Explore: Second Language Summer Program

Explore +
Niagara

Welcome to Brock University’s Explore 2024 language program!

Brock University’s Explore language program invites you to join our exciting 5-week immersive language experience, a unique journey in language learning.

Welcome to Brock University’s Explore 2024 language program!

Brock University’s Explore language program invites you to join our exciting 5-week immersive language experience, a unique journey in language learning.

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.

Official Languages Programs Logo

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; 

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

Explore classes and related activities run from Monday to Friday.

All classes are mandatory.

If you require airport pick up please contact Niagara Homestay and International Student Services to make arrangements info@niagarastudentservices.com.

Please note there will be an extra charge associated with transportation.

Brock Campus Location

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.

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

There is free campus parking in designated areas.

Please see campus parking website for details.

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.

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Bathing Suit
  • Hat
  • Jacket
  • Shower flip-flops
  • Sandals
  • Sneakers
  • Rubber boots

Virtual Pre Arrival Session:

April 2nd 6:00 PM

REGISTER HERE

Arrival Date: Sunday May 12, 2024

Program Start Date: Monday May 13, 2024

Program End Date: Friday June 14, 2024

Departure Date: Saturday June 15, 2024

Student Orientation Date

May 23 6:00 PM

REGISTER HERE

Arrival Date: Monday July 1, 2024

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.

For students staying in residences please REGISTER HERE

Tour Residence

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.

w. https://niagarastudentservices.com/

e. info@niagarastudentservices.com

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.

TAKING THE BUS – DOWNLOAD

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

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.

Click HERE for instructions on how to access forms for income tax.

When you study English at Brock, you have the opportunity to experience Niagara to the fullest. Here is a resource to help you see what Niagara has to offer.

Apply to Explore at Brock University

Upcoming IntakesProgram Start DateProgram End Date
Intake 1 - MayMay 13, 2024June 14, 2024
Intake 2 - JulyJuly 2, 2024August 2, 2024

Requirements

Age: 18+
Registration: $275

Council of Ministers of Education, Canada logo

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.