Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

We invite you to come and explore our beautiful capital city in the summer months! Students aged 12 to 18 can spend anywhere from two to six weeks studying English and enjoying social and cultural activities in our Summer English Explorer (SEE) Program. Individuals or groups are welcome for this program offered every summer. Two, three, four, five or six-week programs are available throughout the summer for individuals and chaperoned groups. In addition to enriching English language classes, the program includes exciting afternoon activities to enhance the language learning process. Activities include cultural, athletic, Canadian-themed and leisure events. Our curriculum is organized by the levels of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) for languages.

Who Can Attend

• Individual students aged 12 to 18 (by the program start date)
• School or student groups accompanied by chaperones/teachers

Program Features

• Daily morning English classes focused on communicative language
• Guided afternoon activities in groups accompanied by Canadian student ambassadors
• Homestay family with three meals per day included through the homestay
• Ottawa Airport pick up and drop off
• Welcome orientation and a farewell reception
• City bus pass
• Certificate of achievement
• 24-hour emergency contacts
• Complimentary homestay and bus pass for chaperones (minimum ten students per chaperone)
• Health insurance
• Summer Memories blog (check out our past one)

Benefits

Benefits We have been fortunate to have welcomed many students to our annual summer program and many of them have visited us for multiple summers. For many students this summer program is a great way to build confidence in their use of English and we have seen much success in students developing their language skills over the course of their summer weeks with us. As our training centre is located in downtown Ottawa, it is convenient for daily travel and for participation in various activities that showcase Ottawa - see our sample activity schedule below. The daily availability of program staff helps students feel safe, supported and at ease in their new surroundings. For students planning to start high school in Ottawa in September, Summer Explorer provides an excellent opportunity to practise English, get to know the community and adjust to life in Canada before starting school.

Sample* Activity Schedule for a Four Week Program

* Subject to change; this is a sample and not a final plan.

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is home to many museums, art galleries and embassies, and hosts many music and cultural festivals during the summer months. Ottawa also has spectacular parklands and wilderness areas where residents enjoy biking, rollerblading, hiking, swimming, boating, camping and much more.

Come explore Ottawa and make friends from all over the world!

How to Apply

• Program Start Dates

Summer programs will run between July 7th and August 1st, 2025. The dates below are start dates for programs.

     • *Tuesday, July 7th   • Monday, July 14th   • Monday, July 21st (2 week programs only)

Sign up for an online account and fill in the online application form

2025 Summer English Explorer Fees

*Note: Students must have a custodian while in Ottawa. (Deduct $130 CAD if no custodianship needed in Canada) *Price valid until April 5, 2024

The Summer English Explorer Program without homestay is also available. If you require pricing information, or for group arrangements, please contact at 613-239-0314 or at [email protected].