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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will my teachers' references decide if I get accepted as a student at TWS?
No, the purpose of your teachers’ references is to help us understand the type of support you will need to be a successful student here at TWS.

2. 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 any school. 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.

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 the 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 your application has been reviewed and 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 and expenses.

7. In the Exchange Program, how do you match partners?
You provide information about yourself, your community and family in your application. 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 follow a general conversation and manage life on a daily basis) but do not need specialized math or science vocabulary. You will need the willingness to learn and speak English, even when it is challenging. 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 the English language?
Yes, all Exchange and Boarding students attend ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. These classes will work on written and verbal skills, and focus on both language needed for daily life, and that 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 from 8:30 AM Eastern Time to 4:00 PM (16:00) Eastern Time (14:30 - 22:00 Western Europe Time).
Eastern Time is 6 hours behind most of western Europe; for example, when it is 16:00 in France and Germany is it 10:00 (AM) in Toronto. When it is 3 PM in the UK, it is 10 AM in Toronto.

13. How can I contact Toronto Waldorf School about these programs?

• by e-mail:

kdannenberg@torontowaldorfschool.com

• 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

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