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Juniors Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Where do I go on my first day?

    You can find all the information you need for your first day on your specific Junior Camp page. The Junior Camp team will tell you where to go when you first arrive.

  • What’s included in the Juniors Program Package?

    The package fee includes all entry fees to attractions (activities take place Monday to Friday and a full day on Saturday), your accommodation cost, and a full board meal plan (3 meals per day plus snacks), which are provided by your host family or the residence meal services.

  • HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

    Public transport fees are not included, so students in homestay accommodations should bring between $40-$50 per week to cover their public transportation to and from the school, and during activities. Students should also bring enough money to cover any personal needs, including shopping for any
    personal items and/or souvenirs.
    Students at UBC and McGill residences MUST bring a $100 cash deposit which they will give to the Junior Camp team when they arrive at the residence. This deposit will be used to
    cover the replacement of lost keys or any possible damage to the residence and will be returned to the student at the end of the program, provided no property is lost or damaged.

  • WHY IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION EXTRA?

    Depending on the length and dates of a student’s program, the most cost-effective option for transit varies greatly. We have found that it is easy and cost-effective for students to purchase transit fares once they arrive. Homestay families and ILSC staff can help students choose the best fare option for their needs.

  • HOW CAN MY PARENTS SEND ME MONEY IF I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH?

    If you are concerned that you will not have enough money, we suggest you bring a credit card in addition to Canadian cash or you may want to consider ordering a “Wise card” which is an international debit card that allows students to withdraw cash from ATM bank machines in Canadian currency. For more information please visit https://wise.com/

  • HOW DO I ADJUST TO A NEW COUNTRY?

    The Junior Camp program provides a wonderful opportunity to explore a new culture, improve your language skills, and meet other youth from around the world. This exciting opportunity is fun, but it can also be challenging. Once you arrive, you may experience “jetlag” which leaves you feeling a little bit tired for the first few days until your body naturally adjusts to a different time-zone. Eating unfamiliar food might also affect your stomach until you adjust to new food. Be
    patient, your body will naturally adjust to these new experiences. It is also a good idea to share how you are feeling with your host family so that they can support you.

  • WHAT IF I FEEL HOMESICK?

    Feeling homesick is very common, especially if it is your first time away from your home, and/or family, and being on your own. Being in a new country, where everyone speaks a different language, can cause a bit of “culture shock,” and can be disorienting. The best way to cure homesickness is to talk about your life, experiences and feelings with friends, teachers, and host-family members. Expressing how you feel, and sharing what you love about your home will help you feel better. Writing how you’re feeling in a journal can also help.

  • WHY DO I HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH ALL THE TIME?

    ILSC’s English or French Only policy is in place to help you learn the language faster! Although it might feel challenging at first, the people you meet at ILSC will understand your efforts and frustrations and they will help you as much as possible. If you meet a person who does not understand, try not to get upset. They may not know what it is like to learn another language, or they may just be having a bad day. No matter what, keep trying and soon your English or French will be better than ever!

  • IS THE CITY SAFE?

    ILSC campuses are in several major cities, which are very safe. Students are accompanied by ILSC Junior Camp staff on all activities and stay with their host family in the evenings, so you are rarely alone. However, you may travel between your homestay and the ILSC campus on your own. Although the cities are safe and residents are usually friendly and helpful, students should still be attentive to their surroundings and should report anything that looks suspicious or makes them feel uncomfortable to either an ILSC Junior Camp staff member, or their homestay family. Even in the safest of cities, students should stay alert and aware of their surroundings after dark, and travel with others if possible.

  • What should I pack?

    You should pack enough clothing for a minimum of 1.5 weeks because you will be able to do laundry once per week. Try and bring clothing you can layer so you can remove when you are warm or add if you are cold. You should also bring any toiletries, schools supplies, and personal electronics you would like to have while you are here. Check out the downloadable packing list with items we suggest you bring.