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
Explore classes and related activities run from Monday to Friday.
All classes are mandatory.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.