1. Why should I choose Blyth International Summers?
We are the leading provider of accredited travel-abroad programs in Canada. We commit to small class sizes, with an average last year of 11 students per class, and we provide a traveling tutor with each program so as to cater to each student's individual learning style. Last year, the grade improvement of our students averaged over 10 percent. We also have a large range of choices in programs, classes and optional excursions, as well as an online academic reporting system that parents can access at any time and traveling computer labs. We are the best program out there!

2. How much spending money should I bring?
The amount of spending money you should bring varies from location to location. We recommend, in general, about $150.00 CAD a week. You will need money for your lunches, snacks, laundry, and any other incidentals. However, this amount also depends on your own personal spending habits.

3. What type of currency should I bring, and in what form?
This also depends on location. We suggest a bit of local currency to start the trip and then a debit card, linked to a chequing account of a major bank, for the remainder. Some students bring credit cards with them as well. Traveller's cheques can be brought but please remember that in some locations it will be difficult to change them and, therefore, they should be brought only as a backup.

4. Will I have any free time?
Students are given free time after classes and then again after dinner. Any students leaving the property must inform staff members of their destination and all students must be in groups of four or more.

5. What will the accommodations be like?
The majority of our accommodations are double and triple occupancy, depending on location and on student roommate requests. In tropical settings our hotels are equipped with air-conditioning. All hotels are centrally located with areas available for studying and writing, as well as common rooms for hanging out. All of our hotels and residences offer comfort and safety.

6. Is there a curfew?
Yes. The curfew is 11:00 p.m. on weeknights and 12:30 a.m. on weekends. Students must sign in with teachers at this time and rooms are subsequently checked once the students have signed in.

7. When are classes taught and what is the class size?
Classes are taught every morning from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and in the afternoons twice a week from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Whistler will operate on a reverse schedule to enable the students to take part in sports activities during the day. Double credit class times will add to this amount. Our maximum class size is 20.

8. Do I need to bring our buy books for the program?
This depends on the course you are taking. Teachers will inform you of any requirements at orientation night in mid-May.

9. When will I receive my marks?
Marks will be reviewed by our academic director at the end of your trip. Report cards will then be sent home. Official transcripts will be sent to your home school.

10. Are there computers available? Can I bring my laptop?
Computers are available on all trips and all students have use of them. In addition, we have wireless Internet set up in the majority of our destinations. If you feel you will need a great deal of time on the computer, please feel free to bring your own or you can rent one from MCR computers. All students are given a USB stick at orientation.

11. Can I room with a friend? Can I be in the same class as a friend?
Yes, you can room with your friend. Please include your request on the questionnaire sent to you in your welcome package. Please ensure that your friend makes the same request on their questionnaire.
Classmate requests are always taken into account when building our classes, however, it is not guaranteed. Generally, the earlier you apply the more likely it will be that we can fulfill your request.

12. Is there supervision?
Yes, our student-to-staff ratio last year was 6 to 1. All of our staff members are available at all times to the students, whether they be Teachers, Tutors, Activities Coordinators or Program Managers. Staff members oversee curfews and perform random room checks. All excursions will include staff members.

13. How can my family reach me while we are away?
Before your departure, you will be given an information sheet that includes the phone numbers of all our hotels and residences. The majority of our programs will also have Internet available for e-mailing purposes.

14. What is the luggage weight allowance?
Luggage allowances vary depending on the carrier; please pack lightly! Allowances will range from 15 kilograms to 32 kilograms. Overweight luggage can be extremely expensive and some internal carriers do not accept any luggage at all that is over weight! You will be sent the luggage restrictions for you specific carrier closer to departure.

15. Do I need a visa?
Canadian students traveling to Australia and New Zealand do need a visa but this is supplied by our travel providers. If you are not a Canadian citizen, however, please contact the office as soon as possible.

16. Can I visit friends or relatives and stay with them overnight?
Students can visit with friends and family on their free time while abroad, if we receive written permission from their parents before departure. In these cases, students must be picked up by an adult who must show identification. Students must also provide contact information and a detailed itinerary. There are no overnight stays allowed, no exceptions.

17. What is Maplewood?
Maplewood is an online academic reporting system to which both parents and students have access. Teachers enter marks during the programs that can be viewed online anywhere in the world with the correct username and password.

18. Where do your teachers come from and who hires them?
Our teachers come from all over Canada and are all provincially certified. We receive over 1000 applications a year and all teachers go through a strict interview process with our Academic Director. Many of our teachers hold doctorates, faculty headships, university positions, Governor General’s awards for teaching and even the Maclean’s magazine teacher of the year. The majority of our teachers have been with us for a number of years and all of our teachers have a passion for teaching and travel.

19. What are optional excursions?
Optional excursions are trips in location that are not covered by the program cost. We have chosen excursions that we believe will enhance your trip experience. All of our programs include a number of excursions as well.

20. What are medical and tuition insurance and what do they cover?
Tuition insurance protects your investment in the event that a medical situation prevents you from travelling. Medical insurance covers you in the case of emergency medical situations that may occur while on your program.

21. Do I need a passport?
Aside from Whistler, Canadians will need a passport for all programs. Please note that you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months following the return date of your trip. If you are not a Canadian citizen, or do not have a Canadian passport, please inform the office as soon as possible.

22. Can I switch programs or courses?
Yes, you can switch programs until January the 1st. You will be charged or refunded the difference in the program cost. You are able to switch courses, as long as they are available, until April the 1st.

23. What is a transcript?
A transcript is the official record of all of the classes you have taken in high school. We require a photocopy of this in order to ensure that you have the proper prerequisites for your course. You can obtain a copy from your guidance counselor.

24. Can I request special meals if I have a dietary restriction?
Yes, we can cater to many different diets in most of our destinations. You will be asked to notify us of any dietary restrictions in a questionnaire that will be sent out once you enroll.

25. If I have an IEP can I get extra time and help?
Yes, we need a copy of your IEP as soon as possible. Your teacher will then work with you to craft an approach that suits you best!

26. How much do the tutors cost on the program?
Nothing!

27. Can I return home at a later date?
This may be an option depending on the carrier. Please contact the office and we will be able to tell you based on your program. If this option is available, we must know your final date by the 13th of March. There is a fee of $100, plus or minus any difference in airfare.

28. What if I don’t want to travel with the group? Can I get credit for the airfare?
Yes, but if you choose to fly on your own we must know by January the 1st. You will receive a credit, the amount of which will depend on the program.

29. When Should I sign up?
Soon! Our programs fill up quickly. Signing up early will ensure that you get the program and the course you want!