GV Victoria Pre Arrival Package 2012

7/31/2019 GV Victoria Pre Arrival Package 2012

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WELCOME TO GV VICTORIA

2009

GV /

In this booklet, you will find information about the city,our school, and our accommodation services


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About Victoria

Victoria, the capital of BC, is located in the southern tip of VancouverIsland, just 35 kilometres west of Vancouver. Victoria is accessiblefrom Vancouver by ferry and by air. Victoria is known for itstemperate climate and its gorgeous gardens. Throughout the year,

visitors from all over the world come to Victoria to enjoy its naturalbeauty, historical architecture, fine dining, luxurious accommodation,and cultural events.

The population of Victoria is approximately 70,000 and the populationof its surrounding communities is an additional 32,400. Victoriaboasts a diverse ethnic population and features an array of

multicultural festivals and activities. People in Victoria are friendly and will help visitors interpretbus timetables and locate scenic view points. Victoria residents enjoy outdoor activitiesthroughout the year, including golf, cycling, hiking, whale watching, kayaking, wind surfing,fishing, and a variety of other marine sports.

Time ZonesVictoria is on Pacific Standard Time (PST) which is 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). During Daylight Savings Time, March to October, clocks are turned one hour ahead.

Mexico is 2 hours ahead of Victoria; Sao Paulo is 6 hours ahead of Victoria, Zurich is 9 hoursahead of Victoria, Riyadh is 11 hours ahead of Victoria, and Tokyo and Seoul are 17 hoursahead of Victoria.

CurrencyThe currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar ($CAD). The Canadian dollar is usually valued

somewhere between 75 and 95 cents $USD.

Bills come in $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, and $1000. Many stores will not accept $100 bills, soyou may need to change them at the bank or at a currency exchange. $1000 bills are very rarefor most Canadians. There are $1 coins called loonies and $2 coins are called toonies.Small coins include the penny (1 cent), the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), and thequarter (25 cents). Look for current exchange rates at www.xe.com/ucc.SafetyVictoria is a safe city compared to many big cities in North America. However, it is important tofollow some basic safety guidelines. If you are out at night, please ensure that you dont walk

alone. It is a good idea to go out with at least one other person. Make sure you take care ofvaluables when you are out. Dont leave your bag, purse, wallet, computer, cell phone or otherimportant items where you cant see them.

GV students must have medical travel insuranceMedical bills are very expensive in Canada. GV recommends that you have medical coverageof at least $500,000 CDN.

The emergency number in Canada for police, the fire department, and ambulance is 911.Public Transportation


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Victorias public transportation system is provided by bus. You can easily getaround Victoria via the bus system. Individual bus tickets are $2.50; a book of 10tickets costs $22.25. A monthly bus pass is $80.00. Youth fares are alsoavailable for students who are 18 and under; individual tickets cost $1.65; a bookof 10 costs $15.00, and a monthly bus pass costs $46.

There are no student rates for international students on Victoria transit, however there areyouth rates available. The monthly bus pass is the best deal if you take transit every day allmonth.

Only buy your bus tickets from authorized dealers. For more information about the fares or

schedules, please check the Translink website:http://www.bctransit.com/regions/vic

Passports and IDIf you want to go into bars and nightclubs in BC, you must be 19 years of age. You need to beprepared to show your ID to enter. Most bars and nightclubs require 2 pieces of ID. They want:

1) Official picture ID. The only picture ID that is always accepted is a passport.

2) A drivers license, credit card or student card.

Electricity - VoltageIn North America, the voltage is 120 V and the outlets are 2-blade or 3-pin. You may need anadapter to use electrical equipment from your country.

No smokingThe tobacco-free laws of British Columbia mean that smoking is not allowed in any workplacein Victoria, and it is not allowed within 3 meters of any public place. This means that smoking isnot allowed in any public building, restaurant, bar, or nightclub. Most outdoor patios are alsonon-smoking if they have waiter/waitress service.

WeatherBecause Victoria is located on the ocean, it has atemperate climate and does not reach extremely cold orextremely hot temperatures. Spring is a very beautiful

time of year, with average temperatures ranging from 10to 16 degrees Celsius. Spring weather is changeablewith warm, sunny weather and cooler, rainy days. TheSummer lasts from June to September, with averagetemperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius.The hottest days occur in July and August, when outdoorfestivals and beautiful beaches attract visitors from allover the world.


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Autumn occurs between late September, when averagetemperatures are from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, and November,when the average temperatures range from 5 to 10 degreesCelsius. Victorias winter includes rainy skies and bright, clearsunny days. The average temperatures for the Winter

(December to March) are from 0 to 9 degrees Celsius. The rainin Victoria means that its probably snowing at Mt. Washington,Vancouver Islands premier ski resort! There are only a few dayswhere the temperature drops below 0 degrees, and it is rare tohave much snow in Victoria. Dont forget to bring a warm coat,hat and gloves as the cool, moist air makes it feel quite chilly.Any time of the year, it is a good idea to have an umbrella!

About Global Village

lobal Village Victoria: An OverviewGlobal Village Victoria is located downtown Victoria, one short block from the Bay Centre, a10-minute walk to the Inner Harbor and Empress Hotel, and just around the corner fromrestaurants, boutiques, outdoor cafes. GV Victoria is located on the second floor of the campusat the corner of Broad and Yates. The school has recently completed an expansion the NEWbright, open facilities include 17 classrooms, two student lounges with kitchenettes, and 24computer terminals with high speed and wireless internet access.

Global Village English Centre Victoria1290 Broad St., Suite 200

Victoria, BC V8V 2A5Tel:250-384-2199 Fax: 250-384-2123

GV Victoria


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GV Victorias Academic ScheduleMost of our programs follow the same schedule. Morning classes run Monday to Friday from8;45 am 12:20 pm. There is a 15-minute break in the morning from 10:25 to 10:40 am. If youare registered in a 25 lesson program, you will have one class after lunch, from 1:05 2:10 pm.If you are registered in a 30 lesson program, you will have two classes after lunch, from 1:05 2:10 and from 2:25 3;30 pm. The lunch hour for all students is from 12:20 1:05 pm

TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

8:45 - 10:25 Communicative Communicative Communicative Communicative Communicative

Period 1 Grammar Grammar Grammar Grammar Grammar

20 Lessons/ 10:25 - 10:40 Break

Week 10:40 - 12:20FunctionalDialogues/

FunctionalDialogues/




Integrated SkillsIntegratedSkills

IntegratedSkills

IntegratedSkills Integrated Skills

12:20 - 1:05 Lunch

Period 2 Choice of Skill Choice of Skill Choice of Skill Choice of Skill

25 Lessons/ 1:05 - 2:10 & Conversation & Conversation & Conversation & Conversation

Week

2:10 - 2:25 Break

Period 3 Choice of Skill Choice of Skill Choice of Skill Choice of Skill

30 Lessons/ 2:25 - 3:30 & Conversation & Conversation & Conversation & Conversation

Week

Choice of possible courses (samples)

Language-skill focus: Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Writing, Listening, Reading, Grammar

Interest courses: Presentation Power, Canadian Culture and Society, English in Work Place, English through Multimedi

Programs at GV VictoriaMany students study in our General English Program (GEP). The morning classes focus oncommunicative competency, which includes practice of communicative grammar andfunctional language, which involves using everyday expressions and vocabulary for differentconversations in various situations. Our GEP has been developed so that you will improveyour spoken English, and in our classes, you will spend a lot of time talking in pairs, with smallgroups, or as a class. You will also practice a variety of integrated skills in English, including

writing, listening, and pronunciation. Our afternoon program includes classes which will helpyou improve in specific areas, such as writing, vocabulary, listening and pronunciation. Wealso offer some special interest classes such as English in the Workplace and CanadianCulture and Society

We also have several test preparation programs. We offer a TOEFL academic preparationprogram for students who are interested in studying academic English so that they can get intoa North American college or university. Our IELTS program also prepares students to takeeither the general or the academic IELTS exam. The IELTS score is useful for immigration andfor entrance into colleges and universities. The Cambridge Exam preparation courses prepare


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students to take either the First Certificate in English (FCE) or the Cambridge Advanced Exam(CAE).

The Business English Program is available for students who want to prepare themselves towork in an environment where English will be one of the languages used and where they mustcommunicate with international business partners. The BEP is an intensive, full-time course.

Work Experience programs are also offered at GV Victoria. These are programs which allowstudents to take General English, Business English, TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge English andto be placed in paid or unpaid positions in a Canadian workplace.

Activities

GV Victoria organizes after-school andevening activities, as well as a weekendtrip every month. Joining activities is agreat way to meet new friends, get to

know Victoria, and practice languageskills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere

Lunch-time or after-school activities caninclude international food potlucks,billiards tournaments, conversation clubs,museum visits, bike tours, IMAX theater,hill-top hikes, soccer, or restaurant visits.

Evening activities can include hockey or lacrosse

games, pub nights, ballet performances, concerts,movies, symphonies, and fireworks at the world-famous Butchart Gardens.

Weekend trips include Vancouver sightseeingextravaganzas, whale-watching tours, Salt-Springday trips, Tofino excursions, ski trips to Whistlerand Mount Washington, and Rocky Mountaintours.

Our Events Coordinators are friendly andhelpful. They can also help you plan yourown weekend and day trips. They have awealth of knowledge about local sights,transportation, and costs


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Getting Started at GV Victoria

Arriving in Victoria

If you are in a Global Village Homestay and have arranged airport pick-up:

When you arrive in Victoria, go to the Arrivals meeting area. Look for a sign with your nameon it. The person holding the sign is your driver. Show your driver a piece of ID, such as yourpassport. This driver will take you to your homestay.

Please call the Homestay Emergency number 250-727-8621 if

1. you missed your connecting flight or2. you have been delayed by Immigration Canada3. you cannot find your luggage after waiting for 30 minutes or4. you cannot find your driver at the airport

When you call the emergency number, please:

1. Say and spell your name. (:My name is Makoto. Its spelled)2. Tell us why you are calling. Examples might be:

a) I missed my connecting flight. I will be late.b) I was delayed by Canada Immigration.c) I cant find my luggaged) I cant find my driver.

If you cannot call the emergency number by yourself, please ask someone to help you. Forexample,

Ask the airline staff or an airport official (at the Information Booth) Phone your agent

If you have not arranged for airport pick-up:When you arrive, proceed to the taxi area. One of the commissionaires (airport staff) will beable to help you find a driver to take you into Victoria.

Note: It is against Canadian laws for airlines to give passenger information to third parties. Asa result, without proper flight updates, we will not know which flight you are on. If students arenot found after their flights clear, they will need to take a taxi at their own expense to theirhomestay.


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Orientation Day

1. Please arrive at GV Victoria by 8:30 am. You may check in at the table near the front desk.

2. A GV Victoria staff member will greet you and ask to see your letter of acceptance andidentification (your passport or ID card). Please also bring a copy of your travel insurance.

3. You will receive an orientation package and receive a short tour of the GV Victoria campus.

4. At 9 am, you will receive a GV binder, meet several teachers and complete a placementtest.

5. At 9:30, your test will be collected, and you will be given an appointment time for your oralassessment. This appointment will take place some time between 9:40 and 11:20. Whileyou are waiting, feel free to use the computers, get to know other students, or take a shortbreak in the downtown area.

6. You will meet again at 11:30 for some information about the placement process andprograms. After this, you will have a lunch break for about 45 minutes. At 1:05, you willmeet again to talk about important school policies. Contract signing is an important part ofthis portion of the orientation and includes the following contracts:

School Contract (program change and cancellation policy) English Only Commitment Form GV Victoria School Waiver & Activities Waiver Talent Release Form (photo permission form)

7. After going through school policies, you will meet the Events coordinator and receive thecurrent months activity calendar.

8. Students who are in the GV Homestay program will stay for one more short orientation tothis program. Homestay students sign the following:

Student Arrival Evaluation of Host Student-Family Homestay Agreement

9. You will be invited to join the rest of the new students for a short services tour arounddowntown Victoria.

Note: The schedule may vary slightly due to seasonal fluctuations or for Group Programs.First Day of Classes:

1. Come early on the first day. It is a good idea to arrive by 8:30. Make sure you have apen, pencil, paper, and your new GV binder with you.

2. Class lists are posted at the front and back of the school. Look for your name. The level,room name, teachers names are also available on the list. The Directors andadministrative assistants will be there to help you if you have any questions.

3. Go to your classroom to meet your teacher and classmates.

4. Your teacher will go over the level outline with you and talk about classroomexpectations.

5. If you feel that the class is too easy or too difficult, please try the class for two days. Ifyou feel the level is not appropriate, please speak to your teacher or see the Director ofStudies.


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About our Homestay Program

Your bedroom

You will have a private bedroom with a door that fully closes. Itwill have a bed and desk with a lamp. There will also be a placefor you to hang your clothes and store your belongings.

Your host family will respect your privacy and will not go intoyour bedroom without permission unless it is absolutelynecessary.

Students should clean their rooms and empty the garbage atleast once a week.

Your host family will give you items like hand soap, towels, pillows, bed sheets, etc.Most students will have to change their own sheets.

Students should not leave a lot of money in their room. It is very easy to open a bankaccount in Canada.

Please do not eat or store food in your bedroom as this may attract insects and cause abad smell.

Meal times

Please tell your host family if you have any food allergies. Students will usually have three meals/day. It is important to

tell your host family what food you like and dont like. Dontworry; they will not be upset to hear that there is something thatyou do not like. But, you must remember that you hosts will probably cook Canadian-style food.

Students may have to prepare their own breakfast and lunch. Your host family willprovide you with food to prepare your lunch to take to school on weekdays. A Canadianlunch is usually a sandwich, fruit, and a drink

Food between meals is called a snack. If your family is having a snack, they will includeyou.

Students can buy specialty food they want with their own money. In North America, the biggest meal of the day is the evening meal (dinner). This should

be a well-balanced meal. Breakfast might be the smallest meal. Possible breakfastchoices are cereal, toast, eggs, fruit, etc.

You should phone your hosts (at an agreed-upon time, for example, 5:00 pm) to tellthem if you are not going to be home for dinner. If you come home late for dinner, yourhost will leave food in the fridge that you can heat up in the microwave.

Laundry

Laundry and laundry detergent is included in the price of your homestay. Students are responsible for washing their own clothes. You should make sure that you

fully understand how to use the washing machine and dryer. Some hosts may feel that their machines may be difficult to use and will, therefore, want

to do your laundry for you.

It is normal for students to do their laundry once a week. You should only do the laundry if you can do a full basket. This isbecause it takes a lot of electricity and water to run the washingmachine. Hosts will not want you to use the washing machine if youonly have a few pieces of clothing to wash.

If you hosts live in an apartment building and there is only coin laundry available, yourhost will pay for your laundry. You should not be charged for using laundry facilities.

Washroom

Students are responsible for their own toiletries, such as bath soap,toothpaste, shampoo, make-up, lotions, deodorant, etc.


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Many families in Canada do not have large hot water tanks; therefore, some hosts mayask you to take showers for no longer than 10-15 minutes. This is because you mightrun out of hot water and will have to wait for the water to heat up again.

Water pressure or temperature may decrease if the dishwasher or the washing machineis running. For this reason, you may need to schedule when you will take your baths orshowers.

Please make sure you close the shower door or curtain to prevent water from getting on

the floor. Canadian bathrooms do not have drains in the floor. For safety reasons, please dry the floor and sink area after each use so that others will

not slip on the floor.

Energy Conservation

Here are some common ways to save energy:- Turn lights out when you are not in a room- Wear long-sleeved clothing or sweaters in the home during the winter- Keep showers to a reasonable length (10-15 minutes).

Host families keep the temperature of their home at a reasonable level during the winter Most families in Vancouver recycle hosts may have separate places to put paper, tin

cans, and plastic items. Your host will explain this to you after you arrive.House Keys

You will get a key to your Homestay house and an alarm code if necessary. It isimportant that you take special care of the house key. Please make sure you lock thedoor when you leave the home. This is very important for safety reasons.

Houseguests

If you want to invite a guest to visit your homestay, you must ask your host family forpermission in advance. Guests may not sleep overnight in a homestay house withoutpermission from the host. If you plan to stay away from the house overnight pleasetell your host before it is too late in the evening, so they will not worry about you.

SmokingFor health, hygiene and fire safety reasons, smoking is not allowed in Homestayhouses. You must smoke outdoors only. Families with small children or tobaccoallergies may also request that you smoke off-property.

Extending your Homestay

Please contact us if you want to stay in Homestay for a longer time than you have pre-booked.If you want to extend your stay in Homestay, you must tell the Homestay coordinator and payat least 3 weeks in advance.

Cancelling your HomestayIf you decide to change your Homestay plans and/or move into an apartment, you must tell theschool at least 3 weeks before leaving the host familys home.

Please do not hesitate to talk to us at any time regarding your questions or concerns aboutyour accommodation or academic program. We are here to help you!

Homestay Discussion Sheet

Below is a list of questions which you should ask your homestay to learn about daily routinesand house rules. Your host family will try their best to make you feel comfortable. Because you


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are a guest in the hosts home, we ask you to do your best to fit in with your host family. Byasking these questions and learning about the family, your experience in homestay will bemore positive.

1. What time do you usually eat dinner?I need to phone you if I will not be home for dinner. What time should I call home to tell you?

I understand that my family will not wait to eat dinner if I come home late. I know that I willneed to heat my food up on my own. Where will I find my dinner to heat up?

If I clean up after myself, can I cook in the kitchen at a convenient time? How late?

2. I understand that I can only use the phone when I am calling within Victoria. When can Ireceive phone calls? (For example, from 8:30 a.m. 10:00 p.m.)Is there a limit to how long my calls should be at one time?

3. I understand that I have to ask permission for a friend to come over. Am I allowed to havea friend over while you are not in the house?

4. When may I use the stereo, TV and VCR/DVD? (time range)

5. I understand that I should make sure the counters and floor are left dry after I wash or takea shower. When may I take a bath or shower? (time range) How long should my bath orshower last? (For example, 10-15 mins.)

6. Do I do my own laundry?

How many times a week may I do my laundry? (For example, once a week)

Some of my clothes need to hang dry. Where can I hang them?7. Are there any special alarms that I should know about?

8. I understand that as an adult I may come home late some nights, and I will be very quietso that I do not wake anyone up. Do I need to do anything when I come home late at night?

9. I understand that I must smoke outside my homestay. If I want to smoke outside, where

should I put my cigarette butts?

10. I understand that if I have an accident and something breaks or gets damaged, I must tellyou right away.

11. Is there anything else I should know about the house?

Documents

GV Victoria Pre Arrival Package 2012