FAQ

Questions and Answers

Q. What is the minimum enrolment period?
A. The minimum enrolment period is 4 weeks.

Q. How many students are there in a class?
A. The average number is 7 students.

Q. What is the minimum age for study at HOST?
A. The minimum age is 17. Exception: see the “Special programs” link.

Q. What is the average age of students?
A. The average age is 26.

Q. When is HOST open?
A. HOST is open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm, and Saturday 9:30am-11:30am, all year round except public holidays.

Q. Can I study part-time?
A. Tourist and Working Holiday visa holders, can study part-time. Part-time lessons are Monday to Friday, 9am – 11am, 11:30am- 1:30pm; 1:30pm – 3:30pm, 4:00pm – 6:00 pm

Q. I don’t know my level of English, how can I find out?
A. You will take an assessment test when you arrive at HOST. This test will evaluate your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities.  The results will determine what level you will be placed in.

Q. How many levels are there?
A. There are 4 levels of English at HOST, from Beginner to Advanced.

Q. How many weeks of English study do I need?
A. The number of weeks you need depends on your current level of English, the level you wish to reach and how quickly you progress.  You may wish to learn English for further study, for an exam, for professional development, for work or for travel.

Q. How is my progress assessed?
A. We believe that students gain most from their English studies through a system of continuous assessment and monitoring. Every 4th week your teacher will provide you with a performance report, taking into account your class work, homework and internal test results. You will also have one-to-one sessions with your teacher to discuss your progress and to agree on strategies for further improvement.

Q. What happens when my English level improves and I need to go up a level or change my course?
A. We test students on an ongoing basis. If you achieve a better score and have performed well in general, you can move up a class or level (dependant on reaching the appropriate level of English required for that particular course/class).

Q. Can I do several different courses during my time at HOST?
A. Yes.

Q. Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?
A. Yes.

Q. What kind of qualifications will my teacher have?
A. Our teachers are experienced and professional and hold specialist
TESL qualifications.

Q. What are the teaching methods?
A. Language learning should be enjoyable! Students learn best when they are relaxed, interested and involved. Our ‘communicative approach’ enables you to have more interaction with your teacher and students in your class. Working in pairs or groups will help you to improve your English by increasing valuable speaking practice. Errors are a natural part of learning a language. The best learners are those who are more interested in communicating successfully than always being 100% correct.

Q. What materials do you use?
A. We carefully select the best textbooks available to complement our curriculum. We also use other materials, including audio and video. Classes include task-based activities, work in pairs or small groups, use of video and internet resources, stories, songs, debates, discussions and writing activities. Our lessons are based on real-life tasks, which aim to increase interest and therefore maximize your potential!

Q. I want to take the IELTS exam, what should I do?
A. HOST IELTS Preparation (Masterclass) Course will help prepare you for the IELTS exam, either for academic or immigration purposes.

Q. I want to take a Cambridge test, what should I do?
A. We offer full-time Cambridge Test Preparation courses 4 times a year, which prepare students for the FCE and CAE exams. We have an 80% success rate for the candidates who have taken our preparation course for the past 4 years. HOST ensures results by combining reading and writing, listening and speaking skills lessons with regular practical test-taking strategies to help you achieve your highest possible FCE, CAE score. Please see testimonials.

Q. I am interested in further study in Toronto but I don’t know where to study.  Is there someone who can help me choose a course/university?
A. HOST will recommend study options for you. One of our staff is also an English professor at a college in Toronto and can advise you as to what is the best course for you, and how to enroll at a college or university.

Q. Do I get a student card? What can I use it for?
A. Yes, you will receive a student ID card. You can use it for borrowing books from the library, as well as getting students’ discounts from various attractions.

Q. Can I use computers/e-mail/internet at HOST?
A. Our high-speed Internet and email access are free!

Q. Can I use my own laptop at HOST?
A. Students can connect their laptops to the HOST network during school hours.

Q. When can I use the facilities?
A. Computer facilities can be used before class, during breaks, and after class.

Q. What can I do after class?
A. HOST is open until 6.00pm , Monday to Friday. After class you can use computers, borrow books, watch videos and do your own study/homework. There is a teacher available to help you if you have any questions.

Q. Can I get a refund if I choose to finish my course early?
A. Please refer to the HOST conditions of enrolment.

Q. Do you offer private tutoring?
A. Yes, we provide individual tutoring, tailor-made to suit people with limited time and specific needs. The cost is $25.00 per hour.

Q. What’s the weather like in Toronto?
A. Toronto’s climate is moderate for Canada due to its southerly location within the country and its proximity to Lake Ontario. It has  warm, humid summers and generally cold winters, although fairly mild by Canadian and many northern continental U.S. standards.

The city experiences four distinct seasons with considerable variance in day to day temperature, particularly during the colder weather season. Summer in Toronto is characterized by long stretches of humid weather.

Daytime temperatures occasionally surpass 35 C. (95 F.), with high humidity, making it feel oppressive during usually brief periods of hot weather. Spring and Autumn are transitional seasons with generally mild or cool temperatures with alternating dry and wet periods.

Q. Is there public transport near the school?
A. Yes. There is a bus stop in front of the school. It takes two minutes to the Yonge/Finch subway. This is the main north/south subway. From here it is one subway stop to Uptown Toronto, ten minutes to midtown, and twenty minutes to downtown.

Q. Is HOST near the City?
A. The school is conveniently situated close to uptown Toronto, where the best library and swimming pool in Toronto are located. There are many malls, movie theaters, shops, and parks as well.

Q. Can I get a student discount on transport (bus/subway)?
A. No. But you can get a monthly pass for $109.00 for unlimited use.

Q. Are all your prices in Canadian dollars?
A. Yes, all prices stated are in Canadian dollars. You can go to xe.com to perform interactive foreign exchange calculations.

Q. How much money will I need to have (per week) for entertainment, food etc.?
A. It is a good idea to have approximately $100 per week (after paying for accommodation).

Q. What is the average cost of common items?
A.

Q. If I want to open a bank account, become a member of a library/gym/video shop etc., what do I need to do?
A. HOST can help you do all these things. All you need from us is an Acceptance Letter.  This states that you are enrolled at HOST and includes your name, address, date of birth and dates/length of study. You just need to take this along with your passport.

Q. Does HOST provide health insurance?
A. No. We can recommend a heath insurance company that provides good health coverage.  There are also walk-in clinics in the surrounding areas that can see you, if you need immediate attention.

Q. Can I speak to HOST if I have a problem?
A. We are available every day to help you with any problems you may experience while away from home.

Q. What kinds of activities are there to do Toronto?
A. Participating in our Friday activity program is an excellent way to practice your English while having fun with your new friends! Activities include: student parties, going to ethnic restaurants, sightseeing trips, weekend trips, shopping excursions, BBQ, picnics, movie nights, skiing, snowmobiling, and more!

Q. Where are the homestay families located?
A. Most homestay families are located close to the subway line around downtown Toronto, within 40 minutes (average) from HOST by subway and bus.

Q. Can I choose what kind of family I want to stay with?
A. At HOST we will place you with a friendly Canadian homestay family that has been carefully selected to suit your requirements (e.g. a family with young children or a family with no pets, etc).

Q. What if I have a homestay problem?
A. HOST will help you if you have any questions or problems.

Q. Is there an airport pick-up service?
A. Yes. Pearson Airport is approximately a 40 minute drive to downtown Toronto.  If you wish, a HOST representative can meet you at Pearson Airport and drive you directly to your homestay. There is also a bus service and train line linking Pearson International Airport to Toronto. The airport pickup service fee is $75.00.