Mini stay Program are usually 1 to 2 weeks, typically group-based (students come with their teachers) and focus on cultural immersion, English exposure, and local experiences rather than formal classes.

Please note that the Mini Stay Program for secondary schools is paused for the 2025–2026 school year, and we are unable to accommodate such requests at this time.

For elementary schools, applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the requested start date. Arrangements must be coordinated in advance with:

Cynthia Anniballi
Principal, International Education Program
email: cynthia.anniballi@ycdsb.ca

Short-Term Stay programs usually range from 3 to 6 weeks. Students may join classes at the host school, experience both academic and cultural immersion.

Please note that the Short-Term Stay Program for secondary schools is paused for the 2025–2026 school year, and we are unable to accommodate such requests at this time.

For elementary schools, applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the requested start date. Arrangements must be coordinated in advance with:

Cynthia Anniballi
Principal, International Education Program
email: cynthia.anniballi@ycdsb.ca 

This program is intended for students who have completed their secondary school studies in their own country, and are looking to study abroad for one year, prior to attending post-secondary. Their post-secondary choice can be in Canada, the USA or in their own country. Studying abroad affords students the opportunity to acclimate to a new culture/country, and experience living in a different country. In addition, these gap year certificates allow students to further develop their English language fluency as well as other academic skills required for success in their post-secondary program of choice. The certificate they will pursue will align with their post-secondary goals. To that end, we offer 3 distinct certificates:

• ESL/STEM Certificate: courses include gr 12 English/ESL; Advanced Functions; Calculus; Physics; Chemistry; Biology and an elective of their choosing, such as Computer Science.
• ESL/Business Certificate: courses include gr 12 English/ESL; Advanced Functions; Calculus; choices between Data Management, International Business, Economics, Business Leadership, Accounting, Sports Marketing, World Issues and other grade 12 level courses in Business and/or Canadian and World Studies.
• ESL/Humanities Certificate: English/ESL; choices between Writer’s Craft, Horror Fiction, World Issues, Families in Canadian Society, Interdisciplinary Studies, World History, Law, Ancient Civilizations, and other Canadian & World Studies Courses.

The students would work towards acquiring a minimum of 6 credits in the courses for each certificate.

● English as a second language (ESL)/English Literacy Development (ELD)
● Continuing Education
● High Performer Athlete Program
● Regional Arts Program
● International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (students must qualify)
● Advanced Placement (AP) Program (students must qualify)
● Specialist High Skills Major Program:

○ Arts and Culture
○ Business
○ Health and Wellness
○ Information and Communications Technology
○ Manufacturing
○ Non-Profit

Clubs and councils include but are not limited to: student government, DECA, Canadian Model United Nations, biotechnology, culinary, robotics, coding, athletics council, dance, band, music, mathletes and more.

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