Program Introduction

Vancouver, the third largest city in Canada, is a dynamic, multicultural city set in a spectacular natural environment. Majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage all four seasons makes Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One can visit the many attractions including Granville Island, Robson Street and Stanley Park. Catering to any interest throughout the year, one can enjoy world class shopping, gourmet meals, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure, spectacular sights and attractions - it's all waiting for you in Vancouver. The International Olympic Committee selected Vancouver as the Host City for the XXI Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Selected for its beauty, accessibility, unlimited services and activities, Vancouver looks forward to hosting the world!

Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From high 70's Fahrenheit (low 20's Celsius) in summer to a mild mid 40's Fahrenheit (0º to 5º Celsius) in winter, the climate is always hospitable. The winters are wet, but it rarely snows, except on the local mountains.

The goal at CLS is to expose its participants to Vancouver’s multicultural setting and thereby open their minds to life’s possibilities in a global age. For young women and men planning to study or work in Western society, the CLS experience will provide a foundation of cultural understanding that is bound to lead to success.

The Best of Both Worlds

CLS has enlisted Vancouver International Student Services (VISS), a highly regarded educational consulting group, to operate its Vancouver program this summer at the Richmond Christian School. Richmond is a unique island city, favorably located within the Greater Vancouver Regional District in close proximity to downtown, the airport and the U.S. border. With a population of over 176,000 people, Richmond is a growing dynamic urban center with a unique mix of residential, and commercial property, agricultural lands, waterways and natural areas. Richmond has undergone enormous change over the last several decades, with significant growth in the early 1990's. Today, Richmond is a dynamic, multi-ethnic community.

Richmond Christian School was chosen due to its proximity to the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as being within minutes of a spectacular natural setting and a rural landscape that has become a defining trait of British Columbia.
The facilities are modern and include classrooms equipped with audio-visual resources, exercise equipment, recreational facilities, and outdoor sports fields. The school boasts a student body consisting of many different nationalities and backgrounds. Extra care is taken in choosing host families who are nurturing and willing to provide a rich cultural experience by opening up their homes.
In many instances, lifelong friendships are formed and cultivated much beyond the duration of the program.

Experiential Learning

Our Vancouver program has incorporated many ideas which will make it unique to the usual agendas of other programs. We will recruit the help of local Canadian students to participate in the program in the classroom as well as the planned activities and daytrips. Our goal is to minimize learning the traditional way with a teacher in the front and students sitting. Rather we will break classroom time down into 2-3 sections where pronunciation, drama and communication will be the focal points. The official language of our camp will be English, and all students and staff will be encouraged to communicate solely in English. Positive reinforcement will ensure cooperation and there will be prizes awarded which can be earned on a daily basis as well as bigger prizes which will be awarded at the end of our program during graduation.

Our programs are founded on the belief that language acquisition requires practice in the real world. CLS instructors present vocabulary, phrases, themes and ideas on the day's topics, and provide opportunities for role-play and discussion. Then it is time for the participants to put their newly acquired skills to immediate practice. Daily experiential learning activities outside of the classroom have been carefully selected to expose the participants to a wide variety of settings and introducing different aspects of life in Vancouver. The aim is to give participants the confidence and know-how to deal with any situation that may arise.

Program Fee Includes:

- Home stay accommodation including meals
- All scheduled activities, including entrance fees and transportation
- English instruction and materials
- Airport arrival and departure services
- Medical insurance
- On site support from CLS staff
- Customer service through registration process
- CLS certificate

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation for participants to and from the airport, bus or train stations will be provided at no cost on scheduled arrival and departure days. Fees are charged for other dates.

* Age Range: Grade 3 - 12
* Student Limit: 50

About Vancouver International Student Services Ltd. (VISS)

Vancouver International Student Services Ltd. (VISS), an educational consulting group founded in 1989, began out of necessity for the many international students studying abroad with little idea as to what to expect and how to plan for academic success in a different country. For the past 16 years VISS’ reputation has flourished through quality of service and trust. VISS takes pride in the fact that 100 per cent of its existing clients have been introduced through word of mouth referrals from both past and existing clients. VISS’ step-by-step educational planning teaches students independence, discipline and the importance of planning for the future by setting, and achieving, short and long term goals. As a result, VISS has placed students in the top universities in Canada and the United States.

For more information on what services VISS offers please visit: www.viss.ca