Frequently Asked Questions

Many of the most common questions asked about the programs and services offered by ESL Services are listed below. If you do not see your question listed, please send us a message. If you have any questions regarding the IELP/Conditional Offers, please visit the IELP/Conditional Offers Frequently Asked Questions page.

General

1. What is a typical class schedule like?
2. What happens if I arrive late for the program?
3. What is the language policy?
4. How long is each program?
5. How far in advance do I have to apply?
6. When will I know if I am accepted?
7. How do I know what level I will be in?
8. What do I do if my passport is lost?
9. What is the minimum age for IELP Programs?

Finance

1. When do I have to pay?
2. How do I pay?
3. Are there any scholarships or financial assistance available?
4. How much do textbooks cost?
5. How much do the programs cost?

Study Permits/Visas

1. Will I need a study permit?
2. How do I get a study permit?
3. How long will it take to receive my study permit?
4. What happens if I do not get my study permit in time?
5. Do I need a Temporary Resident (Entry) Visa to visit Canada?
6. Can I visit the U.S.?

Refunds

1. What is the cancellation/withdrawal policy?
2. Can I get a refund if my Study Permit/Visa is refused?
3. If there is a delay, can I transfer to a different session?
4. What is the refund policy for Homestay?

Accommodation/Homestay

1. Will I share a room?
2. Can I see the Homestay placement before I move in?
3. Can I get a Homestay placement that is very close to Brock University?
4. What can I expect in Homestay?
5. Can I live off-campus, but not in Homestay?
6. Can I live in the University Residences?

General

1. What is a typical class schedule like?
   The schedule will vary by class, but each student in the Intensive English Language Program will have 5 hours of class per day, as well as a break. For the Winter 2013 term, class schedules vary in start and end times, but start no earlier than 8am and end no later than 4pm*. Students are not able to request one schedule over another, so please be prepared for all schedules. *Class schedules are subject to change by term.
2. What happens if I arrive late for the program?
   If you think that you will be arriving late for the start of the program, you must obtain special permission from Norma MacSween, the Director of ESL Services. Placement tests for late arrivals must be arranged through the main office and will be given on set days. 
3. What is the language policy?
   Students are expected to speak English at all times. It is important that you practice speaking English in order to become fluent in the language. Whether you are in class, waiting for a class or at a school-related function, you must speak English. Your grades are affected by the amount of English you speak.
4. How long is each program?
   The Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions for the Intensive English Language Program run for 14 weeks each. The Summer English Language Program/Explore runs for 5 weeks. Please visit our Programs website for more information on dates and durations of our programs. Additionally, we offer Customized English Language Programs for groups, which can very in length. For more information, you can contact eslbrock@brocku.ca.
5. How far in advance do I have to apply?
   Applicants should apply well in advance. The full tuition payment is due 4 weeks prior to the start of the session. 
6. When will I know if I am accepted?
   As soon as your application and payment are received, your application will be processed. A letter of acceptance cannot be sent until both the application and payment are received.
7. How do I know what level I will be in?
   On the first day of the session, students will take a placement test. This test will determine the level that you will be placed in. 
8. What do I do if my passport is lost?
   Each country has a different policy for lost/stolen passports. If your passport is lost/stolen, you should contact your nearest Embassy/Consulate to determine what steps you should take.

9. What is the minimum age for IELP Programs?
   Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the start of the program you are applying for. Students 16 and 17 years of age at the time the program starts can apply, but must send the completed Guardian/Custodian Form and Guardian/Custodian Letter with their completed application. The Custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and over 19 years of age.

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Finance

1. When do I have to pay?
   Your full tuition payment is due 4 weeks prior to the start of the program. 
2. How do I pay?
   Please visit our Methods of Payment section for more information on available payment methods.
3. Are there any scholarships or financial assistance available?
   At this time there are no scholarships or financial assistance available to students in the IELP/SELP programs. 
4. How much do textbooks cost?
   For the IELP, textbooks can range from $250.00 to $300.00 depending on the level. For the SELP, the textbooks are provided as part of the tuition.
5. How much do the programs cost?
   For the 14-week IELP (Spring 2013), tuition is $3700.00 and ancillary fees are $600. Effective Fall 2013 IELP tuition fees will be increasing. IELP tuition will increase to $4000. Ancillary fees will remain at $600.

   For the 5-week SELP tuition is $1170.00 and ancillary fees are $400.

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Study Permits & Visas

1. Will I need a study permit?
   Students who are non-residents of Canada, intending on studying for 6 months or more, will be required to obtain a study permit. Please visit our Study Permit/Visa webpage for more information.
2. How do I get a study permit?
   Please visit our Study Permit/Visa webpage for more information on how to obtain a study permit.
3. How long will it take to receive my study permit?
   The wait times for study permits vary by country. Please visit our Study Permit/Visa webpage for more information on study permit wait times.
4. What happens if I do not get my study permit in time?
   If your Visa application is denied by the Canadian Embassy, the deposit minus a $250.00 administration fee will be refunded with proof of denial. Requests for refunds must be made within one (1) year of the application date.
5. Do I need a Temporary Resident (Entry) Visa to visit Canada?
   Depending on the country you are coming from, it may be necessary to obtain a Temporary Resident (Entry) Visa in addition to your study permit, or for those coming for less than 6 months. Please visit our Study Permit/Visa webpage for more information.
6. Can I visit the U.S.?
   Depending on which country you are coming from, you may need an Entry Visa to visit the U.S. Please visit the U.S. Department of State for more information on the U.S. visa process. 

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Refunds

1. What is the cancellation/withdrawal policy?
   All fees are non-refundable with one exception. If your Visa application is denied by the Canadian Embassy, the deposit minus a $250.00 administration fee will be refunded with proof of denial. Requests for refunds must be made within one (1) year of the application date.
2. Can I get a refund if my Study Permit/Visa is refused?
   If your Visa application is denied by the Canadian Embassy, the deposit minus a $250.00 administration fee will be refunded with proof of denial. Requests for refunds must be made within one (1) year of the application date.
3. If there is a delay, can I defer to a different session?
   Yes. If you are in an IELP/SELP session and wish to transfer due to a delay in your study permit/visa, please contact eslbrock@brocku.ca. If you are in the IELP/Undergraduate Conditional program, please see the IELP/Undergraduate Deferral Policy for transfer information.
4. What is the refund policy for Homestay?
   The Homestay deposit is refundable, minus a $100.00 administration fee only if the cancellation is made one month prior to session start date. After this time the deposit is not refundable.

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Accommodation/Homestay

1. Will I share a room?
   Sharing a room with another student is not common, but it is a possibility.
2. Can I see the Homestay placement before I move in?
   It is not possible to see the Homestay placement prior to moving in. Every family has been carefully selected by Brock University ESL staff and we are confident that they will provide a positive Homestay experience. You will receive information about your Homestay family and contact details approximately three weeks prior to your arrival. We ask that you contact your Homestay family directly at that time to confirm your arrival details and we encourage you to use the opportunity to get to know your family and let them get to know you. If you are communicating with your family by e-mail we suggest that you send a picture of yourself and ask your family to do the same.
3. Can I get a Homestay placement that is close to Brock University?  
   
   We cannot guarantee the location of a Homestay placement. Our Homestay families are all located within the city limits of St. Catharines or Thorold and are near a bus route. You will receive a bus pass on the first day of school. 
4. What can I expect in Homestay?
   For more information on what to expect in Homestay, please read our What to Expect in Homestay Guide.
5. Can I live off-campus, but not in Homestay?
   Yes. It is the student’s responsibility to secure off-campus housing if they do not wish to register for the Homestay program. You may wish to visit Brock University’s Off-Campus Living website for more information on living in St. Catharines/Thorold and finding off-campus accommodation.
6. Can I live in the University Residences?
   Only students studying in the Spring/Summer sessions are allowed to stay in the University Residences. For more information about living on-campus in the Spring/Summer Term, please visit Conference Services.

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