About Our Program

A major part of the Explore program are our high quality English classes. The English classes take place Monday to Friday from 9:00am until 12:30pm. Students receive approximately 17.5 hours of formal instruction each week. There are approximately 20 students in each English class and there are five levels, from beginner to advanced.

Our courses are taught by certified teachers with experience teaching English as a secondary language. All of our English teachers are experienced, knowledgeable, and able to offer differentiated instruction for each student. They also make learning English fun!

Lessons include: speaking and listening, comprehension, grammar, current idioms, and other linguistic skills. The main focus is on oral communication in the cultural context of Ontario. To meet the requirements of the Explore program, you must attend all courses and pass the exams.

English Tests

Before you arrive, you must take an online English test. This will allow us to place you in the correct class. During the first English class, your teacher will evaluate your oral skills to make sure you were placed in the correct level. At the end of the program, you will do the online English test a second time in order to assess your learning.

Attendance

You are expected to attend every English class. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class and marks will be deducted from your final grade for unapproved absences. After any unapproved absences, you will meet with the program staff and disciplinary action will be taken.

Another important part of the Explore program are the afternoon workshops which are taught by our amazing staff. These workshops allow students to practice their English while developing their skills in different areas. There are approximately 15 students in each workshop. The workshops we offer change each year, depending on the skills and interests of the staff and students.

Here are some examples of workshop themes we’ve had in the past:

• Theatre/Improvisation
• Vocal Music
• Instrumental Music
• Visual Arts
• Sports Leadership
• Multimedia
• Science and Technology
• Dance

 

There are two workshop sessions during Explore. Each session is approximately 2.5 weeks long and consists of 5-6 workshops on the same theme (e.g. dance, music, art).

Students will have the opportunity to choose one workshop theme for the first session and a different workshop theme for the second session.

At the end of each session, there is a Workshop Expo where students showcase what they learned and created during that session. 

Each week, Explore students will participate in one educational activity in Hamilton or the surrounding area.

Examples of past educational activities:

• Aboriginal Awareness Workshop
• Intro to Code (on campus)
• Hamilton Sustainability Tour
• Battlefield House Museum
• Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
• Woodland Cultural Centre
• Dundurn Castle and Kitchen Garden (photo courtesy of Dundurn Castle)

 

Each Saturday, Explore staff will accompany students on day trips to exciting destinations such as:

• Downtown Hamilton
• Downtown Toronto
• Niagara Falls
• Nearby beaches or conservation areas (e.g. Port Dover)

 

Canada Homestay Network (CHN)

Website : Canada Homestay Network (CHN)

Explore students stay with local families during their time in Hamilton. Each host family is vetted and chosen by Canada Homestay Network (CHN). Homestay placements and accommodation details are the responsibility of CHN. Your host family will be chosen for you based on the information you submit in your official registration form.

What is provided

• a furnished room with a window
• a bed in a private or shared room (with another Explore student)
• clean bedding (sheets, pillow, blankets)
• storage for your belongings such as a dresser or a closet
• access to a shared bathroom
• a quiet place to study; usually in your own room
• laundry facilities and laundry detergent
• working smoke detectors in the house
• adequate heat, light and ventilation

About Homestay Families

You will experience life with an English speaking family during your stay, giving you even more opportunities to speak English. Regardless of the ethnicity or religion of your host family, you can rest assured that we have chosen a family that will welcome you into their home. All homestay families must speak English with you, even if they were born in another country. It is important to be open to people from different cultures, as Hamilton is multicultural city.

Ontario families enjoy family life and are open to discussions on many different topics. They may be more conservative in their routines and strict on schedules and rules. 

Families welcome students for personal reasons, such as wanting to know people from another culture. Although homestay families are paid for your accommodation, the non-monetary rewards are very important to them.

Host Family Expectations

• You are expected to spend evenings and weekends with your host family.

• Your family will want to know your tastes and preferences, and learn about your family and friends.

• Do not treat the host family as a hotel where you only eat and spend the night. Try to integrate yourself into your family's daily routine as much as possible.

• If you do not understand what someone is saying to you, please ask them to speak more slowly or to repeat what they said. Your host family and community members want to assist you as much as possible!

Roommates

Although some families only accept one student, most host families accept two or more students. There is a good chance that you will be placed with another student in the Explore program. Students are placed with others of the same sex.

Meals

• Breakfast: At your homestay.
• Lunch: The family will provide you with a nutritious lunch that you will take to school. You might make your own lunch in some homestays.
• Dinner: With the host family, usually between 6-7pm.

Make sure you are on time for meals!

Homestay Coordinator

If you have any problems or issues with your host family, please speak with the homestay coordinator to find a solution.

They can you give you suggestions or speak with your host family on your behalf. The homestay coordinator will be on campus during the first week of Explore, and available by appointment throughout the program.

We want you to feel comfortable with your homestay family and will do all that we can to make your stay enjoyable.

Internet

You will have access to free wifi on campus. You will receive the password when you arrive.

Please use the free campus wifi for any big downloads. Your host family may not have an unlimited internet package that allows long periods of streaming or large downloads.

Telephone

We recommend that you bring a cell phone to Hamilton with data and a long distance plan. Your host family may not have a landline with a long distance plan. If necessary, you can buy a long distance calling card after you arrive in Hamilton.

Serious allergies

If you have serious, life threatening allergies, we will ask your host family to contact you to discuss your allergies before you arrive.

Missing Curfew

If you are going to arrive home after curfew, you must inform your host family as soon as possible! Homestay families are responsible for your safety and well-being and will worry if you are not home on time. If you miss curfew, you will meet with Explore staff and will receive disciplinary action.