Thanks a million mairi, for helping to realise all of this. The school have been so helpful and Alec looking to read the Economist already!!
It was hard to leave Spain, but happy to see that in Canada things are working smoothly. We had a quick video call with Lara - she is doing great. Thanks in advance for your help on this mission!
Naoise had a great time, hopefully she will be back over if timings all align ...
If you’re looking for an enriching TY Experience in Canada or gap year in Canada for your teen, you’ve come to the right place!
A TY Experience in Canada is the perfect choice for a personal development experience of any Irish TY student or Gap Year adventure before university.
- Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre: Environmental Education opportunities abound. Students can study Outdoor Leadership, Water Ecology & Management, Snow Travel and much more – all while earning high school credits.
- Small or Medium Town Luxury: Our high schools have between 300 - 600 students, nestled in the small but full service towns of Banff (population: 7,000) & Canmore (population: 13,000), or Abbotsford which is nearer to Vancouver (population 150.000)
- Leading by Example: 1,000 pounds of food was grown in the school roof top garden last summer alone – come sample it in our school cafeteria.
- Academic Excellence: PISA results are in the top 10 in the world and our local results are some of the highest in the province.
Do you want to start the booking process?
To start booking your TY Experience in Canada, please fill out the Expression of Interest Form and Mairi will revert with next steps.
Canada is always ranked within the Top 10 for World Education
94% of all Canadian parents chose public education for high school years, because of its high standards, dynamic teaching methods & systematic high results. The schools are part of the town community, spacious and modern, offering top of the range facilities, practical subjects and an amazing breadth of indoor and outdoor activities.
Students use state-of-the-art technology to enhance learning, including modern computer labs and fully equipped workshops. There is WiFi throughout the schools and students are encouraged to use their devices in the classrooms and study areas.
Over the years, Mairi has built a close relationship with several school districts of British Columbia & Alberta, in the West of Canada.
Working with a range of fabulous public high schools each offering a Canadian school immersion experience for International students from around the world and a wealth of extracurricular activities and making the most of the fantastic nature around them. A TY Experience in Canada is perfect for teens that enjoy the out of doors.
The school districts themselves provide a personalised homestay service, and are able to place each Gap Student or Irish TY student in a carefully chosen family from the local community, in line with interests and personality.
High School Immersion TY Experience in Canada
Where: Banff, Canmore, Alberta (serviced by the Calgary Airport) or Abbotsford, British Columbia, (serviced by the Vancouver airport).
Minimum Stay: 5 months
Start Dates: end Aug, or end Jan
Cost: From 1.800€/mth + 800€ fixed extras approx (see exchange at date of travel).
Core Subjects: Maths, English, Social Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, PE
Optional Subjects: Aboriginal studies, Art, Instrumental music, Drama, Computer Studies, French, Media & Design, Communications, Technology, Tourism, Mechanics, Construction, Outdoor Leadership, Forensics, Engineering, Architecture...
The following extra-curricular activities to your TY Experience in Canada are dependent on availability but included in the basic price below:
Sport: Cross-Country Running, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey, Track & Field, Badminton, Soccer, Rugby...
Clubs: Green Team, High Hopes, Student Council, Drum Line, Travel Club, Art Club, Gay Straight Alliance, Games Club, Jazz Band and Choir, Creative writing, Photography
Basic price in Canadian Dollars (from): CA$13.700 for 5 months for high school fees, full homestay accommodation, international coordination and excursions. Plus CA$1.200 fixed fees (admin, insurance & transfers).
Not included: Flights
High School Immersion OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
- WILD: Wilderness Inspired Leadership Development
- Ski Academy (Nov-Jan or Nov-April)
- Golf
- Aviation for 17 & 18 year olds
- Forensic Studies (price on request)
- Soccer academy (price on request)
- PaloAlto CyberSecurity (price on request) and many more "cool courses"
WILD: CA$1.700
This add-on to your TY Experience in Canada features a unique type of training, instruction, and student development.
Canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing, and back-country camping with Canadian students! Our WILD Program is a lifetime opportunity. This full semester specialised course is offered in a variety of locations throughout the beautiful Rocky Mountains and includes both classroom time and overnight trips.
Students receive:
Extensive experiential outings in various wilderness settings and seasons
Development of character, leadership, interpersonal relationships
Technical skills: canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing, and back-country camping
Rocky Mountain Ski Academy: CA$6.500 (semester), CA$10.500 (full year)
Dates: Nov – Jan (semester rate) or Nov- April (full year rate)
Includes: Lake Louise Season Pass, Transportation, Coaching fees.
The Canadian Rockies Ski Academy (CRSA) is an integrated ski and school program facilitated by Canadian Rockies Public Schools. The Academy is for International Students attending grades 9 through 12 at Canadian Rockies Public Schools. This add-on to your TY Experience in Canada provides an opportunity for International Students to achieve athletic goals while still balancing educational demands. Held at the world famous Lake Louise Ski Resort, this program is sure to inspire students to their fullest potential.
The Academy is a 53-day skill development program aligned with the long term athlete development plan facilitated at Lake Louise. Vast and varied, pristine and inspirational, the athletes get to experience a friendly wilderness that’s authentically Canadian. Lake Louise is located in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies, with over 4,200 skiable acres of world-class terrain.
The Academy seeks to provide an environment fostering intellectual and physical pursuits through a series of well-rounded programs and the ideal athlete is a strong student looking to become a better all-round skier.
The schedule provides two days a week on snow and gives physical education high school credits to replace what is normally taken at school.
The 53 days on snow will include the opportunity to take an Avalanche Safety Course (AST) Level 1 which teaches how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand safe travel practices and be taught companion rescue. AST 1 is essential for skiers, snowboarders and snow-shoers. The coach of this program is a level 3 CSIA Certified Instructor, Level 1 CSIA Course Conductor and has race training experience.
Of course, being in one of the meccas for North American Ski, your child could just ski freely in their spare time during the season (CA$400). The school’s International Coordinator can help get the ski pass organised for you!
GOLF ACADEMY: CA$3.000
The Golf Academy at Robert Bateman Secondary provides students a high performance golf program and the opportunity to develop their potential and total game.
The program has a balanced approach with approximately 40% of the program held at Ledgeview Golf Course and Fraserglen Driving Range, where students will be instructed by certified CPGA professionals.
The other 60% of the program will involve golf specific athletic performance training, mental training, rules, ttiquette, anatomy, and nutrition by certified instructors and trainers.
Students are expected to maintain a 73% average in all school subjects in order to participate in the gold academy.
Price includes professional coaching fees, use of range balls, training equipment updates, transportation to and from the course, student membership fee to Ledgeview Golf Course.
AVIATION GROUND SCHOOL: CA$1.250
The Theory Course is the perfect TY Experience in Canada for individuals who are interested in obtaining their Private Pilot's License, and / or those interested in exploring a career in aviation.
The course introduces students to various parts of the industry while teaching them valuable information that will lead them towards their pilot's license - rotor or fixed wing. Eligible students can write the Transport Canada Private Pilot License - Aeroplane (PPAER) exam.
Instruction conducted by Chinook Helicopters, a world class training group, located at Abbotsford International Airport.
Classes are held each semester 2-3 nights per week for a total of 60 Class hours. Students must have strong English and Math skills.
Price includes all books and materials.
Students will study: Aviation Regulations, Engines & Systems Flight Instruments, Meteorology Navigation, Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Survival, Cockpit Resource Management, Aeroplane Flight Operations, Radio Navigation
Although not offered as part of this course, students can arrange their own flight training through Chinook Helicopters. Price on request.
Looking for a Spanish TY Experience or French TY Experience?
If so, you have come to the right place. We offer both! Click to learn more.