Exchange and Boarding Programs Resource Information

These pages are intended for international students considering applying to Toronto Waldorf School under the Exchange or Boarding Programs. They cover life in Toronto and at Toronto Waldorf School, policies governing the admission of international students, and the process by which they may apply to TWS.

Any additional questions not answered here may be addressed to Katharina Dannenberg, our High School Administrator, at kdannenberg@torontowaldorfschool.com or + 1.905.881.6137 ext. 309

3. Expectations

Academic Expectations

Exchange and Boarding Students are expected to work to their capacity while studying at TWS. While there is some leniency for lack of language skills, the student is expected to adhere to all rules and protocols of Toronto Waldorf School. TWS Teachers will teach the class to the level of their expectation for that grade. When a lesson is completed and the student is having difficulties, he/she should seek assistance from the teacher of the subject. The student can expect some help with homework from the host family. In the final analysis, it is up to the international student to find the means by which to complete academic work satisfactorily. This may mean hiring a tutor at an extra charge to the student.

Behavioural Expectations

Some of our international students in the school café

• Eating in class, chewing gum, using foul language and defacing furniture are not allowed
• Students may not miss classes or leave the school grounds without permission
• No smoking, alcohol or drugs are allowed on TWS grounds

Misbehaviour, failure to follow school rules, or academic non-performance may result in the student being withdrawn from TWS and returned home.

Host Family’s Expectations of the Student

International exchange/boarding students are expected to:

• observe the rules and customs of the host family, including participating in shared household tasks, curfews and respecting others' property
• keep self and own bedroom clean and tidy
• clean up after self in common areas
• do homework as assigned by teachers, requesting help from the family as needed
• be responsible for the cost of transportation to school if public transportation is needed but the host family shall be responsible for assisting the student to reach the nearest public transportation point
• use long-distance telephone cards to pay for long-distance telephone calls

The exchange/boarding student agrees and understands that if any problems arise between members of the family and the student, the student will contact the high school administrator or advisors to consult about a process for resolution. If a medical emergency or other special circumstances arise, the student must contact the family, high school administrator or advisors immediately.

Student's Expectations of the Host Family

The host family is expected to accept the role and responsibility of parenting the student for the duration of the visit, enforcing all home and school rules and:

• provide a clean bedroom with a bed, desk, chair, lamp and closet. If the room is to be shared, the visiting student must be informed at the time of the initial arrangements
• provide the student with clean towels and linen, and reasonable use of washing and drying machines subject to supervision and control of the family
• provide ingredients for breakfast and lunch, and a cooked dinner on a daily basis
• provide reasonable access to the telephone for local calls. (Long distance calls must be paid for by the student with a long distance phone card)
• include the student in family outings, except in exceptional circumstances, such as overseas trips. The family must then make alternate arrangements for the student to stay elsewhere. These arrangements must be shared with the high school administrator
• know the student's whereabouts at all times. The host family expects that when the student goes out with friends, he/she will let the family know where he/she is and when he/she will be back
• be prepared that the student can experience stress and exhaustion in the new environment and may need a lot of support and understanding
• the host family agrees and understands that if any problems arise between the family and student, or emergencies arise, the family will contact the high school administrator or advisors and student's family immediately.

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