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.
Explore Program Details
| Upcoming Intakes | Arrival Date | Program Start Date | Program End Date | Departure Date | Accommodation Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | May 10, 2026 | May 11, 2026 | June 12, 2026 | June 13, 2026 | April 24, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | July 5, 2026 | July 6, 2026 | August 7, 2026 | August 8, 2026 | June 10, 2026 |
Prerequisites:
Age: 16+
Registration fee:
$275
English Learning with Explore
With Explore at Brock, you’ll receive:
- 15 hours of engaging in-class instruction per week (Mandatory: Monday-Friday)
- 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 University’s state-of-the-art gym facilities.
Recommended:
Windows based laptop or Macbook meeting the minimum requirements.
Alternative:
Up-to-date iPad or Tablet computer
Accommodation Options
On-Campus Residence (18+ only)
Stay on campus in one of our modern residences, offering state-of-the-art facilities just steps away and a vibrant campus atmosphere. You must be 18 years or older to select this option.
Homestay with a Canadian Family
Get to know Niagara by living with a Canadian host family. Enjoy a warm, welcoming home environment, shared experiences, and an authentic connection to the community.
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 lifetime.
Embark on a Niagara adventure beyond the classroom with a range 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 as 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 centres 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.
Explore Program FAQs
Use online banking to make a payment to secure your spot in the program. After you receive an email with your student number you can use the payment instructions to make your deposit.
English placement tests will be provided by email. Expect your placement test to arrive for:
- Spring Students – First week of April
- Summer Students – Last week of May
During your time in Explore at Brock, you will have opportunities to participate in activities on and off-campus. Once you confirm your attendance, we will provide you with highlights of free activities and the list of paid optional activities to your email.
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.
In the Explore program at Brock you have two options for accommodations. Application forms will be sent to you upon confirming your attendance. Please note that students who are 16 and 17 must choose the homestay option.
Please note that you will receive an invoice from NHISS when you complete the homestay application. Please disregard this invoice as all homestay fees are paid by Brock University. (provided that the student arrives and departs on the recommended days)
Residence
If you are living in residence, you will be provided with:
- Twin bed with mattress and protector
- Chest of drawers
- Desk
- Chair
- Wastebasket
- Utilities, wifi, phone and cable
- Book Shelves
- Closet/Wardrobe
Shared Space Items
- Recycling bin
- 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.
Homestay
If you are living in homestay, you will be provided with at least in your private room:
- Bed
- Desk
- Chair
- Utilities, wifi
- Closet/Wardrobe/Dresser
Shared Space Items
Homestay families often have many other amenities, however it does vary from host to host. You will be provided a full list of what is included upon confirmation with homestay.
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
Homestay: Varies by host
As part of orientation on your first day of classes, we will take you on a campus tour. In the meantime, please feel free to visit our virtual campus tour.
Brock University has a campus safety office with special constables that are available 24/7.
Campus safety performs frequent rounds of campus buildings and closely monitors our campus for any safety, behavioural, and/or maintenance issues.
Visit the campus parking webpage for more details.
School Supplies
- Laptop or Tablet (to access e-textbook)
- Pens
- Pencils
- Notebooks
Personal Items
- 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
Clothing
- Comfortable clothes
- Bathing Suit
- Hat
- Jacket
- Shower flip-flops
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Rubber boots
On campus: All Explore students have access to free on-campus wifi. Make sure you set up your Brock account before you arrive to access campus wifi.
Residence: Use your Brock login credentials to access internet while in residence.
Homestay: Your homestay host will provide you with a wifi credentials to access the home network.
Income Tax Forms
As a student in the explore program you are eligible for a Scholarship, Bursary, Fellowship, Award or Prize Income Tax Slip –T4A.
To access your tax slip information please login to your student self-serve portal and go to “Tax – T4A”. Select the year and click on “GO” to download the tax slip in PDF format.
Please note, your deposit is ineligible for Tuition and Enrolment certificate – T2202.
For more information regarding Tax forms please visit this page.
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.