FAQs
Frequently Asked Question
You have questions. We have answers
Pre-arrival Info
Can children under the age of 14 travel alone to Vancouver?
Parents or guardians need to notify the airline if their child is under 14 and will be travelling alone. Please let the airline know that an unaccompanied minor will need supervision for their travel to and from Vancouver. The airline will arrange for an attendant to help the child through customs and with boarding. When arranging for this special service, the airline also needs to be informed that a representative will be picking up the child from the Vancouver International Airport. An unaccompanied minor service fee will apply through the airline for both ways and should be paid for in advance of coming to Vancouver.
Who will meet the students at the Vancouver International Airport?
At the Vancouver International Airport, a representative will be waiting at Arrivals. They will be wearing an official t-shirt and holding a large sign. Students will be escorted directly where they will check-in and meet their counsellor.
How will parents know that their children have arrived safely?
We will notify parents via email on the day their child arrived safely in Vancouver. Emails to receive the confirmation must be completed on the Flight Information Form.
How will students keep their money and valuables safe?
Students are advised not to bring unnecessary valuables, such as expensive watches or jewellery, to the program. A locked safe is available for students to keep valuables if required. Such valuables will only be available for use a few times per week at set times. It is constantly advised to students that they lock their dorm door at all times. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen items during the students’ participation in the program.
How much money should students bring?
If students are not planning to make large purchases, $50-$75 CAD per week should be sufficient for spending money. Additional cash for emergencies should also be brought. We recommend that students bring most of their funds in the form of insured traveller’s cheques, with only a small amount of cash. Specified times are available for students to cash traveller’s cheques and withdraw a portion of the cash that they can choose upon check-in to be kept safe.
Who keeps the student’s airline ticket and passport?
Upon arrival, students should submit their ticket and passport to office staff, or to their accompanying chaperone who will be staying in the residences. If these documents are not submitted upon arrival, the loss or misplacement of these documents will be the student’s and parent’s responsibility.
Accomodation & Living
How is security organized in the dormitories?
Only authorized personnel and students are given keys to the dormitories. Students are assigned Counsellors who stay in the same dormitory area as their students. In addition, there is a Dormitory Manager who is on duty in the evenings and on weekends in the event of an emergency and to assist with other issues. Security Guards patrol the university grounds at night.
Can students choose their type of dormitory room?
The dormitory room assignments are arranged by several factors including gender, age category and mixed nationalities. Furthermore, Counselors require a room near their student group. As such, students will not be able to submit requests for room selections or allocations; we are unable to accommodate these requests.
Where do the students eat and where can they buy food?
Students are provided three meals usually from a cafeteria and an evening snack every day. Packed lunches or dinners will be provided on some outings. There are also BBQs and special dinners provided as part of the program itineraries. If students wish to purchase snacks outside of meals times, there are stores, restaurants and vending machines near each program residence location. Students are not permitted to visit these locations without the supervision of their Counselor.
How do students do their laundry?
Counsellors are provided with laundry cards that operate the machines in the dormitories. Students will be provided with laundry detergent and assisted by their Counsellors in doing their laundry on a regular basis.
What personal living items will be provided for students?
We will provide students with bedding for their dormitory room that will be cleaned regularly. All students are expected to bring their own towels and toiletries for the program. In the event that an item is lost or forgotten, Counselors can help students purchase such an item on one of their off-campus outings.
Safety & Contacts
How can parents contact their child during the program?
Parents can log in to the Parent Database online and leave a message for their child. A secondary option is to call the office and leave a message. Staff will deliver the message to the student during a break period in the program.
How can students call home?
Students may use one of the phones available in the Student Lounges or a pay phone on campus. A long-distance calling card is required for students to call home and these cards can be purchased for $6 CAD. Counsellors will help their students call home during free time, primarily in the evenings after returning from their outing.
What if a friend or relative wants to visit and/or take students off-campus?
Parents or guardians need to fill out the Parental Consent Form to authorize friends or relatives who would like to visit and take students off-campus for personal outings. Advance notice must be provided of a student leaving. Students need to check-out/in at the office on their departure and return.
What happens if a student becomes ill or gets hurt?
We will arrange medical insurance coverage for all students for the duration of their program. In the case of sickness, accident, injury or emergency, our staff will accompany the student to receive medical attention. There is a hospital nearby all program locations.
Do you have another question, we haven’t quite covered on this page? Feel free to ask us on our contact page or send an e-mail directly to us at info@beavergsc.com