Frequently Asked Questions
Exchange and Boarding Programs
1. How do the Exchange and Boarding Programs differ?
The Exchange Program is open only to students currently studying at a Waldorf school. They will spend 4 months at TWS, and will host their TWS student partners at their schools for another 4 months. The program does not require tuition to be paid to TWS, but the students continue to pay tuition to their Waldorf schools in their home countries.
The Boarding Program is open to students from Waldorf schools. In this program the students pay tuition at TWS as well as boarding fees to their host families. The students may study for one or more semesters at TWS (5-10 months or more). They will study the Waldorf curriculum with all other students.
2. Will my teachers' references decide if I get accepted as a student at TWS?
No, the teachers’ references are to help us understand the type of support you will need to be a successful student here at TWS.
3. Do I need a visa to study in Canada?
This depends on the country you are applying from, and the length of time you plan to stay at TWS. It is your responsibility to find out the requirements from your local Canadian Embassy. TWS will provide you with a letter to present to your local Canadian Embassy confirming you have been accepted to study at TWS, and you have paid the required deposit.
4. Is the TWS Waldorf curriculum the same as at my 'home' Waldorf school?
The basic Waldorf curriculum is the same, however some modifications have been made to meet government education requirements.
5. What language is spoken in Toronto, Canada?
English is spoken in Toronto, and at TWS. The nearest large city that speaks French is Montreal, which is about 5 hours away by train or car.
6. How do I pay the $125 application fee to TWS?
The application fee is payable once you have been accepted as a student at TWS. The $125 fee will be added to your contract and the fee paid along with other tuition (for Boarding students) and expenses.
7. In the Exchange Program, how do you match partners?
You provide information about yourself, your community and family in your application and questionnaire. We consider this information along with knowledge about potential participants from TWS, and recommend a match. After that you and your partner have an opportunity to connect via email and telephone to get to know each other. In the end, you decide if this will be a good match.
8. How many Exchange and Boarding students are there at TWS at any one time?
It varies from year to year, but typically there are between 2 and 4 students per class (each of Grades 10 and 11) at any one time.
9. Does my completed application package guarantee me a placement at TWS?
No, this is the first step only. We need to introduce you to our Faculty and consider if you will be successful at TWS. Once this is evaluated, we need to find you a partner (Exchange Program) or a host family (Boarding Program).
10. Do I need to be fluent in English to attend TWS?
No, you need to have a solid knowledge of basic English (for example, be able to manage life on a daily basis). You will need the willingness to learn and speak English, even when it is difficult. Those who benefit the most from this opportunity come to TWS with an open mind, and speak even when they know their English is not perfect.
11. Will I get help if I struggle with English?
Yes, all Exchange and Boarding students attend ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. These classes work on written and verbal skills, and focus on language needed for daily life and for academics. The classes are tailored to the needs of the students in each class.12. What are your office hours?
Our office hours are 8:30am to 4pm Eastern Time
14:30 - 22:00 Western Europe Time
Eastern Time is 6 hours behind most of western Europe; at 16:00 in France and Germany is it 10am in Toronto.
13. How can I contact Toronto Waldorf School about these programs?
by e-mail
by phone: Katharina Dannenberg: + 1.905.881.1611 ext. 309
by fax: Attention: High School Administrator + 1.905.881.6710
by mail: Attention: High School Administrator
Toronto Waldorf School
9100 Bathurst Street
Thornhill, Ontario L4J 8C7 Canada