Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Exchange Program
Life In Toronto
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Expectations
Boarding Program Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the Boarding and Exchange Programs differ?

Exchange students spend a maximum of 8-10 weeks at TWS and their exchange partner spends an equal amount of time at the exchange student’s school. No tuition fees are charged.

 

Boarding students spend either a full semester (Sept-Dec or Jan-Jun) or a full year (Sept-Jun) at TWS and pay tuition fees 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).

All students’ English level will be evaluated upon arrival. Students may be placed in the ESL course for international students.

 

I am not a student of a Waldorf School. Can I attend your program?
Both the Exchange and Boarding Programs are open only to students currently studying at Waldorf schools.

 

If you studied at a Waldorf school a short time ago but left to attend another school, we will consider your application.

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

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 have paid the required fees.

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.

What language is spoken in Toronto, Canada?
English is spoken in Toronto, and at TWS. The nearest large city that speaks French is Montréal, which is about 6 hours away by train or car.

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.

 

We also recommend that students find each other on wal-di.com.

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 the person will be a good match for you.

 

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 (usually in Grades 10 and 11) at any one time.

 

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).

Do I need to be fluent in English to attend TWS?
No, but you need to have a solid knowledge of basic English (for example, be able to manage life on a daily basis and to understand the lessons). 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 the will to speak English as much as possible, even when they know it is not perfect.

The most successful students take full advantage of speaking English at all times.

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 and help support the academic work for the other classes.

What are your office hours?
8:30 am to 4:30 pm local Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5:00), or

14:30 to 22:30 Western Europe Time (GMT +1:00)

N.B. Eastern Standard Time is 6 hours behind most of Western Europe. For example, if it is 16:00 in France, it is 10 am in Toronto.

How can I contact Toronto Waldorf School about these programs?
Send an email to our Boarding & Exchange Coordinator, Sara Anderson.

Give Sara Anderson a phone call at 905.881.6137 ext. 309.  She is very happy to speak to parents about the program.