FAQ

1. When can I start my courses?
2. How much does it cost to come to your school?
3. When should I register and when do I have to pay?
4. What happens if I cancel?
5. How much money should I bring with me?
6. What happens if I want to change my courses or schedule when I am there?
7. How do I register?
8. Do I need a TOEFL® test score to enter GEOS Vancouver?
9. Can I choose the courses that I want right now and be sure I will get them?
10. How do you decide what level I am at before I take classes?
11. What happens on my first day at GEOS?
12. Do I get a diploma or certificate when I finish? 
13. What is the materials fee?
14. I am trying to register online but I don't think it is working. Do I need to change something in my computer?
15. Can I take a break from my classes if I want to go on a trip for a week or two?
16. Can I go from one GEOS school to another? Are there any extra fees for doing this?
17. Do I need a visa to come to your school?
18. I am studying or visiting the United States right now. Can I use the same visa I used to enter the United States to come to Canada?
19. Can I visit the United States while I am in Canada?
20. If I decide to stay longer at GEOS can I extend my Study Permit in Canada?
21. Can I work while I am in Canada studying at GEOS?
22. Can I have packages delivered to the school?

1. When can I start my courses?
   You can start on any Monday. However, we suggest that you start on our official starting dates each month.
    
2. How much does it cost to come to your school?
   It depends on what program you wish to take. Please take a look at our fee schedule.
    
3. When should I register and when do I have to pay?
   The earlier you register, the earlier your place is confirmed in the school. We want to accept all students, but if all classes are full, we might not be able to accept.
   
   Here is the order of the application:
   
   

   1. You send your application form.
   2. We send official invoices.
   3. You can make payment by bank transfer or credit card (Visa/Mastercard). If you are in Vancouver, you may also make payment with cash or a personal cheque.
   4. We will send your official letter of acceptance and book your accommodation (if you have asked for this).
    
4. What happens if I cancel?
   Please see the GEOS Canada Cancellation Policy.
    
5. How much money should I bring with me?
   Besides your classes, you will probably need a minimum of $1000 per month for accommodation and spending money.
    
6. What happens if I want to change my courses or schedule when I am there?
   Students can switch between our English classes program to any Preparation course. However, to change a contract (from intensive to part-time, or to private courses) requires the permission of the School Manager. Normally students study according to the terms of the contract that they sign.
    
7. How do I register?
   Please fill out our application form and send it to the school. We should return invoices to you within 1 business day.
    
8. Do I need a TOEFL® test score to enter GEOS Vancouver?
   No, you do not need a TOEFL score to enter the school. However, for those students who do want to study for the TOEFL test, we do have a TOEFL Ibt preparation course.
    
9. Can I choose the courses that I want right now and be sure I will get them?
   If you register for a intensive or part-time course, that course is guaranteed to be running when you are here at the school. If you take our Super Intensive English, this program includes an elective course. This elective course given to you as part of your super intensive course depends on the elective courses running at that time.
    
10. How do you decide what level I am at before I take classes?
    On your first morning, you will be given a placement test and an orientation. Your placement test measures speaking, listening, and reading. We will know your level after giving you this test. For those students already in Vancouver, they can take the placement test at the school anytime before the starting date.  If you would like to arrange a different time for your placement test, please contact us.
     
11. What happens on my first day at GEOS?
    On your first day of school, your schedule is:
    
     9:00 - 10:30   Orientation, Study Schedule & School Rules  
    10:30 - 11:30  TEST; Listening, Vocabulary, Reading & Grammar
    12:15 - 13:00  Lunch Break
    13:30 - 14:00  Walking Tour of downtown Vancouver (every offical starting day)
    12:30 - 14:30  Homestay orientation
     
12. Do I get a diploma or certificate when I finish?
    Yes. GEOS gives a certificate to all of our students who attend at least 80% of their classes.
     

     

13. What is the textbook fee?
    All students are given textbooks for our classes. The textbook fee covers the cost of these textbooks.
     

     

14. I am trying to register online but I don't think it is working. Do I need to change something in my computer?
    Please contact the school if you are having problems registering. We can send you an application form by email.
     
15. Can I take a break from my classes if I want to go on a trip for a week or two?
    Students can take a 2-week vacation for every 12 weeks they are studying. If you are studying for less than 12 weeks, there is no vacation available, unless this is discussed with the school at the time of your enrolment.
     
16. Can I go from one GEOS school to another? Are there any extra fees for doing this?
    There are no transfer fees to move from one GEOS school to another in North America. However, if you are moving to a school with higher fees, then you are responsible for the difference in tuition.
     
17. Do I need a visa to come to your school?
    This depends on how long you plan to study, and what country you are from.
    
    a) How long do you plan to study?
    You may study in Canada for up to 6 months with a visitor’s visa. If you would like to study longer than six months, then you need apply for the Student Permit. Canadian Immigration Law states that students with a Student Permit must attend at least 80% of their classes. The school’s application form and the enrolment agreement contain the details of our refund policy. We are happy to help with all visa applications.
    b) What country you are from?
    All students who are studying for longer than 6 months need to apply for the Student Permit. Students who study for less than six months can come as visitors/tourists. However, students from some countries do need a temporary resident visa.
     
18. I am studying or visiting the United States right now. Can I use the same visa I used to enter the United States to come to Canada?
    No. Canada and the USA have different immigration systems. Students from some countries can enter Canada with just a passport, so these students may easily enter Canada from the United States for a visit or for studies of 6 months or less.  For longer studies, a Canadian Student Permit is required.
     
19. Can I visit the United States while I am in Canada?
    Yes, but only if you have a visa to visit the United States. Even if your visa says "one entry", you are allowed to visit the United States and return to Canada.  The United States is an exception to the "one entry" rule.
     
20. If I decide to stay longer at GEOS can I extend my Study Permit in Canada?
    Yes, GEOS is happy to help you extend your Study Permit.
     

     

21. Can I work while I am in Canada studying at GEOS?
    No. Students with a visitor visa are not allowed to work. Students with a Student Permit must be attending a Study & Work Program.
     
22. Can I have packages delivered to the school?
    Yes, you can have packages delivered to the school. Just make sure that they are marked "DDP" (Delivery Duty Paid) and not "DDU" (Delivery Duty Unpaid), otherwise they will be sent to the courier company and you will have to pick them up yourself.