> Homestay
> Airport Pick-up
> Orientation
> Counselling
> Medical Insurance
> Study Permit Application and Renewal
> Information for Parents
> Student Activities
> Computer Facilities
> Scholarships
> Work Experience

>> HOMESTAY (Download Homestay Application Form)

Homestay is an opportunity for students to live with host families in order to increase their awareness of Canadian culture and to accelerate development of their English language skills.

Families have been chosen because they are committed to involvement in activities with the student, interested in intercultural communication, and fluent in English. Each student will have the opportunity to stay in a Canadian home, have his/her own bedroom and study area, have three meals a day, and learn about Canadian culture and lifestyle through interaction with a Canadian family.

The College provides orientation and ongoing counselling throughout the homestay period, and a Homestay Coordinator is always available to the students to help them deal with any problems that they might encounter in their new home.

Students who are interested in living with a homestay family should inform the school at least two weeks in advance. See HOMESTAY SERVICE for more information.

 

>> AIRPORT PICK-UP

If requested, Dorset College will arrange an airport pick-up service for students living with a homestay family. Flight information must be forwarded to us at least two weeks in advance. See HOMESTAY SERVICE for more information.

 

>> ORIENTATION

Moving to a new city can be intimidating. At Dorset College, every effort is made to make new students feel at home in their new surroundings. We like to help newcomers become familiar with the neighbourhood, bus-routes, and places to shop and eat.

During the first week of each semester, Dorset College holds an Opening Ceremony. At this event, students are given information about Vancouver and Canadian culture, and about the school and the services provided. Dorset College also takes this opportunity to present qualified students at each level with a scholarship for academic excellence from the previous semester.

 

>> COUNSELLING

Dorset College offers counselling in the choice of programs, as well as in personal matters. The well-being of our students is our highest priority and we make sure that every effort is made to properly meet students' needs.

Our staff and senior students are pleased to offer beginner students assistance in their native language. We offer interpretation services in Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Spanish, French, German and Vietnamese.

We can help students open a bank account in Vancouver by providing information and documents. If desired, we will even have one of our staff accompany new students to the bank.

 

>> MEDICAL INSURANCE

All international students must have medical insurance while they are studying in Canada. Private insurance can be purchased upon arrival at Dorset College for about $40 per month. After three months in British Columbia, students will be eligible to purchase insurance from B.C. Medical Services Plan. The cost is $54 per month. Students with no medical insurance or invalid coverage will not be permitted to attend class.

 

>> STUDY PERMIT APPLICATION AND RENEWAL

Students planning on studying at Dorset College will be provided with assistance for Study Permit applications. We understand that Visa renewal can be a difficult and time-consuming process, so this service is offered to current students free of charge.

For additional information, students can also check the Canadian Guide for Foreign Students.

 

>> INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

At Dorset College, we understand that parents would like to know how their children are doing while they are away from home. For this reason, we are willing to provide parents with information about their child's grades and attendance record. In addition, if a student is having problems or has disobeyed school policies, we will notify the parents.

For further information regarding your child's progress at Dorset College, parents are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office via fax 1 604 874 8686 or Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

>> STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Vancouver is renowned for its outdoor activities. We encourage our students to participate in the wide variety of physical recreation available in and around the city.

Dorset College organizes social events and extra-curricular activities year round. Outings such as snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, horseback riding, skating, badminton, golf and tennis, as well as visits to tourist attractions and restaurants around Vancouver, are arranged for students.

 

>> COMPUTER FACILITIES

We have the latest equipment in our computer labs. Students can access the internet from the labs or from the computers in the library. Students also have access to a variety of computer software.

 

>> SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year Dorset College provides scholarships for students who have an outstanding academic record, excellent attendance (typically 95% attendance) and have made a significant contribution to the College (i.e. volunteer work). Scholarships are awarded at the Opening Ceremonies for students at each level. Scholarships will be given out in amounts of $300.00 and $500.00.

 

>> WORK EXPERIENCE

Each semester, Dorset College provides students the chance to get involved with their community by volunteering at local organizations. Dorset College also provides co-operative work experience through some of our programs. Both of these valuable opportunities allow Dorset students to help others, gain resume-building experience, and learn new skills.