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Frequently Asked Questions

Answer all of your questions

Purchases & Refunds

Homestay prices depend on how many meals you would like per day.

No meals: $650/month, $175/week, $25/day
Breakfast & Dinner:  $760/month, $190/week, $28/day
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner:  $800/month, $200/week, $30/day

A one-time placement fee for all homestays is $150.

Suburban homestays are also available on request for around 10-15% less.
For more information about homestays, please click here

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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English.

Accommodation

Homestay prices depend on how many meals you would like per day.

  • No meals: $650/month, $175/week, $25/day
  • Breakfast & Dinner:  $760/month, $190/week, $28/day
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner:  $800/month, $200/week, $30/day

A one-time placement fee for all homestays is $150.

Suburban homestays are also available on request for around 10-15% less.
For more information about homestays, please click here

Homestays are within 35 minutes of the school by public transport. You will get a map of your homestay location before arrival. To see a sample homestay profile that you will receive prior to arrival click here.
The school is located in the centre of Toronto.

No, sorry, you can't choose your homestay. However, if you are not happy with the homestay host profile that we will send to you two weeks after registration you can ask to change your homestay.

In addition, after you arrive in Canada you have up to 5 days to request to change your homestay at no extra cost. You will be able to move within one week. In July, the peak season, it will take two weeks.

If you request a move due to a serious problem with your accommodation we will move you between 24 and 72 hours after your request depending on how serious the situation is.

Yes, you can pay for your homestay monthly.

However, you must provide us with 2 weeks notice if you decide to move / change your accommodation.

If you have dietary restrictions such as you are vegetarian or do not eat pork we will place you with a host family who can accommodate your needs.

Your homestay however is not a restaurant and you cannot demand special meals each day. However, we do encourage you tell your host family about the foods you like (example: I have carrots, I love rice) and do not like and they will be happy to help you.

All homestay families are Canadian. However, not all Canadians are white with blonde hair and blue eyes. Canada is an immigrant country and Toronto is the most ethnically diversified city the world. This means that your Canadian homestay may be originally from somewhere else, another country.

All homestays however must always speak in English in the house, have lived in Canada for at least 6 years and speak English fluently.

We offer

  • Homestay accommodation
  • Residence accommodation
    • Basic residence
    • Stanadard residence
    • Luxury residence
  • Private Apartment

Homestays and Basic Residences are located on average about 25 - 30 minutes away from the school by public transportations.

Standard and Luxrious Residences are located on average about 10- 20 minutes away from the school on foot.

We suggest at least 3 weeks advanced booking for homestay and 4weeks for Residence Type accommodation in order to meets your specific request in accommodation.
Please note that in summer time ( Late May - Mid August ) all residences and homestays get full very quickly and further advanced booking of 4 to 6 weeks is recommended.

Yes, you can pay your accommodation fees monthly but must give at least 2 weeks advance notice if you wish to move out. If you do not give 2 weeks notice you will be responsible for the next payment.

Yes you can.  We will try our best to keep you in the same accommodation where you are staying, but keep in mind that this is based on availability.  We require 4 weeks of advance notice for any change or extension to your accommodation.

If you are considering this option, we would recommend you take accommodation in one of our basic residences.  This option is in a student house – basically a family house converted to receive students – and with no host family.  In this option all students are free to use kitchen facilities.

In most cases our homestays can accommodate special diets for religious or health reasons.
For residences, generally there is a standard and a vegetarian meal plan and no special changes can be accommodated.  When you register, please advise us of your diet and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Homestay Guidelines
For students staying in homestay
Host Family
Your host family plays a very important role in your learning experience. They offer the security of a home base where you will live and build on your studies. The host family will not only welcome and introduce you to the Canadian experience, but, will assist you in fitting into the culture so that you get the most out of your experience.
All kinds of families are involved–and have agreed to provide you with the following:

  • Fully furnished and equipped (linens, towels) private room with a desk and lamp
  • Private or shared bath
  • Nutritious meals – up to 3 meals a day, continental breakfast, bag lunch and warm dinner
  • Accessible to Public Transport (within 30-40 minutes of Quest)
  • Clean and comfortable accommodation
  • Respect for Privacy
  • Access to telephone, television, laundry and other household amenities
  • English language support
  • Introduction into Canadian culture and family life

Your Bedroom

Your bedroom will be completely private with a door that fully closes. It will contain a bed, a lamp-lit desk, a dresser, a closet or a place where you may hang your clothes. Your bedroom may be located in a basement as this offers more privacy, often bigger rooms, and is very common in Canadian homes. Canadian basements are clean, bright and furnished, just as with any other floor in the home. You are responsible for cleaning your own bedroom. Please do not eat or store food in your bedroom as this may attract pests and cause unpleasant, lingering odors. You will have access to the common living areas in the house.

The Bathroom

Most Canadian families share a bathroom. Please take short showers and clean up after yourself.

Laundry
Laundry is included in the price for Homestay. You are responsible for washing your own clothes, unless your Host Family prefers doing this themselves. Your Host Family will show you how, when and where to use the laundry appliances.

House guests
If you wish to invite a guest to visit your Homestay, you must request permission from your Host Family in advance. Guests are not permitted to sleep overnight in Homestay.
Telephone Use
Please discuss and respect the decisions of your Host Family regarding the use of the telephone. You should only use the telephone for short periods of time. There is no charge for local calls within the Toronto area. You are responsible for the expense of all your long distance calls. You should purchase “calling cards” which are sold throughout the city. You should only receive calls in the Homestay during reasonable waking hours (9:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M., for example). If you know you are someone who will use the phone a lot, then you should buy yourself a personal cellular/mobile phone.
Internet Access
Internet access is not a guaranteed part of Homestay. Some Host Families may allow use of their Internet access for an additional charge. If you are using the homestay’s internet, remember to limit your time and be courteous of the need of others for internet access.
Smoking
In the interests of health, hygiene and fire safety, smoking is not permitted in Homestays. You must smoke outdoors only and some families may not allow you to smoke outside on their property. You may be asked to leave your Homestay at your own expense should you choose not to follow this rule.
Communication, Courtesy, Respect and Rules
You are encouraged to communicate openly with your Host Family. They understand that it will take some time for you to adjust to a new language, new food, a new family and a new city. They will do their best to make you feel more comfortable.
Please remember that you have the privilege of living in someone else’s home. Please be courteous in your interactions. For example, kindly inform your Host Family as you make plans for day or weekend trips/excursions when you will be away from Homestay meals or nights.
Please respect the privacy and belongings of your Host Family, and any other International Students who may also live in the home.
In addition to all of the above, there may be other rules to abide by, rules which are specific to your homestay. Please discuss such matters with your Host Family.

Homestay Questions or Concerns
Please speak to somebody in the office if you have any questions which your Host Family cannot answer.  Please report any difficulty that arises between you and your Host Family as soon as possible.
In case of any serious issues we will change your homestay as soon as possible, usually within 72 hours. However, in the first week of your stay it may be possible to change your homestay without having a serious issue and without any charge – to do so you must notify us by the Thursday of your first week at the homestay. If you do not have a serious issue and notify us after this day that you want to move you must complete the first period of your stay (4 weeks) or pay again for a new homestay.
Homestay Evaluations
Your help is appreciated. Filling out the “Homestay Evaluation Form” helps us to better monitor your Host Family and the experiences in your Homestay.
Thank you.

In the interests of health, hygiene and fire safety, smoking is not permitted in Homestays or Residences. You must smoke outdoors only and some families may not allow you to smoke outside on their property. You may be asked to leave your accommodation at your own expense should you choose not to follow this rule.

Registration & Payment

  1. Through a local Quest  representative in your country
    To find an agent in your country click here. Registering with an agent will not cost you anymore and they can provide you with all the information you need.
  2. Register Directly: follow these steps
    • Register on-line - just click on register at the top of the page.
    • Complete the registration form and make a deposit of $300.00 which will be deducted from your course fees.

    The deposit for students who require a visa to enter Canada, for a course up to 8 weeks: full-tuition. More than 8 weeks: 8 weeks full tuition. Minimum deposit $600.00. If your visa application is rejected, please send us a copy of the rejection letter from the embassy and we will refund you all fees paid minus a $200 administration charge.

    We send you your invoice and letter of acceptance.

    Pay the remainder of your fees by / on the first day of classes. You will not be able to start classes until your fees are paid.

    When registering on-line, if the price you get from the registration is different from the quote provided you by a school representative, the representatives price will take precedence and your invoice will be adjusted. This is due to special discounts that may be offered that are not always available in our registration system.

Example (fees are example only):
You want to study 6 months and the fees are $3500.
The fees for 4 weeks are $800. You will pay this rate monthly. If you study 6 months, in your last month you will get a refund of $325.

The calculation is:
What you have paid (5x$800=$4000) minus fees for 6 months ($3500) plus the 5% surcharge ($175)= -325 refund.
If you finally deicide to study only 4 months ($2800) in your last month (month 4) you will pay:
$400 (3x800=$2400-$2800) + $140(5%x$2800) = $540.00

Yes, you can pay your accommodation fees monthly but must give at least 2 weeks advance notice if you wish to move out. If you do not give 2 weeks notice you will be responsible for the next payment.

For detailed refund policy please visit this page.

16 years is the minimum age to study at Quest.

Quest does not offer scholarships, however you can take advantage of special discounts offered through Quest's official representatives in your country.  Send us an email and we can put you in contact with one.

About Toronto

Lake Ontario serves to moderate Toronto's weather to the point that its climate is one of the mildest in Canada.

Generally speaking, spring and summer temperatures range from 15 C (60F) to 25C (80F). During winter months, the average daytime temperature, with the exception of January, the coldest month, hovers just slightly below freezing and a snowfall of more than 10 cm (four inches) is unusual.

 

Temperature  January  April  July  October
Daily Maximum (°C)
-1.3
11.5
26.5
14.2
Daily Minimum (°C)
-7.9
3.5
17.6
7.2
Daily Mean (°C)
-4.5
7.5
22.1
10.7
Extreme Maximum (°C)
16.1
32.2
40.6
30.0
Extreme Minimum (°C)
-32.8
-15.0
3.9
-8.9

Toronto, Ontario, Canada lies on the shore of Lake Ontario, the easternmost of the Great Lakes. Home to more than 2.5 million people, the city is the key to one of North America's most vibrant regions, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 5.2 million Canadians live in the GTA, the cultural, entertainment, and financial capital of the nation. The city is also the seat of government of the province of Ontario.
That is why Toronto abounds in investment and employment opportunities in such diverse fields as banking and financial services, film and television production, and fashion, and also boasts a thriving arts community.

Click here for a map of Toronto's location.  Note the short distance to Montreal, New York City and Chicago - all of which you can visit with an arranged tour through Quest!

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is served by 10 public transit systems. The biggest of the 10, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is the second largest transit system in North America after New York. More than one million passengers use 2,300 buses, streetcars and subway trains that operate daily on 6,480 km of routes.


Fares

  • Single ride on the system cost $3.00
  • 5 tickets: $12.50 ($2.50 per ride)
  • 10 tickets: $25.00 ($2.50 per ride)
  • Monthly unlimited use transit pass: $121.00
  • Weekly unlimited use transit pass: $36.00

Student discounts: Student discounts are not available to international students unless you are registered at a recognized public university or college.

Link to the Toronto Transit Commission Fare page

Visa & Permits

Whether or not you need a visa to study in Canada depends on what country you are from and how long you want to study.

For a list of countries that require a visa to enter Canada, please click here.

If you are studying for longer than six months (in total) in Canada you will need to get a student visa (also known as a student permit). This applies to students from any country.

For Quest's Work & Study Programs (Business Internship CAP, Advantage CAP and Working Holiday CAP) all students will need to obtain a student visa and a work permit regardless of nationality.

You will need a visitors visa only if you are from a country whose nationals require a visa to enter Canada.

You will not need a student visa if you are studying less than six months, regardless of what country you are from.

If you are not from one of the following countries, you need a visa to enter the USA. You must apply for a US visa from your own country. You cannot apply for a US visa in Canada.

Visa Waiver Program Countries - No visa necessary to enter US

Andorra Iceland Norway
Australia Ireland Portugal
Austria Italy San Marino
Belgium Japan Singapore
Brunei Liechtenstein Slovenia
Denmark Luxembourg Spain
Finland Monaco Sweden
France the Netherlands Switzerland
Germany New Zealand United Kingdom
  • Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05 – no further requirements.
  • Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended between 10/26/05 and 10/25/06 – requires digital photograph printed on the data page or integrated chip with information from the data page.
  • Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/06 – requires integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
  • Temporary, emergency, official and diplomatic passports are exempted from biometric digital photo and chip requirements, but must be machine-readable.
  • Austrian, Italian, French and Temporary German Passports.
  • If you have a single entry Canadian visa you can still visit the USA and re-enter Canada without any problems due to a special agreement between the USA and Canada.If you have a single entry Canadian Visa you cannot re-enter Canada if you visit any other country EXCEPT the USA.

Making Courses

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There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour, or randomised words which don't look even slightly believable.

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English.

Missing mobile purchase
If you purchased a course on iOS or Android, it's possible that the course was not registered to your account. Please email your purchase receipt to helpyou@educo.com.
Multiple e-mail accounts
If you use multiple e-mail accounts, or have a Facebook or Google account, try logging in with the associate e-mail addresses.

Activities & Workshops

We offer a wide variety of activities.

The type of activities offered depends on the season. To see some examples of the type of activities offered in a particular season, have a look at our previous activity calendars for the month you are interested in.To view our activity calendars go to activity page.

You can also take short trips to:

  • Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa
  • New York
  • Chicago
  • Niagara Falls
  • Northern Ontario - Algonquin Park Camping

All trips are organized for you at the school.

Registering for any activity is easy using our automated on-line activity booking system. You can only make bookings when you have registered.

Except our Summer/Winter Youth Program no activities are included in your tuition fees. However, all activities are affordable and most activities are offered with discounted prices for students. We also have free activities every week such as Team Sports at High Park, Quest School Parties, Movie Afternoons, Trips to free concerts/exhibitions and so on.

There is a trip to New York and French Canada by coach every weekend in the summer and every other weekend in the winter. During the summer early booking is recommended. You can book all your trips at the school.

Yes, you can pay for activities by credit card, cash or traveler's check.

Airport Services

If you require airport pickup, please make sure to indicate this on your registration.
We offer two types of airport service

  • Met by representative - $120 pickup only / $160 return
  • Pre-arranged limousine service - $65 each way

Met by representative: In this option a Quest representative, carrying a sign with the school logo, will be waiting for you in the arrivals lounge. The representative will greet you and take you to your accommodation. Please note that the representative will wait for you for 90 minutes after your flight arrives. If your baggage is lost, please do not wait inside the baggage area too long. Come outside and the representative will assist you in locating your baggage.

Pre-arranged Limousine Service: In this option no one will be waiting for you at the airport. You must exit the airport building and ask the airport traffic officer (the commissioner)  for an "Airline Limousine Service" (company name) car.  When the car arrives, give the driver the accommodation document we emailed to you and the driver will take you to your accommodation. You do not need to pay the driver - the driver will bill the school.

If you are nervous about your arrival in Toronto, your best option is "Met by Representative."  If you need service back to the airport when you leave Toronto, the best option is limousine service.

We offer two types of airport service:

  • By Limousine - We have an account with Airline Limousine Service company. If you have requested limousine service you will receive detailed instructions and our account number along with your accommodation profile. This doesn't include greeting service from the school. Limousine is available for 24hours.
  • By ESH Representative - A ESH representative will be waiting for you at the terminal with the school sign. Upon your arrival please look for the sign. If you have requested this service please note the followings:
- Do not forget that our representative is waiting for you at the terminal!!
- Do not wait for your luggage for more than 30minutes. You have to come out and see our representative. We will help you find out your luggage on the next day.
- If you have any problems please call us at the ESH emergency number immediately. (English/French/Spanish/Korean/Japanese Available)

Instruction for airport pickup by representative -- Read Carefully.
Upon arrival in Toronto, a school representative will meet and escort you to your accommodation. The representative will be carrying a sign with your name and the school's logo. He will be waiting for you directly outside your arrival gate, after you have passed immigration and collected your luggage. If you do not immediately see the representative, do not leave the area outside your arrival gate. Remain there. In case of emergency or should you not see your representative after 15 minutes, call the 24 hour QUEST Emergency Number sent to you in your homestay profile.  If your luggage is lost, please continue to exit the airport and ask the Quest representative for help. Do not remain inside the arrival area - the representative will leave the airport if he does not see you 90 minutes after your flight's arrival. You have 90 minutes to exit from plane arrival. If you flight is late, do not worry. We always check flight arrival times.

Instructions for pre-arranged limousine service -- Read Carefully.
Exit the airport terminal building (Terminal 1: go to area/exit D, Terminal 3: go to post/curb #23) and ask a Commissioner* (wearing cap and striped orange vest) for an "Airline Limousine" car. Give your homestay profile to the driver who will then take you to your destination.

English Only Rule

First Day At Quest

First Day at Quest
The schedule on the first day for students is :

  • 8:20 am to 8:45 am:
    • Receive your student folder at the reception
    • Coffee/tea our treat
  • 8:45 am to 9:00 am
    • Oral test: one-on-one interviews
  • 9:00 am to 10:15 am
  • Computerized Placement Test
    • 3 tests on grammar, language functions and listening. Depending on score you will proceed to next test.
    • When you finish, please come and see office staff at the reception.
  • 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
    Communication Class
  • 12:15 pm to 12:45pm
    • Orientation: Information about Quest, services, program structure, rules and policies, information about Toronto. Class room #2 or as assigned.
  • 12:45 pm to 1:30 pm
    • Lunch Break and ID pictures
  • 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
    • Tour the Quest neighborhood with visits to the post office, library and subway station with valuable information to make your stay in Toronto enjoyable. Meet in main lounge.
  • Students must report to the office before 8:50 am on Tuesday morning for class/level and textbook assignment.

Programs / Courses

For a complete list of our programs, please click on the Courses tab in the menu bar above.

  • Core EnglishFocus on Communication: 2 to 38 weeks
  • Exam preparation programs (TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge, IELTS)  and Business English: 4 to 16 weeks
  • TESOL: 7 weeks - 5 weeks full-time course and 2 weeks part-time practicum
  • Holiday Adventure Programs: 2 to 8 weeks
  • Academic Pathway:  4-16 weeks
  • TESOL program is 25 hours per week
  • Advantage Internship CAP:
    • Stage 1 Course: 20 hours per week
    • Stage 2 Internship and course: 25 hours per week work
  • Business Internship CAP:
    • Stage 1 Course: 25 hours per week
    • Stage 2 Internship: 25 to 30 hours per week of work
  • Working Holiday CAP:
    • Stage 1 Course: 20 hours per week minimum (4 weeks minimum)
    • Stage 2 Work Placement: Up to 40 hours per week.

Consult the table below or click here for more information on program structure.

  • The tables below show the time and structure of our programs/courses
    Possible hours of study per week are:
    • 15 hour, part-time: Light Program
    • 20 hours, semi-intensive: Minor Program
    • 25 hours, intensive: Major Program
    • 30 hours, super-intensive: Master Program
  • In addition to their credentials we screen all our instructors for their teaching ability - the ability to bond with students, convey information, cultural understanding and sensitivity. You will have the opportunity to evaluate your instructors every 4 weeks.

    All instructors are required to prepare their lesson outlines in advance and post them in their classroom every week.

    To learn more about our instructors and staff  click here

Yes, you can. You have to fill out a Course/Level Change Request form in the student portal (you will need to be a registered Quest student to have access to the student area). As long as your level of English meets the course requirements you can change your course/class on the following Tuesday.

Changing your course from a regular program to any other program may require extra fees.

You will get a detailed evaluation report (Report Card) on-line every 4 weeks. This contains your attendance, test scores, teachers' comments on your progress and assessment of all your language skills. These components will be compiled every 4 weeks by your grammar and oral teachers. Based on your evaluation report, you will progress to the next level. Generally it takes about 4 to 5 weeks to go to the next level.

Some afternoon focused courses require additional material fees - $20 to $30.
There are no extra fees if you are taking Elective Workshops.

    • If you are taking only Afternoon Focused Program in periods 3 and 4 - part-time, 15 hours per week
      • $5 per week of study
    • If you are taking Focus on Communication Light or Minor program - 15 or 20 hours per week:
      • $30.00
    • Selling your text books
    • As a rule we do not buy back text books. However, on occasion, depending on the condition of the book (must be in excellent condition) and our inventory size, we may buy back books.

What periods you enroll in depend on how many hours you register for. See the table below and click here for more information about program structure.

Quest maintains a maximum of 10 students per class year-round.  In July and August, peak season, the maximum is raised to 12.

In conjunction with our partner school in Vancouver, Vancouver English Centre, we offer our Cross Canada Program.  Please click here for information about this program.

Miscellaneous

For a complete list of our programs, please click on the Courses tab in the menu bar above.

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