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A course for teens thinking about their futures

Building Strategies for Success!

The Academic & Career Prep course is designed to help international high school students prepare for the coming challenges of post-secondary studies and professional life in a supportive and academically stimulating environment. Combining critical exercises in self-reflection with an exploration of the study and career options available to them, students will come away from the programme with a better understanding of their own identities and life goals, and how to strategize for their futures. Participants also learn how engaging deeply and creatively with the English language – beyond the basics of “ESL” – can help them realize their dreams. 

Academic & Career Prep

Key Facts

Location

CISS at Trinity – Toronto, ON

Ages

16-18 years, boys and girls

Dates

July 02 – July 22, 2023

Session Length

3 weeks session

Accommodation

Single or Double Residence Rooms

Weekly Hours

25 Hours per week

academic & career prep

Ideal Candidate and Course Modules

Ideal Candidate

• Students aged 16 to 18 years with high-intermediate to advanced level of English (equivalent to IELTS 5.0+), prepared to participate in advanced academic discussions
• Passionate and ambitious individuals who are starting to consider their futures
• Students who could benefit from critical self-reflection and goal-setting exercises

Modules and Themes - Self Reflection

In this section, students are pushed to critically examine their own identities, values and belief systems to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, what they want to do in the future, and how they will get there. Classes also help students improve their ability to express themselves, whether on a college/university form or an employment cover letter.
Modules and Themes - University and College Preparation
Students are asked to think about the coming challenges of post-secondary life with a focus on successful university/college applications, study strategies for the language proficiency tests commonly required for higher education admission (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS etc), and skills for success once they are admitted, including cross-cultural communication and identifying campus resources.

    Modules and Themes - Academic English Skills
    In the written communication section of this class, students will learn how to critically engage with readings and review the forms and standards suitable for writing essays in college/university, including the genre differences between major disciplines (e.g. humanities versus sciences). In the oral communication section, students master key competencies for academic success including group discussion, presentations, and active listening.
    Modules and Themes - University and College Campus Tours
    Campus tours are designed to feature the wide range of post-secondary disciplines that are available including:

    – Undergraduate programmes (e.g. arts, sciences, business) – York University

    – Professional programmes (e.g. law, medicine, architecture) – University of Toronto

    – Alternative programmes (e.g. art, design, film/tv/radio) – OCAD & Toronto Metropolitan University

    – Applied programmes (e.g. trade, technologies, community services) – George Brown College

    Modules and Themes - Career Exploration
    Students are introduced to major career areas and discuss their current ambitions, which are then compared against the results of career aptitude testing. Drawing on the resulting interests of the students, guest speakers from related industries are brought in to give the class an overview of the typical career path, and what constitutes success in the field.
    Modules and Themes - Future Proofing
    The nature of work has changed dramatically in the modern, technology-driven world, and continues to evolve. Students today increasingly need “soft skills” that are transferable to various types of employment and are adaptable to future changes we still don’t know about. This class builds on three skills identified by today’s employers as being the most important for success: empathy, innovation, and collaboration.

    academic & Career prep

    Facilities

    Welcome to one of the most beautiful campuses in Toronto! Our downtown location puts the city right at your doorstep. Just south of the famous neighbourhood of Yorkville, you are a short walk to Yonge Street, coffee shops, stores and so much more.  On campus, you will find a comfortable, clean, and safe residence, a beautiful garden courtyard, air-conditioned student lounges, and dining facilities that are modern…with a historic charm.  Finally, WiFi is available throughout the campus.

    The majority of rooms available are single, but some students may share a double room with another student attending this programme.  Students are separated within the residence by gender.  Each room has 1 or 2 individual beds, desks, chairs, dressers and/or wardrobes.  All bed linens are provided, along with a bath towel.  Students must bring their toiletries. There are card-operated laundry machines in the residence – we provide laundry detergent.  Shared washrooms and shower facilities are located on every floor. Safety is our priority so our staff live in the same residence, providing full supervision. 

    We provide you with three meals daily, Monday – Saturday.  Brunch and dinner are served on Sundays to allow time for you to sleep in. All meals are provided in a modern cafeteria which features various stations offering a wide choice of main courses.  Lunch and dinner are complimented by a full salad bar, dessert offerings and unlimited drinks. All students eat together in the university dining hall that is decorated with the history of the school. Our meals are cooked on-site by professional staff and meet rigid nutritious standards.

    academic & career prep

    Location

    The Academic & Career Prep programme is offered at CISS AT TRINITY, located in downtown Toronto.

    ACADEMIC & CAREER PREP

    Activities

    All campers can join the activities that are planned beyond their course of choice. Our team has planned a range of evening activities and excursions, as well as the complete schedule for the season.

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    The General English + Activity option is the ideal choice for international summer students who want to improve their English.  With this option, students receive 10 hours of English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons per week. This includes classroom instruction in speaking, listening, reading and writing, with a focus on helping students of all proficiency levels to improve in their fluency and accuracy of speech.

    English lessons comprise two of the five daily periods. You can then choose different land, water, or art activities to fill the remaining two or three periods. 

    Included Excursions
    The CISS at Trinity excursions showcase the best that Toronto has to offer.  Each week, students attend 1 full-day excursion and 3 half-day excursions as part of the programme.  Full-day excursions take place every Thursday and half day excursions may take place during the afternoon or evening.  Transportation, meals, and admission costs are included.

    Full Day (One per week)
    May include:

    • Canada’s Wonderland (Amusement Park)
    • Niagara Falls (with boat tour)
    • Treetop Trekking
    • Wye Marsh Canadiana

    Half Day (Three per week)
    May include:

    • Beach Day
    • Blue Jays Baseball Game
    • Casa Loma
    • CN Tower
    • Disco Boat Cruise on Lake Ontario
    • Distillery District/Spaghetti Factory
    • High Park
    • Toronto Harbourfront
    • Toronto Islands
    • Toronto Zoo
    • Ripley’s Aquarium
    • Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
    • Wet’n Wild Water Park
    Afternoon and Evening Activities

    On non-excursion days, our team offers a variety of activities during the afternoons and evenings.  Students may choose to participate in afternoon activities, all of which are staff led and supervised.  Evening activities are considered mandatory for all students.  The options available each day are noted on the schedule and may include:

    • Amazing Race
    • Board Games
    • Capture the Flag
    • Casino Night
    • Colour Wars
    • Crazy Olympics
    • Dances / Discos
    • Evening Under the Stars
    • Athletic Centre
    • Game Show Night
    • Improv Night
    • Karaoke
    • Magic Show
    • Movies
    • Neighbourhood Tours
    • On-Campus Sports
    • Photo Scavenger Hunt
    • Speech Contest
    • Summer Festivals
    • Talent Show
    • Yoga
    • Zumba
      Optional Activities

      Once or twice per week, students may choose to sign up for an optional activity.  These activities are staff-led and supervised and additional costs apply.  Money is collected from the students at the programme.  Optional activity choices may include: 

      • Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
      • Canoeing / SUP on Lake Ontario
      • Go-Karting
      • Blue Jays Baseball Game
      • CN Tower
      • Escape Room
      • City Bus Tour
        Schedule

        Our team is currently working on the schedule. We expect to publish details in Spring 2023.

            Departure
        Arrival   Jul-23 Jul-30 Aug-06
        Jul-10 2 Weeks
        $ 4,150
        3 Weeks
        $ 5,775
        4 Weeks
        $ 7,300
        Jul-17   2 Weeks
        $ 4,150
        3 Weeks
        $ 5,775
        Jul-24     2 Weeks
        $ 4,150

        2023 Dates & Fees – Academic & Career Prep – 3 weeks

        Departing

        July 22

        Arriving

        July 02

        3 Weeks
        $ 6750

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        Extra Fees

        • Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Fee – CAD 125 – UM fee applies to all students flying as unaccompanied minor with the airline
        • Custodianship Fee – CAD 150
        • Extra Night Fee – CAD 250 – Applies to all students who arrive early or depart late
        • Extra Transfer Fee – CAD 100 – Applies to all students who arrive or depart on non-scheduled dates
        • Late Arrival / Early Departure Fee – CAD 125 – Applies to all students with flights scheduled to arrive after 22:00 or depart before 09:00

        All fees are in Canadian Dollars.

        *Canadian and US citizens currently residing in Canada or the United States are asked to contact CISS for domestic rates. Taxes are included. Information updated: January 9, 2023

        Experience Matters

        Video Gallery

        Experience Matters

        Photo Gallery

        Academic & Career Prep

        FAQ

        Parents and students may have questions about our programme and we are happy to bring you the frequently asked questions here.

        Summer Camps

        The CISS Difference

        Since 1979, CISS has provided students from around the world the opportunity to come together in Canada for transformative summer learning experiences in traditional camps, language programs in cities, and other adventure experiences. With a focus on fun and unique opportunities to learn, our summer programmes promise to give you the experience—and the Canadian memories—of a lifetime.

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        Specialized care for the unique needs of Campers

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        Motivated, caring and qualified staff
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        Personal attention
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        Student-centred programmes fostering independence
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        Programmes to suit different interests and ability levels
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        Strong focus on Canadian traditions
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        Fostering a multicultural and open-minded atmosphere

        Apply Now

        Ready to start your programme?

        We would love to hear from you and to provide you with the full set of documents that are necessary for your application process.

        Summer City Programmes

        CISS City Residential Programmes give you the chance to live, learn, and grow. And, most importantly, to have fun doing it during the summer in Canada.

        Study Tours

        Study Tours provide an opportunity for students to practice their English, integrate with local students in a high school, experience life with a host family, enjoy unique activities, and have a genuine Canadian cultural experience.

        High School

        Whether you’re looking for a more academic environment, specific classes, or a school with great sports, our wide variety of options means we have something for everyone.