Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many students are there in a class?
2. How many students are there in the school?
3. What countries are IH Sol Schools students from?
4. When can I start classes?
5. How is my English level decided?
6. Can I change class levels easily if I think my class is unsuitable for me?
7. What kind of Visa should I get to come to Canada?
8. How many computers are there in the school and how often can I use them?
9. Can I type in different languages on the computers?
10. What is the Age of Majority in Toronto, Calgary and Miami Beach?
11. How do I get to IH or my accommodation from the airport and how much does it cost?
12. How do I travel around the city?
13. Can I change my homestay easily?
14. If I am having problems, can I speak to someone in my native language?
15. What kind of money should I bring (cash, traveler's cheques, credit cards...)?
16. What is the weather like in Toronto, Calgary and Miami Beach?
17. What type of clothing should I bring?

1. How many students are there in a class?
   
   The average class size is about 10 students per class but the maximum class size is always 12 (and never more).
2. How many students are there in the school?
   
   The maximum school size for IH Toronto is about 230 students, for IH Calgary it is about 100 students, and for IH Miami it is about 50 students.
3. What countries are IH Sol Schools' students from?
   
   We have had students from over 60 different countries in the world study with us. However, the students you will most likely meet are from Mexico, Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Venezuela, Switzerland, France, and Saudi Arabia.
4. When can I start classes?
   
   You can start most of our programs every Monday, such as our General English Programs, and the Business English Program. For all other programs, please contact us.
5. How is my English level decided?
   
   All students take a one hour placement exam, which determines their level of study.
6. Can I change class levels easily if I think my class is unsuitable for me?
   
   Yes, if you feel you need to be in a different class, you can discuss this with your teacher or the Director of Studies. Your class will be changed as soon as possible.
7. What kind of Visa should I get to come to Canada?
   
   If you plan to stay in Canada for 6 months or less, you only need a Visitor Visa. You can study, travel or do a study and travel combination within this 6 month period with a Visitor Visa.

   If you want to study for more than 6 months, then you will need to apply for a Student Visa. To apply for this visa, you must first register with us and obtain a Letter of Acceptance. After obtaining the Letter of Acceptance, you can start your Student Visa application process. You should always check with the nearest Canadian Embassy/Consulate in your country to find out the exact procedures. Each country has different requirements and regulations.

8. How many computers are there in the school and how often can I use them?
   
   We have a 1:8 computer:student ratio at IH Calgary and IH Miami Beach, and we have a 1:12 computer:student ratio at IH Toronto. You can use the computers for free as often as you like, from Monday to Friday, and you have unlimited access.
9. Can I type in different languages on the computers?
   
   Yes, our computers have fonts in different languages, which allow you to type emails in your own language.
10. What is the Age of Majority in Toronto, Calgary and Miami Beach?
    
    The Age of Majority in Toronto is 19 years old, in Calgary it is 18 years old, and in Miami Beach it is 21 years old.
11. How do I get to IH or my accommodation from the airport and how much does it cost?
    
    For all of our schools, we offer IH Airport Reception Service to and from the airport (one and two way service). When you choose this service, our driver will meet you at the airport, holding an IH sign. The driver will help you to the car with your luggage and drive you to your place of stay. If you are new to the city, we recommend this service because you will have someone waiting at the airport for you and they can help you with anything. If you prefer to take public transportation or a taxi:
    
    For Toronto, the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is outside of the city. You can take a taxi or bus to downtown Toronto. It takes about 20-30 minutes by taxi to reach downtown (taxi will cost you about $50.00 for a one-way trip). If you plan to take public transportation, you will reach downtown Toronto in about one hour (bus will cost you about $3.00).
    
    For Calgary, the Calgary International Airport (YYC) is approximately 17 km northeast of downtown Calgary. You can take a taxi or bus to downtown Calgary. If you are taking public transportation, Route #300 takes you downtown and will cost you about $8.00. A taxi ride from the airport will cost you between $40.00 and $45.00.
    
    For Miami Beach, there are two major airports close to Miami Beach - the Miami International Airport (MIA) and the International Airport at Fort Lauderdale (FLL). From MIA, you can take a Super Shuttle at a $21.00 flat rate or a taxi, which will cost you about $40.00. From FLL, you can take the Go Shuttle at a $21 flat rate or a taxi, which will cost you about $75.00.
12. How do I travel around the city?
    
    In Toronto, most people use the public transportation system (TTC) to travel around the city. The TTC consists of subway trains, streetcars, and buses. The TTC in Toronto is very safe, convenient and accessible. Subway trains start at about 6:00 am in the mornings and close at about 1:00 am at night. The buses follow a similar schedule and buses with routes on major streets operate 24 hours a day.
    
    In Calgary, most people also use the public transportation system (CT) to travel around the city. The CT consists of 2 train lines and many buses. The CT is also very safe, convenient and accessible.
    
    In Miami Beach, a lot of people walk or buy a bicycle to travel around the city. There are many buses (C, M, 120, and South Beach Local) that can also take you around the city.
13. Can I change my homestay easily?
    
    We work very hard to make sure we have only the best homestays working with us. In the event that you encounter problems with your homestay or find the match uncomfortable, you can discuss your situation with our Accommodations Coordinator who will help to relocate you if necessary.
14. If I am having problems, can I speak to someone in my native language?
    
    Yes, our staff are from all over the world, and we speak many different languages. We are here to help you anytime!
15. What kind of money should I bring (cash, traveler's cheques, credit cards...)?
    
    Cash and credit cards are the most widely accepted forms of payment in Canada and the USA. For immediate spending money, we recommend that you bring some Canadian cash (for Canada) or American cash (for the USA). Money can be exchanged at the airport. You can also bring traveler's cheques, which can be exchanged at banks or money exchange offices.
16. What is the weather like in Toronto, Calgary and Miami Beach?
    
    The weather in Toronto and Calgary can be CRAZY - anything from extremely pleasant to extremely unpleasant. Canada has four distinct seasons - winter, spring, summer and fall. The best thing you can do is to search the Internet depending on your time of travel and make sure you come prepared. Check Environment Canada's web page to start.
    
    Miami Beach's subtropical climate ensures plentiful sunshine all year round! Locals talk about two seasons - the rainy season and the look-what-beautiful-blue-sky-we-have-every-day season. Again, search the Internet depending on your time of travel to make sure you come prepared.
    
17. What type of clothing should I bring?
    
    In Toronto & Calgary, for the spring and summer season, you should bring sandals, shorts, t-shirts and tank-tops. Summers get really hot and humid. For the fall and winter season, you should bring pants, jeans, sweaters, boots, lots of socks, a warm jacket, gloves and scarves. Winters are exactly the opposite - cold and dry.
    
    In Miami Beach, the name says it all, be sure to pack summer beach clothes. This would include sandals, shorts, t-shirts, tank-tops and lots of sunscreen!