Learn English in Toronto

Passport 

Acceptance letter 

Accommodation letter 

Proof of health/medical insurance 

A bit of cash and credit/debit cards/Apple or Google Pay 

Weather-appropriate clothing (depending on the season you come to Toronto)  

Adaptor for electrical appliances  

Prescription medication and medical records 

Emergency information 

Transfer service emergency number: +437 655 6453 

Bottle of water: $2 

Coffee: $2 

Can of coke: $2-3 

Meal out for two: $60 

Takeaway pizza: $15 

Sandwich: $5 

Local bus ticket: $3.35 

Local subway ticket: $3.35 

Bike rental: $15 

Cinema ticket: $15 

Women in Canada are equal to men and should always be treated fairly.  

Canadian people talk to strangers in public areas. This is a great way to practice English, but caution should be taken. You should not give out your address and telephone number or accept inappropriate invitations.  

“Please” and “thank you” are very important words! Always use them if you ask someone to do something for you or if they help you or give you information.  

Canada is a culturally diverse nation where people of all ethnic backgrounds are treated equally.  

People in North America leave a tip for good service in restaurants, hair salons and other places. The tip rate at most restaurants is about 15–20% of the bill and is not usually included. Fast food is not tipped unless it is delivered. Porters in stations, airports and hotels should be tipped approximately $1 per bag. Taxi drivers are generally given a 15% tip. 

When entering a home, it is customary to remove your shoes as soon as you have entered the house. It is disrespectful to walk around the house in your street shoes unless the host has told you it’s ok to keep your shoes on.

Medical insurance: All students must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada. They can either book medical insurance offered by English Path or they can choose their own. 

If you get sick: If you get sick while in Canada you should visit a doctor. You can ask the student services team or your host family where the nearest doctor is. If you have a minor illness you can ask staff at a local pharmacist for advice. Remember to bring any relevant insurance or medical documentation with you. 

Protecting your belongings: We strongly recommend you take out insurance for your personal belongings, especially cameras, music players, mobile phones and laptops. Personal items cannot be covered by English Path homestay or residence insurance. 

Prescription medication: Remember to bring enough of your prescribed medication with you as Canadian pharmacists will not dispense a foreign prescription. International customs agents may ask you questions about your medication upon your departure or arrival, so be sure to pack it carefully. Bring any important medical records (blood type, prescriptions, x-rays) that might be useful for medical care abroad, as well as contact information for your health care providers at home. 

Staying safe at school: If you or another student has an accident or needs urgent medical attention, please come to reception, where the First Aider is located. 

Fire safety: If you discover a fire, press the fire alarm button on the nearest alarm. Leave the building immediately via the fire exit. Make sure you tell a member of EP staff exactly what happened so they can call 911. If you hear the fire alarm, leave the building immediately. Do not run, use the elevator or stop to collect your belongings. EP staff will guide you to the fire exit. Go to the assembly point in the courtyard. Follow any instructions given by a member of EP staff and do not go back into the building until you are told to do so by EP staff.  

Personal safety and looking after valuables: Toronto is generally a safe place, but as with a lot of big cities, you should always be alert. Some tips are: be alert when you are walking alone at night, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and do not leave your belongings unattended. In Canada, you do not need to always carry your identification card or passport with you. You can keep it at home and carry a picture of your ID on your phone or a photocopy in your bag. 

Consultation with a doctor: $75-100 

Prescriptions: $25 per item 

Dental treatment: $150 

Eye test or new glasses: $60-100 

No one under the age of 19 in Ontario may buy or consume tobacco or alcohol, including beer and wine. It is against the law to buy tobacco or alcohol for someone you know who is under the age of 19. 

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime and police make regular random checks. 

You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g. Passport, ID card, driving license).  

Buying, selling and using drugs is illegal. 

You must attend all classes. If you do not attend your classes, your representative will be informed. If you do not then improve your attendance, you may not be able to continue your course. 85% attendance is needed to be able to receive a certificate of completion. 

Be on time for all your lessons. 

Always tell English Path if you are going to be absent from school for any reason and tell your host if you are going away overnight. 

If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined, you will be sent home. We will also inform the immigration authorities. 

Be respectful, polite and open to different cultures. 

If you choose to book an airport transfer, your flight details should be sent to us 4 weeks in advance to ensure we will be able to provide you with an airport transfer. 

A driver will meet you after you come through the customs area and drive you to your accommodation.