1. What kind of school is SSILS?
English and French language training only. SSILS operates its business model and delivers excellent language training without extra services and features that we consider unnecessary and that increase tuition prices. SSILS is the affordable language school that gives you excellent classroom instruction and co-op work supervision with nothing else – including high tuition fees!
2. How many hours per week must I study?
SSILS program structure is flexible to meet your needs, as all our students are adults with various life goals, recreational needs, adventure sports addictions, and some with family schedules. Your schedule will be yours to organize. We have regularly scheduled classes each week. There are also scheduled times for group work and individual work. It is up to you how much work you will put into your studies. Please note that your co-op work cannot comprise more than 50% of your program.
3. Does the school monitor my work practicum?
Yes. SSILS is responsible for ensuring you are effectively using the work practicum to practice your newly learned French or English skills.
4. What types of jobs can I get for my work co-op internship?
Your customer and staff interactions in your place of work must allow you to practice your newly learned French or English skills. Most of SSILS’ students work in the tourism, hospitality, recreation, adventure sport and service industries.
5. Are there any additional fees not listed in the fees section of this site
No. Once you are provided a tuition quote, you pay nothing extra to the school.
You pay your own fees to Canadian authorities for permitting. You may be required to pay for your own medical examinations. You will have to purchase travelers insurance for approximately 3 months. Once you are approved to use the BC Medical Services Plan you will remit a small monthly fee to the Provincial Government for Medical Insurance.
6. Do I get a refund if I am not successful securing my permits with SSILS?
Yes. You receive a full refund minus a $480.00 administration charge for preparing, submitting, and supporting your permitting application with Canadian authorities.
7. Does SSILS offer a tuition payment plan?
No.
8. How far in advance must I register from the date I want to begin my studies?
Depends on where your application will be submitted. For example, UK citizens are processed through the Canadian High Commission in London and processing time is approximately six weeks. This is the same for Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Europeans applying through Vienna. Please speak with a SSILS enrolment manager for up to date processing times as posted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
9. Is there an age limit to apply for the program?
No. There is an age minimum of 19 year of age and no maximum. Most students are approximately 30 years old, however, we’re seeing a number of mid-career applicants taking a year off from their work to learn French while skiing and mountain biking in one of the best resorts in the world.
10. How do I apply for my Study Permit and Co-op Work Permit?
Once you have enrolled and paid your tuition, SSILS’ Registration Department prepares everything required and gives you final submission instructions.
11. Does SSILS find me my co-op internship job?
No. Whistler and Vancouver are consistently struggling with skilled and unskilled service industry labour shortages. You should be able to apply for positions on your own. To date, students have not struggled to find co-op internship work placements. SSILS will discuss the co-op internship language requirements with your prospective employer to ensure the employer is supportive of your language learning practice goals.
12. Can I pay and or register at the Whistler Classroom location at 201 – 4000 Whistler Way?
No. All administration and records are maintained at 602 – 610 Granville Street in Vancouver. This promotes consistency and document security. You register online and email documents to the administration office in Vancouver. You may pay fees in person in Vancouver, via bank wire transfer if you’re overseas or outside Vancouver, or by cheque/money order/bank draft.
13. When do I need to secure my co-op internship work placement?
SSILS recommends you start your search after you have secured your Study Permit and Work Permit from Canadian authorities. Prospective employers have proven to be much less interested in applicants who state they will be getting their Work Permit soon and much more receptive to applicants who can provide proof of authorization to work in the form of a valid Work Permit.
14. Do I need to get my own travelers insurance?
Yes. Buy your insurance before you arrive.
15. What is the 15cm rule?
If it snows more than 15cm the night before, then class is cancelled because it’s a pow day!
16. Is this an online course and/or can I do this as a distance program?
No. You must attend class in either Vancouver or Whistler.
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