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What to Expect at ILSC
Here is some information on what to expect at certain times of your stay at ILSC.
 Your First Day
Arrival at ILSC
Montreal and Vancouver 7:45am
Toronto 8:30am
Language Assessment: Written Test
This is the time you need to arrive on your first day at ILSC. The reason for this is that we need all new students to complete a two-part language assessment test. The first part is a written test that lasts about 45 minutes.
Orientation with Cultural Counsellors
When you have finished the written part of your language assessment, you will meet with your Cultural Counsellor for Orientation. This is a fairly long meeting. You will learn how things work at ILSC, where classrooms are, how to change classes, where the Homestay Department is and what the school rules are. In other words - lots of practical student information.
Language Assessment: the Interview
The second part of the language assessment test is a one-on-one interview with an ILSC assessor. You will be asked to answer very simple questions at first. As the interview goes on, the questions and vocabulary used will get more difficult. The person assessing you will make notes as they find your strengths and weaknesses.
The interview usually only takes about five to ten minutes. At the end, your assessor will tell you what level you are at (we have eleven levels) and suggest classes that you might want to consider based on your strengths and weaknesses. It is up to you which class you end up taking but it must be one that is at your language level.
Walking Tours of the City
Once you have had your Orientation and the language assessment is finished there will be optional walking tours of the city. If you are not familiar with the city it is highly recommended that you take one of these tours. It will help you to learn the location of important places and services that you will need while you are at ILSC.
Getting your Timetable
Depending on how many students have to be assessed and how many class timetables need to be processed you will either be able to get your class schedule after lunch on Monday or the following morning. Most likely it will be the next day (Tuesday morning.) If you do get your schedule on Monday you will be able to start classes in the afternoon (assuming you have registered for an afternoon class!)
The First Week
The first day is the orientation day. Your classes will start either Monday afternoon or on Tuesday (depending upon whether you had a 1/2 day or full-day orientation.)Your teacher will let you introduce yourself to the class and you will receive a warm welcome from your teacher and classmates.
In the first week, there are a few things to do.
- Get your student card. It is your identification card and you need this card to use the computer labs in the school.
- Check out the activities. ILSC offers a variety of activities and some popular ones may be sold out quickly.
- On Thursday, you have a chance to request a class change if the current class doesn’t fit your needs.
You may feel overwhelmed but that’s OK. It is your first week and most students feel the same way. Have a good rest during the weekend and the second week will be easier.
Last Week of a Session: Evaluation/Class Selection
One session consists of four weeks and students choose classes every session. The course selection for the first session will be done at the orientation. After you learn about the programs, you will choose the classes and you will study in those classes in the first session.
How do you choose classes from the second and subsequent sessions?
Every last week of the session, you will have a chance to have a short one-on-one meeting with your teacher. Your teacher will share with you your Student Progress Report (Evaluation) and feedback on your language improvement. Based on this and your interests, with your teachers help you will choose your classes for the next session.
In the last week of a session, you will submit a ‘Learner’s Feedback’ form for the classes you are taking. ILSC appreciates student's feedback on the classes and the teachers. We use the information we collect from students to improve our schools.
Last Day at ILSC
This is the time to say goodbye to your teachers and your classmates. If you have maintained over 80% attendance, you will receive a certificate of completion of your study. If you have completed other certificate programs, you will also receive those certificates on your last day. Remember to get your friend's contact information before you leave so you can keep in touch with them. |