KGIC PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARRIVING IN CANADA
What do i need to have ready before I board the airplane? Tips for on the airplane What do I do with the Customs Declaration Card? Clearing Canada Customs and Immigration Important information for students who have applied for a Study Permit or Work Permit in their home country. What do I do if I have a Study Permit or Work Permit? 4 5 5 6 7 7

04 08 10 22

LEAVING THE AIRPORT

KGIC airport pick-up service Vancouver International Airport Toronto Pearson International Airport If you miss your connecting flight in TorontoDo not panic Halifax Stanfield International Airport 8 8 9 9 10

Weather in Canada Packing for Canada Using electronic devices in Canada Using money in Canada Shopping and dining out Telephones Medical insurance in Canada Driving in Canada Staying safe

DAILY LIVING

11 12 12 13 17 19 19 20 21

Metro Vancouver including Surrey Victoria Toronto Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)

TRANSPORTATION

22 25 25 27

28 29 35 36 38
29 30 31 32 33 34

BIKES AND PATHS

CANADIAN CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

On the street / Around town On the bus Eating out In the bathroom In your homestay or dormitory In the classroom and at school

YOUR FIRST DAY AT KGIC USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS AND WEB SITES
Halifax Toronto Vancouver / Surrey Victoria

36 36 37 37

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

ARRIVING IN CANADA

Congratulations on starting your exciting adventure as a student in Canada! We are looking forward to you attending one of our schools. This section of your pre-departure guide will explain the following. The documents you need to bring before getting on the airplane The documents you will have to fill out on the plane The process of going through Canada Immigration and Customs Important information for students who have a Study Permit or Work Permit Picking-up your luggage Using the KGIC Airport Pick-up Service For more information on arriving in Canada you can also visit the airport websites. Vancouver and Surrey, BC: www.yvr.ca http://www.victoriaairport.com/ Victoria, BC: www.gtaa.com Toronto, ON: www.hiaa.ca Halifax, NS: For information on documents needed before entering Canada visit the Government of Canada website, www.goingtocanada. gc.ca, or see the VISA section of this guide.

What do I need to have ready before I board the airplane? Before getting on your flight to Canada there are some important documents and information you need to make sure you have available when you arrive in Canada. These documents and information should be kept in a safe place as part of your carry-on luggage. Do not put any of the following documents into your checked luggage. Your Passport Your Letter of Acceptance from KGIC or KGIBC-CTC. Your Visa *(If needed) Any information or papers you received from the Canadian Embassy in your country Your return ticket A bank statement showing you have enough money to support yourself in Canada ( you might be asked) Your address in Canada Important contact telephone numbers in Canada ( eg: Person, who will pick you up and their phone number KGIC s emergency pick up phone number contact person can be found on the homestay or student house information sheet we send out before your arrival)

For a list of countries that require a Visa before entering Canada visit http://www.cic. gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.
Relax, get comfortable and sleep as much as you can. There are a few simple things you can do so that you will not be too tired when you arrive in Canada. When you get on the plane, set your watch to Canada time Drink lots of water Dont drink alcohol or caffeine Get lots of rest before flying and rest on the plane Try and stretch and exercise in your seat while on the plane

When you arrive in Canada, stay awake until 11 pm, dont stay up
Your full name and date of birth

later than 11pm. Your body needs to adjust to the new time zone

What do I do with the Customs Declaration Card? On the plane you will be given a Customs Declaration Card and a multilingual leaflet explaining how to fill out the card, by the flight attendant. If you have any problems filling out the information on the card the flight attendant can assist you. You will need the following information when filling out your declaration card.

Your address, flight information, purpose of trip, & place of departure

Duration of stay, list of goods you are bringing into the country over dutyfree allowance

Check the appropriate boxes Your signature

Clearing Canada Customs and Immigration After getting off the plane you will go to Canada Customs and Immigration. They will check your passport and documentation. Follow the signs in the airport to find Customs and Immigration. If you are not sure where to go ask airport staff and they will direct you.
WELCOME TO VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
TERMINAL MAP
WITH WALKING TIMES

5m in.
DEPARTURES LEVEL 3
5 min. 5 min.

in. 5m

67-99

3 min.
44 39 40 41 42 43 46 47 35 37 36 28 34 29 30 33
OBSERVATION AREA LEVEL 4

45

3m in.

in. 3m

52

38 27 26 25

USA AND INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS LEVEL 2

Y

WALKW

SECU

RIT

AY TO

CANADA

LINE

32

31

4 min.

CANADA LINE STATION

BAGGAGE CAROUSELS 1-6 CANADA CHECK-IN

25-52
PUBLIC OBSERVATION AREA LEVEL 4 PUBLIC OBSERVATION AREA NIVEAU 4

CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

PARKING

DEPARTURES LEVEL 3

CUSTOMER INFORMATION COUNTER ELEVATOR

SECURITY

11

AIRPORT SERVICE PLAZA LEVEL 1

CANADA ARRIVALS LEVEL 2
1

ESCALATOR WASHROOMS SECURITY DIVIDE

11-24
19 21 17

15 12 16 2

MOVING WALKWAY
5 3 4

22 20

18

in. 5m

5m in.

1-10

1 2 3 4 5

Arrive at YVR Follow signs to Baggage Claim. Proceed down elevator, escalators or stairs to Arrivals Level 2, to Canada Border Services & Immigration area. Canada Border Services & Immigration Most passengersCanadian residents and visitors - will proceed to passport inspection. New immigrants, students or workers with visas should follow the sign to Immigration. Claim Baggage Baggage can be claimed immediately following the Canada Border Services processes. Check the information display screens to confirm your baggage carousel. Find the numbered baggage carousel corresponding to your flight. Free baggage carts are located in the baggage claim area. Hand your declaration card to the Canada Border Services officer on your way out International Reception Lounge Proceed out of baggage claim area with your checked baggage. All passengers enter the International Reception Lounge area. You may choose to access services in this area including tourism information and transportation or choose to proceed through the exit to the public greeting area. Public Greeting Area and Exit Follow the exit sign to proceed through automatic glass doors to public greeting area.

Important Information For Students Who Have Applied For A Study Permit or Work Permit In Their Home Country What do I do if I have a Study Permit or Work Permit? The Second Interview If you are coming to Canada on a Study Permit ( more than 6 months of study) or Work Permit you will need to have a 2nd interview to obtain this permit when going through Canada Customs and Immigration. The sticker you received on your passport when you applied for your study permit or work permit at the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your country is not your actual permit. Once you have passed through customs and have had your passport and documents checked you MUST proceed to immigration to get your study permit or work permit. This is a 2nd interview with an immigration officer. You will have to show all of your documents again. If you are not sure where to go, ask the customs agent when they are checking your passport. Tell the agent that you need to get a study or work permit and ask him or her where to go to get it. Without this second interview you will not have your study or work permit and will be in Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa. If you do not get this document at immigration you will have to leave and enter Canada again to get it. Once the immigration officer is satisfied he or she will attach a large paper document to your passport. This document is your official Study Permit or Work Permit. If you decide to extend your stay in Canada you will need this document. An Important Note on Luggage Pick-Up Now that you have cleared Canada Customs and Immigration you can pick up your luggage. Look at one of the large information boards for your airline and flight number. This will tell you on what carousel your luggage will be arriving. Before going to the luggage area and leaving the immigration area, make sure you have all the documents you need. If you have a Study Permit or Work Permit do not go to the baggage claims area until you have met with the immigration officer for the 2nd interview. You will not be able to return to the immigration area if you miss this interview and will not receive your study or work permit. Problems at the Airport If you have any problems while at the airport, remember to stay calm. Go to an airport information booth or approach an airport attendant for assistance. Canadians are very friendly and are there to assist you. DO NOT PANIC.
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LEAVING THE AIRPORT

KGIC Airport Pick-up Service is available at all our locations Your agency will take care of booking a pick-up service for you if you requested it. If you do not have an agent and still want us to come and pick you up at the airport contact the KGIC representative you were in contact with after registration and they will arrange pick-up for you. If you have paid for KGICs Airport Pick-up service, a greeter holding a sign with your name on it will be waiting for you past the baggage-claim in the arrivals area. This is a public area where many people are waiting for friends or family to leave the "baggage-claim" area. If you cannot connect with him or her, please do not wander around. Stay in the designated arrivals area and look for your name. You can also call the emergency number from your pick-up information if you are unable to find your pick-up person. The arrival hall can be very busy and it can take a while to find each other. If you do not find your pick up person immediately do not panic. See below for a picture of where our pick-up person will wait for you. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE AIRPORT.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Vancouvers beautiful International Airport is situated approximately 20 minutes outside of Vancouver's city centre. It is also about 35 minutes to downtown Surrey. The average price from the Vancouver International Airport to Vancouver city centre is about $45 and the cost is about $80 to Surrey.

TAXIS BUSSES SKYTRAIN

8 Transit from the Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver is both convenient and cheap. The Canada Line Skytrain runs from the airport directly to the downtown core of Vancouver. From the Arrivals gate, you simply exit the airport and walk to the Skytrain station across the road. If you pre-purchase 2-zone tickets from the airport 7-11 Convenience store, it is less than $3.75 for a 25 minute trip. If you pay at the train, the cost is $8.75. The Skytrain runs every 7 minutes during peak times, and every 15 minutes at other times. For more information, go to the Translink website: Translink.bc.ca. The Skytrain and bus system from the airport to downtown Surrey is fairly complicated, takes over 1 hour, and is not recommended, however you can go to the Translink website for more information.

TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TAXIS BUSSES

Toronto Pearson International Airport is situated approximately 25, minutes from downtown Toronto. A taxi will cost about $50 to travel from the airport to the downtown area.

Transit from the Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto is very convenient. The # 192 Airport Rocket route starts from Pearson Airport Terminal 1 and runs to the downtown core of Toronto. From your Arrivals gate, you can take the free LINK train to connect to Terminal 1. The helpful airport staff can direct you to the #192 bus stop. For more information about public buses, go to the Toronto transit commission website: http://www.gtaa.com . There is also a shuttle bus, (the Airport Express), from airport terminals 1 and 3 to Downtown hotels. You can get more information at this website: http://www.torontoairportexpress.com

HALIFAX STANFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TAXIS BUSSES

The Halifax Stanfield International Airport is situated approximately 35 minutes outside of the city centre. The average price of a taxi into the city centre is $60.00 one way. There will be taxis available in the designated TAXI area of the airport, however, if you would like to pre-arrange a taxi, you can call or email these HSIA approved certified taxi drivers from the following list: http://www.hiaa.ca/images/ pdf_files/2010/Prearranged%20List%20December%202009.pdf. The Airporter www.airporter.biz/schedule.html is a shuttle bus that goes to and from the HSIA to the city centre. The cost for a one-way ticket is $21.00. The schedule will tell you where the shuttles stops are, and at what time you will depart and arrive at your destination. The Acadian Bus Lines www.acadianbus.com also offer bus services from HSIA to Halifax and Dartmouth. 9

IF YOU MISS YOUR CONNECTING FLIGHT IN TORONTODO NOT PANIC

All Flights arriving at Pearson International Airport in Toronto MUST clear customs in Toronto. This means you will need to go through immigration in Toronto, pick up your luggage and put it onto the correct conveyer belt according to your flight number and destination. MANY of our students miss their connecting flights because of hold ups in Immigration, or many airplanes arriving at the same time in Toronto. Again, do not panic, planes to Vancouver leave hourly, and the airport personnel will book you on to the next available flight to your final destination. If you miss your connection and you manage to be able to call the pick up persons cell number ( on the homestay or student house info under emergency pick up phone number) please do so and call before you board your connecting flight. This will help the pick up person tremendously. If you do not manage to call us, it is ok too. Many of our students have missed their connecting flights it happens every day!

Life as a student in Canada can be exciting and thrilling. It is a chance for many students to discover their independence and challenge themselves with new experiences and personal growth. You will find many differences between living in your country and living in Canada. You might also be surprised to find some similarities. Without a doubt, moving to Canada will bring big changes to your life, whether you are here for only a month, or you are studying here for a year or more. Regardless of how long you will study here, you will have to face a new city, new people and new ways of doing things. This experience causes what is known as culture shock. Culture shock is a feeling of confusion and anxiety caused by experiencing a culture different from your own. Culture shock can increase feelings of loneliness, make you feel more stress and cause a lot of frustration. The best way to avoid the negative effects of culture shock is to prepare you as much as possible before arriving in Canada. We strongly recommend you read the section Canadian Etiquette and Customs for more detailed information about Canadian culture.

DAILY LIVING

In this section you will find information on: Weather Information for Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and Halifax Packing for each season Canadian money Banks in Canada Shopping and Dining Out

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Information on getting a cell phone Medical insurance Getting a Library card Obtaining a drivers license Safety Dos and Donts

Weather in Canada

Canada has four distinct seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter. When many people think of Canada they think of cold and snow, but in fact the summers in Canada can be quite hot. British Columbia has the mildest winters in all of Canada, though they can be very grey and rainy

VANCOUVER/ SURREY
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15

VICTORIA
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

TORONTO
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15

HALIFAX
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Study Tip: Listening to weather forecasts is a great way to practice and improve your listening skills. Visit www.theweathernetwork.com to listen and watch Canadian weather forecasts.

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What do I need to pack before coming to Canada?

WINTER SPRING/ SUMMER FALL

Warm, waterproof clothing Warm, water-resistant Water-resistant clothing Umbrella Sweaters or hoodies jacket Light jacket Light jacket Light jacket Shorts Heavy jacket Umbrella Warm hat, toque, or Comfortable closed toes Light pants T-shirts earmuffs shoes Scarf or neck warmer Water-resistant footwear Comfortable shoes Sandals or gloves T-shirts Sunglasses and Mitts Umbrella Sweaters or hoodies sunscreen (For British Columbia) Light pants Water-resistant boots Heavy slacks or jeans Warm boots

Can I use my electronic devices in Canada?

Residential Canada uses 110 volt electrical systems at 60 hertz. You will need to use a voltage transformer/converter to charge your cellular phone, lap top and also to use any other electrical device you are bringing such as hair dryers, razors, irons, coffee makers, or rice cookers.

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Using Money in Canada?

Canadas official currency is the Canadian dollar ($). One Canadian dollar is divided into 100 cents. Here are the common names given to change in Canada:

quarter $0.25 nickel $0.5 dime $0.10 toonie $2

Paper money, also known as bills, comes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. The $5, $10 and $20 bill are most commonly used. Each Canadian bill comes in a different colour. $5 Blue $10 Purple $20 Green $50 Red $100 Brown Paper bills have special security features designed to make them difficult to counterfeit. Some small stores may not accept $100 bills if they dont have enough change. When you go out in Canada make sure you have some small bills with you. Canada has strong historical ties to the United Kingdom and is a member of the Commonwealth Nations. You will find an image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the back of all Canadian money.

penny $0.01 loonie $1

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How do I change my home-country money into Canadian Currency?

Its a good idea to exchange some of your money into Canadian currency before you leave, so that you have cash on hand for small purchases as soon as you arrive. There are several ways you can exchange your money into Canadian dollars once you are in Canada. Before exchanging your money it is a good idea to be aware of the current exchange rate. For a general idea of what the exchange rate will be you can visit the Bank of Canadas currency converter at www.bank-banque-canada.ca/en/rates/converter.html. BanksCanadian Banks offer competitive exchange rates. Most Canadian Banks will be able to exchange money for you. The hours of business for banks can vary, but they are usually open Monday to Friday from 10am until about 4:30pm. Common Canadian banks are:

Foreign exchange outletsForeign exchange outlets can be found at selected locations across Canada, including airports and tourist
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attractions. You can easily find foreign exchange offices in Downtown Vancouver and Downtown Toronto, and Downtown Halifax. Hotelssome hotels have currency exchange counters that can exchange small amounts of money. This service may be limited to hotel guests.

Can I use my Credit Card or Debit Card in Canada?

Yes. In addition to cash, most stores will accept debit cards or credit cards as payment. Credit cards are often required for the booking of hotels, car rentals or bike rentals and many other activities. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs, or sometimes called ABMs) are very easy to find in Canada. You will find them in banks, stores, gas stations, hotels and shopping malls. Some ATMs are privately operated and may have an additional charge for using them. If your debit card or credit card has a Cirrus or Maestro symbol displayed on it then you can use it at an ATM in Canada, as long as the ATM also has the same symbols displayed. Please note that you might have to pay an extra foreign currency conversion charge, withdrawal fee, and other fees depending on your debit card and the bank you are withdrawing from. These symbols mean that you can get money from a bank machine in Canada with a debit or credit card from your country and your pin number (security code).

How do I open a bank account in Canada?

If you want to open an account at a Canadian bank you will need to have a Student Visa or Work Permit. You will also need an address in Canada (homestay, apartment or house). Banks will not accept a hotel, motel or hostel address. To open a bank account you will need: Your address in Canada Photo Identification Your Student Visa or Work Permit Letter of Acceptance or Letter of Enrollment from KGIC If you want help opening an account when you arrive in Canada speak to a counselor at your school and they can give you more information.

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How do I transfer money to Canada?

If you have a bank account in Canada you can transfer money directly to your account from your country. Ask your bank to provide you with all the information needed to transfer money into your account. Make sure you know the fees for the transfer and how long it takes before the money is in your account. For a faster money transfer or to transfer money without a Canadian bank account you can use Moneygram www.moneygram.com or Money Mart, through Western Union www.moneymart.ca/westernunion.asp.

Banking Vocabulary List

account bills cash cashier check coins credit credit card

currency deposit pay savings teller withdraw bank card/

debit card

Useful Phrases at the Bank

To open an account: I would like to open an account, please. To put money in your account: I would like to deposit money into my account. To take money out: I would like to withdraw (x) dollars from my account. To exchange money: Id like to change this into Canadian dollars, please.

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Shopping and Dining out

You will find many great places to shop and eat out in Canada. Canada is a very multicultural country. You will be able to find food from all parts of the world. Part of the joy of living in bigger Canadian cities is the diversity of food available. This is a great chance for you to try food from all over the world. Try them out! Just to name a few, some of the different ethnic foods available in Canada are Indian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Ethiopian, Russian, Italian, Spanish, or Mexican. You may be surprised at how delicious they are. If you find you are missing foods from your country it is usually fairly easy to find a restaurant that has the food you like. There are also many western style restaurants that serve great steak, seafood, and local specialties, among other things. A good hamburger is also easy to find!

Where can I go Grocery shopping?

There are many place you can buy groceries in Canada. Some of these places are: Safeway, Save-on-Foods, Price Choppers, Dominion, Wal-Mart, London Drugs, The Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys, Costco, T&T and H-Mart. You can also visit the many public markets which usually offer fresh produce. Gluten free products Not everyone can digest wheat. In Canada you will find lots of products that are Gluten free. Please make sure to let us know on your homestay application your special dietary requests. 17

Alcohol and Smoking

You must be 19 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages in British Columbia, Ontario and Halifax. If you look like you are under 25 you will be required to show an ID such as your passport or provincial ID. Drinking out in public is strictly prohibited in Canada. You cannot drink a beer on the beach or in the park. If you get caught you can get fined! People are also prohibited from smoking indoors, in front of buildings, near open windows or vents, or near bus stops. You must also be 19 to purchase cigarettes in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Is there a sales tax in Canada?

There is a national sales tax in Canada. Many provinces also have their own provincial sales tax. In Canada stores and restaurants list the price before tax. The final amount of your bill can be higher depending on the taxes that are added to the total. Canada has a national sales tax. It is called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST is 5%. It is added to your purchase amount. As of July 1, 2010, Ontario will have a Harmonized Sales Tax. The HST in Ontario is 13% and is applied to most products and services sold in the province. As of July 1, 2010, British Columbia will have a Harmonized Sales Tax. The HST in British Columbia is 12% and is applied to most products and services sold in the province. British Columbia also has a Liquor tax. This tax is 10% and is applied to the purchase of alcohol. Nova Scotia has a Harmonized Sales Tax. The HST in Nova Scotia is 13% and is applied to most products and services sold in the province.

How much should I tip?

Tipping is a part of dining out in Canada. When paying your bill at either a bar, pub or restaurant you should tip 15%. If you are extremely unhappy with the service and will not return to the restaurant then you do not have to pay the tip. If on your bill there is a Gratuity or Service charge added then do not pay a tip. They have already added the tip to your bill.

It is also customary to tip taxi drivers and hair stylists or barbers in Canada.

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Telephones

Can I use my cell phone in Canada? For most countries you can use your cell phone in Canada. You have to make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave your country. When you arrive in Canada you can buy a SIM card for $30-$40. Make sure to check with your cell phone provider in your country if this is possible before you leave. For some countries such as Korea it is not possible to use a SIM card. You may still use your phone if you set up international roaming with your cell phone provider, but these rates are very expensive to use. Can I buy a cell phone in Canada? It is possible to buy a cell phone in Canada. It is recommended that you do not sign a contract for a cell phone plan. There are large penalties if you cancel your phone before your contract expires. For most students it is best to get pay as you go phone. For this kind of phone you purchase cell phone time as you need it. You can either purchase a phone from one of the cell phone companies or buy a used phone from a student who is leaving Canada. For help on getting and setting up cell phones talk to your school counselor when you arrive in Canada, they can guide you to a local store that sells prepaid phones and phonecards nearby How can I call my country? To make an international long distance phone call dial 011 + country code + city code + phone number. The rates for these calls can be expensive. It is recommended that you buy a calling card to make long distance phone calls. Many convenience stores offer a variety of long distance phone cards. Be sure to check the rates for calling your country before you buy the card.
Yes! While you attend KGIC or KGIBC- CTC you are required to have medical insurance. You will be asked to show proof of your medical insurance when you arrive at the school. If you do not have medical insurance when you arrive you will have two weeks to get it. All Canadians have health insurance. If you dont have it seeing a doctor or a medical emergency is extremely expensive. Talk to your agent about getting medical insurance before you leave your country. British Columbia (Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey ): If you are a student (more than 6 months of study) on a student visa you can apply for BC Medical in British Columbia http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/index.html Ontario (Toronto): International students are NOT eligible for coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). You must get insurance on your own. Nova Scotia ( Halifax): People from outside the country who hold a Study Permit can apply for coverage the first day of the thirteenth month following the date of arrival in Nova Scotia as a student. You are eligible after ONE year. http://novascotiaimmigration.com/health-care/ns-medical-services-insurance

Do I need medical insurance in Canada?

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Can I fill out my prescription at a Canadian pharmacy?

It may be possible to fill out prescriptions in Canada. If you have a medical condition or require special medicine or treatment, get a letter from your doctor in your country explaining the medical condition and purpose for the medication. Also get a translation of the prescription and the letter. Bring all of this to a Doctor in Canada so that they can give you a Canadian prescription to be filled at a pharmacy. If you have any medication sent from your country make sure all the documents explaining the reason for the medication are with the medicine translated into English. Canada Customs may not allow the medicine to enter the country so make sure you are prepared before you come. Also be sure to inform the school of any medical conditions or allergies you have.

Can I get a library card in Canada?

Canadian cities have great public library resources. Libraries are popular places for students to study. They also have a large selection of books, magazines, DVDs and music. Getting a library card is a great way to save money and take-out books for your reading pleasure. To get a library card you will need some form of identification such as a drivers license, student card or passport. You will also need something with your current address in Canada on it. This can be a bill or letter you have received with both your name and address on the envelope. For more information on using public libraries in Canada you can visit the following websites. Toronto: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca Victoria: www.gvpl.ca Vancouver: www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca Surrey: www.spl.surrey.bc.ca Halifax:www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca

Will I be able to drive in Canada?

As long as you have an International Drivers License you can drive for up to six months in Canada. You will have to get your International Drivers License in your country before coming to Canada. If you have a translation of your drivers license and drivers record from your country it may be possible to change your license to a BC, Ontario, or Nova Scotia drivers license. They will keep you old license when you do this. For BC visit www.icbc.com/licensing for more information. For Ontario visit www.mto.gov.on.ca for information on getting an Ontario drivers license. For Nova Scotia visit www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/ for more information.

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Staying Safe Do

Canada is a very safe country. As long as you use a little common sense it is unlikely that you will have any problems while staying in Canada. Still there are some things you should do and not do to stay safe while living in Canada. In the case of an emergency call 911. They will ask if you need the police, fire department or ambulance and will need

Be aware of your surroundings in well lit areas at night Stay Have a plan for getting home at the end the night of Have your address written down and you with Have important phone numbers written and with you down Keep your valuables close and where you see them can Ask someone in a uniform for help if lost or in trouble (Police officer, bus driver, clerk, security guard, etc.) store Wear a seatbelt when in a car

Dont

money to strangers Give Show your wallet to anyone who asks for money you Leave your bag or purse open and/or unattended Take rides from people you dont know Carry large amounts of money with you open drinks from people in bars Take Leave your drink unattended in a bar

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TRANSPORTATION
One of the first things you will have to learn is how to get around. In this section you will find out about transportation in Canada according to the area you will be studying in, Vancouver, Surrey, Toronto, Victoria and Halifax. For the purpose of transportation Vancouver and Surrey are combined in this section as the Greater Vancouver Regional District. In this section of your guide you will find the following transportation information:

Remember that it is always a good idea to carry your address and phone number of your homestay and the school phone number with you at all times in case you get lost.

Public Transportation for Vancouver and Surrey How to get from Vancouver to Victoria Public Transportation for Victoria How to get from Seattle to Victoria Public Transportation for Toronto Public Transportation for Halifax Bikes and bike paths

VANCOUVER/ SURREY
The area around Vancouver, including the suburbs and nearby cities of Surrey, Richmond and Burnaby is known as the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Public transportation in Greater Vancouver is provided by Translink www.translink.ca. The Greater Vancouver Regional District is divided into sections called zones. Zone 1 includes most of Vancouver, except for anything over the Lions Gate Bridge. Zone 2 includes Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, and parts of West Vancouver. Zone 3 is anything beyond Zone 1 &2 including Surrey.

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Trolley Busses / Standard Busses

Main bus route to

KGIC Campus

Stops across the street

Transfers are free until the time of expiry

provides a worry-free and comfortable commute downtown 5am-12am approx.

SkyTrain

Canada line: Vancouver to Richmond and yvr

millenium line: Vancouver to Burnaby

Expo line: vancouver to surrey

For KGIC Campus: Burrard Station

HEADING
TO KGIBC-CTC?

KGIBC-CTC is only a one block walk from the Granville SkyTrain Station

SeaBus

RUNS ON

minute From North Vancouver to downtown Van

INTERVALS

15/30
Bus Pass
$81 $110 $151

Transit

Fares
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3

Cash Fare
$2.50 $3.75 $5.00

Fare Saver
$21.00 $31.50 $42.00

Valid for all froms of public transportation in Van

and a great way to explore the city on sunny days. Vancouver has many bike lanes throughout the city.

Bicycles are cheap, eco-friendly,

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24

The bus in Victoria is very easy and convenient to use. Public transportation in Victoria is run by BC Transit. For information about transit in Victoria visit www.bctransit.com. Unlike Vancouver, there is no zone division in Victoria. Bus passes and tickets are available at various convenience stores in the city.
The most common transportaion in Victoria

VICTORIA

Cash Fare
$2.50

10 Tickets
$22.50

Day Pass
$7.75

Monthly pass $74.50 sold on campus

GOING TO VANCOUVER?
Take the public bus to

the ferry terminal at:

70 72

SWARTZ BAY Walk on passEnger $14.25

It is more convenient to take the Pacic Coach Line to downtown Vancouver

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TORONTO
Public transportation in the Greater Toronto Area is provided by the Toronto transit Commission (TTC). You can get information about transit in Toronto from the TTC website, www.ttc.ca. The TTC includes busses, subway and streetcars. Toronto doesnt have transit zones and one fare will allow you to transfer between any of the different forms of public transportation. There is an extra charge if you use the Express buses.
Cash Fare
$3.00

6am1:30am

SUBWAY
all night routes

Tickets
$2.60
All KGIC students receive a discount price:

STREETCAR

TTC is a 24-hour system

KGIC is a short walk from Eglinton station

sAVE $22

Monthly Pass
$126

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The HRM includes the city of Halifax, the city of Dartmouth and the town of Bedford. Public transportation in the HRM is provided by Metro Transit www.halifax.ca/metrotransit/schedules.

HALIFAX

Main bus route to

KGIC Campus
Right outside the building:

1
Transit

10 20
10 Tickets
$18 $13 $18

9
MetroPass
$70 $52 $64

Across the street from the building:

5, 10, 20, 41, 59, 68, 80, 81, 82, 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 53

Fares
Adult Senior & Child Student

Cash Fare
$2.25 $1.50 $2.25

Transfers are free until the time of expiry

provides a worry-free and comfortable commute downtown

MetroX

metrox Cash Fares

Adult/Student $3.23 Child/Senior $2.50 Monthly Pass: $100

fare for a 6km / TAXI Estimated 10-12 minute cab ride is:

12 DOLLARS

Halifax Staneld International Airport

KGIC Halifax campus is about 34km / 35-minute drive from the airport. The airport has a shuttle service to and from the city from select hotel locations.

RETURN FARE $36.00 IN PRICE

ONE WAY FARE $19.50 HST INCLUDED

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Bicycles are a great way to get around when the weather is nice. If you are going to spend a significant amount of time in Canada you may want to invest in a good used bicycle. Many buses in Canadian cities have racks on the front of the bus for bikes. There are also numerous trails and bike lanes for the use of cyclists. Please note it is the law to wear a helmet while bicycling in Canada. You can find a Vancouver cycling map and information about cycling in Vancouver on the Translink website at www.translink.ca. Click on Cycling for maps and information. For information and cycling maps for Toronto visit www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/index.htm. For information and cycling maps of Victoria visit www.gvcc.bc.ca/recrides.shtml. For information and cycling maps of Halifax visit http://www.halifax.ca/cycling/documents/Bikemap_Hfx_Dartmouth.pdf .

BIKE PATHS

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Welcome to Canada!! We are so happy that you have decided to study in our country. There are many things you may have heard about Canada already. You might have heard that it is a cold country and that we all love winter sports, especially ice hockey (in Canada we just call it hockey). You may have heard that we say Eh! at the end of our sentences. You may have heard that Canadians are generally very polite. Perhaps youve heard that Canada is a very accepting and multi-cultural country. Theres some truth to all of these generalities, but thats not all you need to know about Canada, eh! Living in another country and culture can be a difficult adjustment. Adapting to a new way of doing things and trying to live in a foreign culture can be a challenge and can lead to culture shock. The best way to overcome this challenge is to be prepared. In this section of the guide we will go over some of the customs and etiquette in Canada. We hope this will help you as you begin your fantastic journey of living and studying in Canada. Customs (noun): The usual way of doing something in a given situation. Etiquette (noun): The accepted and proper behaviour in social situations. Culture (noun): The behaviours, beliefs and characteristics of a particular social, ethnic, or age group. Culture shock (noun): A state of confusion and distress experienced by an individual who is suddenly exposed to a new, strange or foreign social and cultural environment.

CANADIAN CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

There are many things you might notice that are different in Canada while you are out and about. Here are a few things to help you while you are exploring around the city.

ON THE STREET/ AROUND TOWN

Walk on the right When walking on the sidewalk, in hallways, up stairwells, in shopping
malls and anywhere else stay on the right. Canadians both drive and walk on the right. Hold the door open for the next person When walking out of a busy shopping mall, restaurant, store or any other place with a lot of people it is customary in Canada to hold the door open for the person behind you. This person should take the door from your hand and hold it open for the person behind them. This way no one has a door close in their face. 29

 Dont spit in public It is very rude to spit in front of other people. In some cities spitting on

Canada Personal space is a wide open country. As a result Canadians have a much

the street may even carry a fine. Do not spit in drinking fountains, and if you spit in a sink make sure to rinse it down the drain. Smoking Most cities in Canada now have a public smoking ban in buildings. This means you cannot smoke inside any building, including restaurants, pubs and bars. Smoking is only permitted outside and you must be at least 6 meters away from any door or window. Ask at your campus where the designated smoking area is located. Lining-up It is customary to line-up in Canada when waiting. Do not assume that you can go to the front of a line just because you see an open space. Cutting in line is considered to be extremely rude. You can ask the person at the end of the line, Is this the line for to check if you are in the correct line. This is also a great way to practice your English!

larger area of personal space than you may be used to. You may even notice a Canadian apologizing to you as they pass by even though he or she never even touched you. This is because they are apologizing for entering your personal space. Personal space in Canada is about the length of your arm. If you need to pass by someone it is polite to say, Excuse me.

ON THE BUS
For most students in Canada the bus is the most common form of transportation. For more information on riding the bus take a look at the Transportation section of this guide. Here are a few points of etiquette to keep in mind while using public transportation in Canada.

IfMove to the back there are no seats on the bus, make sure you dont stand at the front Make Dont block the exit sure you keep the exit doors clear. This may be a tempting area
30 front this gets in the way of people trying to get on the bus. of the bus. This will make it more difficult for other passengers trying to get on the bus. When you get on the bus move yourself as far back as you can. As people exit the bus and space opens up keep moving back so others can get on at the front. to stand because it is open and has lots of space, but when it comes time for people to exit you will find that you are in the way.

You Exit out the back doors should exit out the rear doors of the bus. If you try to exit out the

 Give Give up your seat for the disabled or elderly up your seat for those who need it more than you. It is customary Remember Keep the volume down that the bus is a small public space and sounds carries far.
If you are listening to an MP3 player keep the volume down so others on the bus dont also have to listen to your music. Also if you are talking on your cell phone or with your friends keep your voice down to a polite level. in Canada to give up a seat for the disabled, elderly, parents with young children and pregnant mothers.

One of the great joys of traveling and experiencing another culture is trying all the different kinds of food. Multiculturalism in Canada also means that you can try food from all over the world. Canadians love dining out. Here are a few tips for you about Canadian eating etiquette.

EATING OUT

ItCalling over your waiter or waitress is considered impolite to yell for service in Canada. The accepted Proper Table manners table manners are very important in Canada. Slurping or otherwise

method of getting your servers attention is to make eye contact with him or her and raise your hand. eating noisily is considered impolite. Also chewing food with your mouth open and eating with your elbows on the table are considered to be poor table manners. in Canada to end your request with a please. For example May I have some more water, please? Similarly it polite to say Thank you when receiving your food or having your request met. General politeness and using please and thank you will go a long way in bridging the culture gap. If you dont use please your server may think you are being rude and the service you receive wont be as good.

When Please and Thank You asking for food, drinks or any other requests or service it is polite

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 Eating Practice your English out is a great chance for you to practice your English. Try not Remember Be aware of others you are not the only one in the restaurant. When in a small

to simply point at items on the menu. It is especially rude to point at what someone is having at another table. By making an effort at being polite and asking for something you are showing your interest in the culture and your server will appreciate you for it. group be careful to not be too loud. Remember that a foreign language sounds much louder than English to Canadians as they are not used to hearing it. What may seem like a normal volume in your country could be very considered very loud to Canadians. of a tip is 15%. Remember that both the tax and the tip are not included in the price of your meal, so dont be surprised if your bill is a little bit more than you expected. If you are genuinely not happy with the service you received then it is okay not to tip.

In Tipping Canada we generally tip at the end of a meal. The standard amount

Hygiene is important to us all. There are a few points about bathroom etiquette that may be useful for you to know.

IN THE BATHROOM

Using toilet the Of course you should flush the toilet after you use it. Plumbing

Taking aAshower few points on showering in Canada. If you are living with other
people please respect their bathing products. Some shampoos, soaps and cleansers can be quite expensive. Use the shower curtain. Some countries have a drain on the bathroom floor and are used to showering without a shower curtain or door. In Canada this is not the case. It is very important that you use the shower curtain. Make sure that the shower curtain is inside the bathtub or water will still spray out onto the floor.

in countries can be different though, so you may find some differences. Put used toilet paper in the toilet and flush it. Do not put it in the garbage. Wrap feminine hygiene products in tissue and put in the garbage. Do not flush them down the toilet as they can clog the plumbing. Standing on the toilet is dangerous. Do not stand or squat on the toilet. Place the toilet seat down after using it. Wipe any drips off the seat when done.

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 Keep it short. If you are living in a house the water heater may take some time before heating the water up again. Keep your

At the sink Proper etiquette around sinks in public washrooms is very

shower short to save hot water and to give time for others in the house to use it. Clean up after yourself. Rinse any soap scum down the drain. Stand on a bathmat to dry yourself and wipe up any water that may drip onto the floor. Using deodorant, perfume and cologne. Using deodorant to cover up any body odours is polite. However, if you use perfume or cologne use very little. Some people are very sensitive to smells, and in general Canadians do not like strong, over powering odours. important. Always try and think about the person who will be using the sink after you. Take a look at the sink and counter top around the sink after using it and ask yourself if you would be happy to use it. Dont spit or blow your nose in the sink. Use tissue paper to blow your nose and dispose of it in the garbage. Wash your hands after using the toilet. Dont dump leftover food or noodles down the sink drain. Wipe up the counter around the sink after using it.

For many students it is an adjustment to live with a new group of people, especially when the people are from very different backgrounds and cultures. Be respectful to those around you and remember to follow the rules of the homestay or dormitory. Also if you are staying in a homestay, remember that all Canadians immigrated from somewhere. Canadians come from many different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicity. It is very rude to suggest someone is not Canadian just because their family does not have a European background. Dont be shy. You will enjoy yourself and your time in Canada more if you can be friendly with the people you live with. Its also a good way to practice your English. Dont use without asking. Get permission before using computers, internet, washing machines, etc. If you are not sure how to use something ask. It is much better to ask a question than to make a mistake and end up breaking something. Remember to show respect for the property of others. Use a phone card for long distance phone calls. Charging your phone calls to your homestay familys telephone is very disrespectful. Clean up after yourself. There is no personal maid service as part of your homestay or dormitory agreement. Nobody likes a dirty space so help out and keep your living space clean.

IN YOUR HOMESTOAY OR DORMITORY

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Studying in Canada is a great way for you to meet people from all over the world. We want you to get the most out of your education in Canada. Here are a few points about classroom etiquette Ask questions! Dont be afraid to ask a question in class, especially if you dont understand. Chances are that someone else in the class might want to know the same thing. However you should keep your questions limited to the class or topic being discussed. The teacher is there for all the students, not as your personal tutor. If you have a question that is not related to the subject or lesson, wait until the class is finished and ask your teacher if he or she minds answering a question for you. If you dont understand something someone says or were not able to hear what they said the polite way to express this is to say Pardon or Excuse me, could you repeat that please? Saying only what? or why? is considered to be impolite. Turn your cell phone off before class and dont text message during class time. Dont talk over the teacher or other students. It is considered impolite to not let someone finish speaking. Be prepared for class. You should have your notebooks and writing materials with you when you come to class. Participate!!! Raise your hand if you know an answer. Speak up and dont be shy. Have fun!!!

IN THE CLASSROOM AND AT SCHOOL

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YOUR FIRST DAY AT KGIC

Your first day (Intake Day) in a new school can be an exciting and nervous time. Some preparation can help you reduce stress. Here are some tips for your first day: Get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast. You cannot do your best if you are tired. Learn the route to KGIC before your first day. You should find out: What bus to use? Do you have to change busses? Where to get on the bus? Where to get off the bus? What time should I leave? Your homestay family, roommate, or KGIC House Mate can help you. You can also use your computer to log onto your local public transportation website. (See the Transportation section in this guide on page ###) Please arrive early. 8:15am! Please remember that often there are many new students at one time. Check in! Please let us know you are here. Thing to bring: Copies of your Passport and Medical insurance. Your letter of acceptance Something to drink, or a water bottle. A pen Lunch. Lunchtime is a good time to make some new friends! On your first day at KGIC, you should expect to stay with us for most of the day. Depending on the number of new students that arrive, you might not be finished until 3:30pm. We basically have 2 kinds of Intake Day: Big Intake Day and Small Intake Days. We receive most of our new students on the first Monday of the month (Big Intake Day). Other days are much smaller (Small Intake days). The schedules basically work like this, but the actual times may vary.

Your first day is over. You will be given either on the same day ( small intake of new students) your class levels and books or you will be asked to come back the next day to pick up your sheet with your levels and classes for this month and your books. Congratulations and welcome to KGIC. We wish you a successful and memorable stay with us!

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USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS & WEBSITES TORONTO HALIFAX

Address Phone: Website:

KGIC Halifax 400-1791 Barrington Street

905-422- 5442 http://www.kgic.ca/campus- halifax.html

Address Phone: Website:

KGIC Toronto 150 Eglinton Avenue East

KGIC 7th floor 416-489-0540 http://www.kgic.ca/campus-toronto.html

Metro Transit Lost and Found: 905-490-6617 Route Info www.halifax.ca/metrotransit schedules Casino Taxi Phone: 429-6666 or 425-6666 Nova Scotia Tourism Website: www.novascotia.com Halifax Tourism Website: http:// www.halifax.ca/visitors.asp General Halifax Info: http://www.novascotia.com/en/ home/planyourtrip/faqs/ generalinformation.aspx Police Fire 911 Ambulance Halifax International Airport Website: http://www.hiaa.ca/

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Lost and Found: 416-393-4100 Route Info http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/index.jsp Taxi Service Phone: 416-979-7001 (Canada Taxi) 416-366-6868 (Diamond Taxi) 647-547-7451 (Toronto Airport Limo Taxi) Ontario Tourism Website: http://www.ontariotravel.net Toronto Tourism Website: http://www.seetorontonow.com General Toronto Info: http://www.toronto.ca/visitors/index.htm Police Fire 911 Ambulance Pearson International Airport Website: http://www.gtaa.com

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VANCOUVER/ SURREY
KGIC Vancouver/Surrey
KGIC Surrey Address #200 - 10524 King George Hwy. Phone: 604-930 5161 Website: http://www.kgic.ca/city-surrey.html KGIC Vancouver Address 201-1400 Robson Street Phone: 604-608 1135 Website: http://www.kgic.ca/city-vancouver.html Translink Lost and Found: 604-682-7887 Route Info http://www.translink.ca/
Surdell-Kennedy Taxi Phone: 604- 588-8888 (Surrey) Yellow Cab Phone: 604-681-1111 (Vancouver) B.C. Tourism Website: www.hellobc.com Vancouver Tourism Website: www.tourismvancouver.com Surrey Toursim Website: www.surreytourism.ca Police Fire 911 Ambulance Vancouver International Airport Website: www.yvr.ca

VICTORIA
KGIC Victoria Address 31 Bastion Square
Phone: Website: Victoria Bus Route Info: 250-383-5464 http://www.kgic.ca/city-victoria.html Lost and Found:250-995-5637 www.busonline.ca/regions/vic

Victoria Taxi Phone: 250-383-7111 B.C. Tourism Website: www.hellobc.com Victoria Tourism Website: www.tourismvictoria.com Police Fire 911 Ambulance Victoria Airport Website: www.victoriaairport.com

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

We hope your stay in Canada will be full of wonderful moments that last for a lifetime from the beginning to the end. If you feel that your experience was a great and broadened your horizon, please share it with us and future students who do not know if they should go and study abroad. We of course do think a study abroad experience is a life changing experience and will enrich your life on all levels. To be able to speak, write and communicate in English is one of the most important things these days to help you to find a better job, and advance your career. Pair this with experience in another culture and your future employer will view you in a different light. You can send us your feedback anytime ( even 10 years later); We love to hear from our ex students. If possible send us a picture with it and perhaps let us know where you work or how your stay with us helped you back in your country. Marketing-assistant@kgic.ca Subject: Testimonial.

E-MAIL: kgic@kgic.ca Please contact us by e-mail for any additional questions or comments that you might have, before, during or after your courses. We are looking forward to hearing from you and to staying in touch with you! ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/kgicgroup Interested in our activities and meeting students that are currently enlisted or have completed programs at KGIC? Visit us on our facebook page to find out more! ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/kgic Join us on Twitter to find out more about our current activities and to get the latest news about KGIC. ON YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/kgicvideos Find out more about our campuses, programs, activities and students by watching our movie channel on Youtube. ON SLIDESHARE: http://www.slideshare.net/kgic Follow us on Slideshare and watch presentations about KGIC, brochures, general info, and our activity calendars and more.

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