Explore +
Niagara
Brock University, nestled in Ontario’s picturesque Niagara region on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, amidst the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere promises an extraordinary language learning adventure. Here, you’ll not only create lasting memories but also discover yourself in stunning, Instagram-worthy landscapes.
Why Choose Explore with Brock University in Niagara?
Explore at Brock University goes beyond language development; it’s a five-week exploration of forging new friendships, enjoying new experiences, creating lasting memories, and engaging with other English language learners from around the world. Explore isn’t just a program; it’s an exhilarating adventure in one of Canada’s premier tourist destinations.
Explore Beyond the Classroom
Beyond language acquisition from our seasoned ESL teachers, participants engage in dynamic cultural activities, community events, and form friendships that will last a life time.
Embark on a Niagara adventure beyond the classroom with a plethora of off-campus activities to choose from such as;
- Marvel at the beauty of Niagara Falls on a day trip.
- Stroll through the charming streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, once serving the capital of the province of Upper Canada.
- Soak up the vibrant energy of Toronto on a day trip (summer program only)
- Experience thrills at Canada’s Wonderland theme park (summer program only)
- Indulge in retail therapy in one of Canada’s largest outlet shopping center the Outlet Collection at Niagara.
- Explore invigorating hikes along St. Catharines’ world-renowned trails
- Enjoy the sand and sun on one of Ontario’s great lakes.
English Learning with Explore
With Explore at Brock, you’ll receive:
- 15 hours of engaging in-class instruction per week
- Dedicated experiential learning workshops
- Full access to Brock University’s exceptional campus facilities, including Student Life & Success, Pool Facilities, Fitness Centre, Computer Labs, Library, On-Campus Dining, Transit Pass, Transition Support, Mental Health Support, Student Health Services and Brock Universities state of the art gym facilities.
Accommodation Options
- Stay on campus in one of our on-campus residences with state-of-the-art facilities at your doorstep and an energetic campus ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.
- Dive into local culture with homestay. Experience genuine warmth, shared stories, and the joy of authentic, local living with a Canadian Family.
Explore Program FAQs
English placement tests will be provided to students by email. Expect your placement test to arrive for:
- Spring Students – First week of April
- Summer Students – Last week of May
Classes
Explore classes and related activities run from Monday to Friday.
All classes are mandatory.
Activities
We are still working on the list of optional paid activities. You will receive an email with the list of activities and price amounts and registration over the next few weeks. Payments for these activities will be required in advance
Coming from Union Station (downtown Toronto) – We recommend taking the Mega Bus from Union Station. Upon arrival at Union Station, please check with the help desk to locate the Megabus stop outside. Click here for the Mega Bus website.
Getting to St. Catharines
To travel from Quebec to St. Catharines, Ontario via VIA Rail:
- Check VIA Rail’s website for schedules and ticket availability.
- Book your ticket online or through the VIA Rail app.
- Head to the nearest train station in Quebec.
- Board the VIA Rail train bound for Toronto: Union Station.
Upon arrival at Union Station, here are your options to continue to St. Catharines:
- Catch the Via Rail 8:20 AM train, to St. Catharines train station. This is the only direct Via Rail train option. Ideal if you’re spending one night in Toronto.
- Utilize the Union Go Station, adjacent to VIA Rail, for the Lakeshore West Line departing at 1:03 PM or 5:03 PM, offering direct service to St. Catharines train station.
- Arriving after 1:03 PM? Head to Union Go Station for the Lakeshore West Line to Burlington. You will go outside and Transfer onto the Go Bus number 12, departing from Toronto Go Station at 1:44, 2:44, or 3:44 PM, which will take you directly to St. Catharines, Fairview mall.
*Prior to arrival please confirm times listed above. Transit times could potentially change closer to arrival date, please stay up-to-date from the transit websites.
On arrival all stations have Via Rail Staff and Go Train staff everywhere. Please ask for help if you need directions.
CMEC’s Official Languages Unit has partnered with Via Rail to offer a 7.5% discount on train fares for Explore or Destination Clic participants in 2024.
Discount Details:
- Youth (12-25 years) enjoy both the youth discount and an additional 7.5% off.
- Students (26 and older with an ISIC card) get the student discount plus the 7.5% off using the provided code.
Booking Instructions:
- All participants, including those opting for Escape fare, must add code 810706 to their viarail.ca profile or quote the code when reserving by phone at 1-888-VIA-RAIL (842-7245) or at a VIA Rail station ticket office.
- Online reservations require creating a profile, while phone reservations should provide the code to the sales agent.
Important Tips:
- Show your CMEC letter (including your full name and discount code) when picking up tickets or when asked for ID on board with an electronic ticket. If you can’t produce the letter, full fare payment will be required.
- Even if you need to change your reservation, the discount still applies (check fare conditions, and service charges may apply).
For your convenience, we’ve provided templates and instructions. Access them here: Download Documents
May-June
Min Temperature 12°C
Max Temperature 25°C
July-August
Min Temperature 18°C
Max Temperature 33°C
- Towels
- Refillable water bottle
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito/insect repellent (for the outdoors)
- Pain/fever reducers (ex: Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
- Stomach remedies (ex: Pepto Bismol, Tums, Imodium, etc.)
- Allergy medication (ex: Benadryl, Claritin, etc.)
- Coat Hangers
- Laundry detergent (powder or liquid detergent; laundry pods are not permitted)
- Entertainment items: books, board games, etc.
- Pillows
- Cell phone with calling capability (while the Explore office and monitors will have access to a telephone, we recommend that students come equipped with a personal cell phone)
- Phone Charger
- Debit card or credit card
- Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors.
Clothing
- Comfortable clothes
- Bathing Suit
- Hat
- Jacket
- Shower flip-flops
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Rubber boots
School Supplies
- Pens
- Pencils
- Notebooks
Virtual Pre Arrival Session:
Date: Thursday May 02 Time 6:00-7:00 PM EDT where Microsoft Teams
Arrival Date: Sunday May 12, 2024
Program Start Date: Monday May 13, 2024 (Orientation Day)
Student Identification Cards
You will get your student identification card during orientation (first day). Please be sure to bring Government issued photo identification such as a Driver’s License or Passport and proof of your Brock ID Number (registration information).
Program End Date: Friday June 14, 2024
Departure Date: Saturday June 15, 2024
Virtual Pre Arrival Session:
May 23 6:00 PM
Arrival Date: Monday July 1, 2024 (Orientation Day)
Student Identification Cards
You will get your student identification card during orientation (first day). Please be sure to bring Government issued photo identification such as a Driver’s License or Passport and proof of your Brock ID Number (registration information).
Program Start Date: Tuesday July 2, 2024
Program End Date: Friday Aug 2, 2024
Departure Date: Saturday Aug 3, 2024
You will need to work directly with student residences to accommodate this request.
Early and extended accommodations will not be covered by the Explore program and will depend on availability.
Residences
For students staying in residences please REGISTER HERE
Residence Arrival check-in East Service Desk located in Residence 8
Campus Map: http://www.brocku.ca/blogs/campus-map/
Homestay
For students staying in homestay please REGISTER HERE
Niagara Homestay and International Student Services is Brock University’s homestay provider.
Please reach out to Niagara Homestay and International Student Services regarding booking or any questions you have regarding homestay services.
Students living away from home are urged to obtain comprehensive tenant’s insurance. Students should check with their parents’ insurance company to inquire about a rider on the parents’ insurance to cover their belongings, or students can obtain coverage on their own at an estimated cost of $20 per month. This includes coverage for theft, vandalism, fire and general liability.
On your arrival, you will be given a bus pass that enables you to travel in and around St.Catharines using local transportation for the entirety of your stay. To plan your rides, timetables and bus stop locations please visit Niagara Region Transit website.
Each student living in residence is provided with:
- Bed with a mattress (twin/single size)
- Zippered mattress protector
- Chest of drawers
- Desk
- Chair
- Waste basket
- Recycling bin
- Book shelves
- Closet space or wardrobe
- Window treatments
- Dinnerware: 3 cups, 3 cereal bowls, 3 plates, 3 glasses, 3 knives, 3 forks, 3 spoons.
- Cookware: 1 frying pan, 1 large pot with lid, 1 cutting knife, 1 spatula. Please bring additional cooking utensils if needed.
- Cleaning Supplies: 1 small dish soap, 1 wash cloth, 1 drying towel. There are vacuums available for signing out upon request.
- On arrival 1 roll of toilet paper, 1 bar of soap, 1 large garbage bag, 1 small garbage bag and 3 hangers are provided. Once used, it is up to the student to replenish these items.
You will find details of what you can bring in our Allowable Appliances and Allowable Furnishings pages.
Laundry rooms with Brock Card readers on washers and dryers are available in all of our residences. There are common spaces in residence allowing for casual student interaction and socializing. The University provides basic housekeeping and cleaning services in public washrooms and common areas.
Fees for laundry
- $1.75 wash
- $1.75 dry
- $3.50 a load
Yes, Brock University has a security office that is available 24/7.
Security performs frequent rounds of campus buildings and closely monitors our campus for any safety, behavioral, and/or maintenance issues.
All Explore students have access to free on campus wifi.
Set Up Your Brock Computer Account for wifi access
- Open Internet web browser and type in my.brocku.ca
- Choose “I am a new or returning student”
- Enter your student number and birth date and click next
You will then be able to choose a password and you will be able to log on to check your email account and use the computers in the computer lab. If you are having difficulties accessing your account contact https://brocku.ca/information-technology/helpdesk/
Click HERE for instructions on how to access forms for income tax.
This program is supported through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada and Heritage Canada
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Explore at Brock University provides the opportunity to discover Niagara, ensuring your language-learning journey is coupled with an adventure of a lifetime. Come explore with us and uncover all the incredible things the Niagara region has to offer.