For parents: preparing for your trip to Canada
We are delighted you have chosen Travel Class for this experience. This article answers the most common questions that arise before departure and during the first days of the programme in Canada.
Documents required
Valid passport. A passport is required — a national ID card is not sufficient for travel to Canada. Check that the passport is valid for the entire duration of the stay.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Spanish citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada for short stays, but do need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before boarding their flight. The eTA costs CAD $7, is applied for online at canada.ca, and is usually approved within minutes. We recommend applying at least one week before departure. It is valid for five years or until the passport expires. Without an approved eTA the airline will not allow boarding.
Travel authorisation for minors. Minors travelling without both parents are strongly recommended to carry a notarised letter of authorisation signed by the absent parent or legal guardian, translated into English or French. Canadian border officials may request this document.
Travel insurance. Travel Class offers the option to arrange travel and medical insurance at the time of booking. If you have included it, you will receive the policy documents before departure. Canada does not have a reciprocal health agreement with Spain — medical treatment can be extremely expensive without cover, so adequate private insurance is essential.
Arrival at the airport
After passport control, baggage collection and customs clearance, a transfer representative will meet the group. In the case of individual transfer, a driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign showing the student's name. Students will travel directly to the school, where check-in, room allocation and a campus tour will take place. If arrival is late in the evening, we recommend packing a snack for the journey as the dining hall may be closed. The following morning, school staff will present the internal rules and the week's programme.
Classes
On the first day, students sit a placement test to be assigned to the most appropriate level group. Classes begin the day after arrival. Only English is spoken in the classroom. The first few days can be demanding — students are required to communicate constantly in a foreign language, which is an essential part of the learning process. Progress is usually very visible within the first week.
Money
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). We recommend each student carries the equivalent of €150–€200 per week for personal expenses, optional excursions and small purchases. A bank card (Visa or Mastercard) is the most practical option and is widely accepted. Currency can be exchanged at the airport or at banks on arrival. Please note that Spanish roaming plans may not cover Canada — check with your provider before departure.
Excursions
The programme typically includes a full-day excursion on Saturdays and a half-day excursion mid-week. Additional optional excursions are usually available on Sundays, costing approximately CAD $30–$80. Canada offers extraordinary natural landscapes and excursions are a highlight of the programme. We recommend setting aside some money for these.
Health
Canada has a varied climate. Summers are warm (20–30°C) but evenings can be cool, especially in British Columbia and Ontario. Please inform Travel Class of any medical conditions your child has before departure, and send any regular medications clearly labelled and handed to the accompanying staff on arrival. Medical care in Canada is excellent but very expensive without insurance.
What to pack
Luggage must not exceed 20–23 kg depending on the airline. We recommend including:
- Clothing for warm days and cool evenings (20–30°C in summer)
- A warm layer or light jacket for evenings
- Rain jacket or light waterproof
- Swimwear and towel
- Comfortable walking shoes and trainers
- A small day backpack for classes and excursions
- A notebook and pen
- Power adapter — Canada uses Type A/B plugs (flat two-pin), different from Spain
Bedding is provided and changed regularly. Laundry facilities are available on campus.
Communication
All campuses have free wifi. On arrival at the airport there will be internet available so your child can let you know they have landed. Local SIM cards can be purchased easily at any phone shop or airport in Canada.
We wish your child an unforgettable experience!
If you have any questions before or during the programme, we are available on WhatsApp at +34 647 988 392.