Frequently Asked Questions

Red Leaf is here to help you!

If you are thinking of doing any of our programs, you surely have some questions. Take a look at our frequently asked questions to answer any questions you may have about Canada.

However, if you have any further questions, you can always contact our team by phone or mail.

What is the climate like in Canada?

The average temperature in winter and summer varies by location.

Winters can be cold in many regions of the country, especially in the interior provinces and in the prairies, where a continental climate is experienced, with average daily temperatures of -15 ° C, but can reach below -40 ° C.

In regions without coasts, snow can cover the ground for almost six months (more in the north). The coast of British Columbia enjoys a temperate climate, with a warmer but rainy winter.

In the summers on the east and west coasts, the average temperatures generally do not exceed 20 ° C, while between the coasts, the maximum average temperature in summer oscillates between 25 and 30 ° C, with occasional heat waves in the interior that exceed 40 ° C. In some cases, in the summer months, and due to the high humidity levels, the thermal sensation is much higher than what the thermometer indicates.

What is the school system like in Canada?

Canada's public school system consist of kindergarten to grade 12. Most elementary schools are from kindergarten to grade 8 and High Schools from grade 9 to grade 12, however there are some middle schools of varying grades. All public schools in Canada are provincially accredited, have a standard provincial curriculum, employ only certified teachers and are publicly funded.

Plugs and Electrical Power

The electrical current is 110 volts, alternating current and 60 Hz. The plugs have flat pins so you will need an adapter. We recommend bringing an adapter for electrical devices.

What are the benefits of visiting and studying in Canada?

Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, as well as it has one of the best education systems. It is known for providing students with world class education from Kindergarten all the way up to post secondary education. Canada has a high quality of life and living standards, as well as it is a very diverse country which provides broader perspectives. In Canada international students are welcomed with a safe friendly experience.

What should I bring with me when travelling?

Make sure you are travelling with all the documents Red Leaf sends you prior to your departure, If you are unsure of what documents you will need please check with your agent prior to departure.

Who will pick me up from the airport?

Students will be picked up from the airport by a Red Leaf Staff Member, Local Coordinator or Host Family. Red Leaf will confirm who you will be meeting at the airport prior to your departure. When you arrive at the airport, after you are through customs and baggage claim, the person meeting you at the airport will be holding a red leaf sign with your name on it.

Do Families have internet at home?

All host families will have internet in the home.

How Do you screen your host families?

After filling out an application, all host families receive an in-home visit from our Host Family Coordinator to make sure that the home and bedroom are suitable for the student. All host families are also required to complete a criminal record check with vulnerable sectors screening.

Will students have host brothers or sisters?

Each host family is composed of at least two members. This could be a husband and wife, a couple with several children, a mother and daughter, etc. While we cannot guarantee that students will have host brothers or sisters, if students make their preferences known in the application, we will try our best to match them with an appropriate family.

What activities will the student do with there host family?

A: Each host family has their own hobbies and interests. As a result, activities will vary from family to family. Some will be very active and enjoy cycling and camping, while others may prefer board games and movies. Students are matched with families based on the interests marked in their application, but the specific evening and weekend activities are up to the individual family. Students are encouraged to do their best to integrate into family life and take part in day-to-day activities such as cooking and meals.

What are the students responsibilities while staying with the host family?

Students are expected to behave as any other member of the household would behave. Each family will have their own rules with regards to clean-up, but it is likely that visiting students will be expected to participate in common household chores such as cleaning up after a meal or making the bed in the morning.

Will the host family speak English?

Yes. Canada is a very multicultural destination, and most Canadians claim heritage from a country outside of Canada; however, all families must use English as the primary language of communication in the home.

Will Meals be provided?

Yes. All meals will be provided by the host family. While some host families will cook breakfast and prepare a packed lunch, in some cases (especially in the case of older children) students may be shown where they can find breakfast and lunch foods in order to prepare their own meal. This is typical for Canadian children as well. Dinner in Canada is generally the largest meal of the day, and we expect host families to have a sit-down dinner with the student on most evenings.

How Many International students will be in my family?

There may be up to two international students in your host family, all students will be of a different nationality and speak different languages.

What Level of English do students need

The level of English needed will vary depending on the program you are applying for. We have programs for all levels. For all our programs students should have a basic level of English.

What support will my child have from Red Leaf staff?

Each of our communities has a Local Coordinator. This Local Coordinator will meet students upon arrival, check in on students through out their stay, and accompany them on any activities and excursions included in the program. While at school, students will be under the supervision of local Canadian teachers and school staff. The Local coordinator is available to students 24 hours a day 7 days a week for anything they may need while in Canada.

How will students get to school?

Students will either take a bus, walk or be driven to and from school each day. If the family lives quite close to the school, then the student can walk, otherwise students will go by car, carpool or bus.

How much money should my child bring?

Students may wish to bring spending money for snacks in between meals, souvenir shopping, or activities not included in the program.

What should students pack?

For full packing suggestions, Red Leaf will send a travel guide prior to your departure.