hospitality/Adventure preparation classes at IH Whistler before they start diplomas course at Montagna College.

Whistler in summer

Whistler also has lots of summer wilderness activities including one of the best mountain bike parks and trails in the world and white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking, mountain climbing, fishing, hiking, summer skiing and horse riding.

Whistler films

IH Whistler school CORE Snowboard and ski camps
Website: www.tourismwhistler.com

Accommodation

The IH Whistler school offers Homestay accommodation full-board and also a student house with private or shared rooms.

Whistler fact check

• Winter season: December to end of April
• Summer season: May to November
• More than 200 trails, 12 alpine bowls, 33 lifts and 3000 hectares of skiable terrain
• Whistler is 120 kms north of Vancouver, and 40 kms from the Pacific Ocean
• Whistler will host the 2010 Winter Olympics
• Ski/Snowboard camps for novice to advanced snowboarders and skiers every week with individualised coaching
• Snowboard and ski instructor courses - Level 1 CASI and Level 1 CSIA
• Cambridge exam programmes FCE and CAE
• Hospitality and Adventure Diplomas (two year courses)

Visas

Swiss and French students can study in Canada for up to six month without a visa. A student visa is required for more than six months of study. Visa application can take up to 90 days. French passport holders can apply for a working holiday visa. However the numbers of visas is limited. For more information visit the Canadian embassy website in Paris.

• For brochures and more information fill in Your Training Plan or contact The Language House by email or telephone - 0041 22 321 52 63.

Student comments

Amazing country, school and staff. I recommend it to everyone - Tim Switzerland.

I had a really good time at IH Whistler. I improved my English and my skiing and had a lot of fun. The atmosphere and activities at IH Whistler were so nice - Damien, Lausanne Switzerland

I enjoyed core camps so much. It was just an awesome time! It was perfect, and help from the coaches made me quite simply to pass the CASI test. Fresh powder and some of the sickest tree lines I've ever done! Thanks for the great time! - Thomas, Winterthur Switzerland

I was in Core Snowboard Camps for 2 months. I was nervous because my English was basic, but the coaches spoke a little Japanese so I felt comfortable every day. The coaches know Whistler and Blackcomb very well. We rode secret and cool snowboarding spots. For example: with a small hike, we rode untracked an powder bowl. Some days we made backcountry jumps. We did tree runs, small cliff and of course terrain parks and half-pipes. I could choose from many levels of jumps and rails in the park, so it was easy to progress. In the evenings I liked going to the sports gym for strength training, swimming and relaxing in a big hot tub. Sometimes at night we went to a pub. I could practice speaking English with everyone. It was super fun. I want to join again next season. Thank you! - Nobuyuki Japan

Students and staff were so very friendly! It was like a family. It was the best time of my life. - Laura, Marles en Brie France

Parents' comments

It's a long time since we gave you some news about our son in Whistler. It is just great, fantastic. He manages very well with the situation. He improves his English and enjoys building jumps with his friends. As we planned, he is coming back home for his birthday... BUT, he is so happy and interested in Whistler that he will return there. Thanks a lot, because what you said about Whistler and IH is true...it is not always so! For the first time our son really enjoys learning. Bravo à IH, votre organisation est vraiment de qualité, dynamique, sérieuse et fiable! - Lorenzo and Florence, Lausanne Switzerland

This is just a short note to thank you and your team so much for teaching Joe. He had a brilliant week and learned so much. My husband and I were very impressed by your organization and its professional approach. We will not hesitate to recommend you to others - Denise and Jon Whyte UK

• For brochures and more information fill in Your Training Plan or contact The Language House by email or telephone - 0041 22 321 52 63.