Exchange and Boarding Programs Resource Information
This page is for international students considering applying to Toronto Waldorf School under either the Exchange or the Boarding Program. It covers 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.
1. The Application Process for TWS Exchange and Boarding Programs
- Complete the application form.
• Gather together some photos of the student; a copy of the student's most recent reports; references from the mathematics, English, and class teachers or advisors; and a letter describing the student.
- • Send everything to:
- Attention: High School Administrator
Toronto Waldorf School
9100 Bathurst Street
Thornhill, Ontario
L4J 8C7
Canada
• or fax it to 905.881.6710
• or e-mail it to kdannenberg@torontowaldorfschool.com.
Please mark all documents “Attention: High School Administrator”.
- The high school administrator will contact you to confirm receipt of the application package.
- The application will be evaluated by TWS High School faculty.
Boarding Program applicants go to Step 7; Exchange Program applicants continue with Step 4:
- The high school administrator will contact the student to communicate acceptance or refusal of the application, and proceed to help find a 'match' among the TWS students interested in participating in an exchange. The successful applicant will be linked with a selection of approved TWS exchange students so they may to get to know each other and select a good 'match'.
- Once the student selects a partner and communicates the selection to the high school administrator, TWS will send the student a package of information with further details about registering at TWS. This package will include:
a. a contract and invoice, including detailed information on fees
b. the High School Handbook and Course Calendar
- The parents of the exchange student (or whoever is responsible for fees) will sign and return the contract with the required payment detailed in the contract.
Exchange Program applicants continue with Step 10; Boarding Program applicants continue with step 7:
- The high school administrator will contact the student to communicate acceptance or refusal of the application, and proceed to arrange a local host family for the student.
- The student will then receive a package of information with further details about registering at TWS. This package will include:
a. a contract and invoice, including detailed information on fees
b. the High School Handbook and Course Calendar
c. information about the host family with a request to contact them. The host family and visiting student communicate to make final arrangements between themselves.
- Those responsible for tuition fees (typically parents) will sign and return the contract with the deposit specified in the contract.
Both Exchange and Boarding Program applicants:
- Upon receiving the completed contract and payment, the high school administrator will provide a letter of acceptance and a letter to confirm the student's status to apply for a student visa (if required by their country of residence). It is the student's responsibility to secure the student visa.
- The high school administrator will be available throughout this process to answer questions and provide guidance.
2. Fees (in Canadian dollars)
Exchange Students from Waldorf Schools:
- There is no tuition for exchange students; tuition is paid to the local school for the full year, including the exchange period
- $125 application fee
- $640 - $935 Activity fee, depending on the grade and length of stay
International Boarding Students:
- Boarding tuition is $8,750 for one semester, $17,500 for a full year
- $125 application fee
- $640 - $935 activity fee, depending on the grade and length of stay
- $750 a month boarding fee, paid directly to the local host family
>> Use the convenient currency converter at XE.com (at the bottom of the page) for current exchange rates.
The application fee will be added to the first invoice. The activity fee is determined by the cost of events that are part of the High School curriculum. It is invoiced along with the other fees.
There may be further costs such as English theatre performances, art exhibits, musical performances, museum visits, first aid and CPR courses, local trips, class photos, student photo ID cards and possibly a year end trip as well. The exchange or boarding student may also need to buy schoolbooks, a gym uniform and a locker (the locker fee will be refunded when the student leaves). Personal pocket money will also be needed for transportation and leisure activities. A current information sheet for all fees is available upon request.
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
The rules at Toronto Waldorf School may be different than those at the international student's home school. They must, however, be followed in order to participate at TWS. A few basic rules are included here; more detailed rules and procedures are listed in the TWS High School Handbook and Course Calendar which is available upon request.
- 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 themselves and their own bedroom clean and tidy
- clean up after themselves 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
4. Life in Toronto and at Toronto Waldorf School
Toronto Waldorf School is located in the suburb of Thornhill, Ontario, approximately one hour's ride on public transportation ($5 each way) form downtown Toronto. Thornhill is a small and quiet middle-class family suburb. Social and cultural activities are accessible in the surrounding community and in Toronto.
Toronto is the premier city of Canada, with nearly 5 million people in the Greater Toronto Area. Both Toronto and the province of Ontario are the most populous in Canada, the economic and cultural engines of the world's second-largest country. Toronto is thought to be one of the most multicultural and socially progressive cities in the world. Located in the Great Lakes region of North America, Toronto is an hour's flight from other major cities such as Ottawa, Montreal, New York and Boston.
Toronto is a cultural centre, home to a symphony orchestra, museums, concerts, festivals, movie theatres and thousands of activities and sports for teenagers. It is also known for its cultural diversity and wide variety of inexpensive ethnic food. Known as a "city within a park,” Toronto has 1500 local parks, a 5000-animal zoo and an active lakefront. Its subway system links up with an extensive network of buses, making exploring the city practical for those relying on public transit.
Toronto has a long winter (about five months: mid-November to mid-April), a short spring (mid-April to May) and fall (October to mid-November) and a four-month summer (June to September). It is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, resulting in humid hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall, the times of year when Toronto's natural beauty is most evident, are very colourful.
The school is located on a splendid 23-acre campus that includes the main school, a Waldorf teacher-training facility, a retirement community, anthroposophical doctors' offices, a weekly organic market, a farm with gardens and animals, and a forest and creek. The school building includes large classrooms, two gymnasiums, music and practice rooms, woodworking and metal shops, a theatre stage, library, computer lab, kitchen and café.
Social Life in Toronto and at TWS
Social life in Toronto is very different from the life of most European students. The legal drinking age is 19, and as most dancing clubs serve alcohol, those under 19 are unable to attend. Many European students find the change in social life to be very significant.
Successful students are those willing to initiate social activities themselves, and in new and different venues than they would attend at home. Toronto Waldorf School provides school dances, house parties, a coffee house and other performances, but life here is very different from life at home!
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:
Katherina 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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