FAQ
- Questions about Montreal/Quebec/Canada.
- Questions about M.I.I.L.A.
- Questions about programs,
registrations and cancellations
- What is the minimum deposit I have to pay when registering?
- What happens if I cancel?
- What happens if I wish to change my program or schedule?
- Will I do a placement test before I start my program?
- Do I need a TOEFL score to get into M.I.I.LA.?
- Will I get a Certificate when I finish my program?
- Can I start on any Monday?
- Will I have to buy some materials for my courses?
- Will I be able to interrupt my classes in case of an emergency or if I want to take a vacation?
- Can I change my class if I think the level is too high/low?
- I have some trouble registering online. What can I do?
- Questions about visas
- Other questions
Questions about Montreal/Quebec/Canada
Will I like Montreal?
Montreal is without a doubt the safest, cleanest, most fun and exciting city in Canada. And the cost of living is the lowest in North America! Therefore you can afford staying longer and enjoying life much more than in any other city in Canada or most of the cities in the USA. There are so many things to do in Montreal that it is impossible to get bored. Besides, the fact that most people here speak English and French, added to a unique European atmosphere, constitutes this “extra” that will definitely get you hooked! There is no doubt that you will love Montreal!
TopShould I be scared of the winter in Montreal?
Not at all! It is true that Canada is a cold country in the winter, and that Montreal is colder that Vancouver and can get very cold during January-February. During these 2 months, it snows a lot and the temperature usually stays below zero degree Celsius. But remember that when it gets cold, you wear a winter coat, along with a pair of gloves and a scarf. Also, in the winter, people do not wander around outside for hours, as they would do in the summer time; rather they enjoy the amazing underground shopping centers! By the way, did you know that M.I.I.L.A. was just minutes away from the underground shopping centers?! Remember that, whatever your preferences are, spending one winter in Montreal is a fantastic experience.
TopWhat is the best season to come study in Montreal?
It depends. Every student has different tastes, when it comes to temperature, things to do or outdoor activities. The nightlife remains the same, whatever the seasons. However, it is true that students generally enjoy the summer time more than the winter time because it is warmer and the sun sets later and because there are more festivals on the streets. But if you have not seen the snow or discovered the winter outdoor activities, spending a winter in Quebec is unique.
TopQuestions about M.I.I.L.A.
Will I have access to internet?
Yes! At M.I.I.L.A., we offer high speed wireless internet if you brought your own laptop, and also high speed internet in our student lounge (we have PC computers with 17-inch flat screens). The access is free of charge and unlimited.
TopWhat are the qualifications of your teachers?
Most of our teachers have a university degree and a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate or equivalent. All our teachers have a strong teaching experience, either in Canada or overseas.
TopWill I be able to participate in activities?
Yes! We organize activities on a regular basis and we encourage all students to participate and have fun. The calendar of activities is updated every session.
TopWhat is your language policy inside the school?
At M.I.I.L.A., we have a strict language policy. If you come here to study English, then you will be allowed to communicate only in English. The same rule applies for the French language. This rule applies throughout the school.
TopQuestions about programs, registrations and cancellations
What is the minimum deposit I have to pay when registering?
A minimum payment is always required when you register and before we issue the official letter of acceptance that you will use for immigration/visa purposes. The amount of the minimum payment depends on your period of study, but in general, if you come for 8 weeks or less, all tuition fees should be paid in full when registering
TopWhat happens if I cancel?
As any respected school, M.I.I.L.A. has a refund policy. We will do our best to process your cancellation request and we acknowledge that some circumstances are special. Please check our refund policy for details.
TopWhat happens if I wish to change my program or schedule?
M.I.I.L.A. will not charge you for changing programs or schedules as some other schools may do. However, changes need to be made before the start date. For example, you can register for French courses and switch to English before the start date, or you can add hours and change from a lighter schedule to a more intensive schedule. Please note that if you change to a less intensive schedule before or after your start date, the result will be an automatic extension of your period of study, thus no refund can be asked unless you officially decide to withdraw from the program.
TopWill I do a placement test before I start my program?
Yes! All students need to take a language assessment test on their first day at M.I.I.L.A. The test is divided in 2 parts: written (20 minutes) and oral (an interview with a teacher). This test allows us to determine the level in which you will be placed.
TopDo I need a TOEFL score to get into M.I.I.LA.?
No
TopWill I get a Certificate when I finish my program?
Yes! When you complete your study period and if you have passed all your courses, you will be issued an official Certificate showing the level(s) that you have completed, the total amount of hours taken, as well as any elective courses that you may have taken. The Certificate will be signed by our Director of Academic Studies. Other types of attestation of studies are also available. Do not hesitate to come ask us.
TopCan I start on any Monday?
Yes, you can start your courses on any Monday and in that case, you must keep in mind that you may be placed in an ongoing class. This being said, we strongly recommend you to start on an official start date as you will start your program from the very beginning. Please check our school calendar for official start dates.
TopWill I have to buy some materials for my courses?
Yes, you will have to buy some textbooks and exercice books that you will use in class. The cost for one exercic book + one textbook (including a CD) is CAD$60. Please note that most books will be used for 2 levels. The teachers will not hand you out photocopies if you do not buy the required textbooks and exercice books.
TopWill I be able to interrupt my classes in case of an emergency or if I want to take a vacation?
Yes, it is always possible for you to momentarily stop your classes. But you must remember that we have an attendance policy and the only way to take a break is to inform the Director of Academic Studies before you stop attending your classes. This break time will logically extend your initial study period. Please note that, if you take a break for any reason, you will not receive a refund for the classes that you have registered for during that break time.
TopCan I change my class if I think the level is too high/low?
Before you start your program, you have to pass a language assessment test, which consists of a written and a conversation parts. We then place you in what we think is the best group/level according to the results of this test. In the case you are not comfortable in your group, please come see us and we will discuss about a possible change to another group/level.
TopI have some trouble registering online. What can I do?
Normally, when you register online, you should receive within minutes a confirmation e-mail stating that your registration was successful. If you do not receive the confirmation e-mail, it means that we did not receive your registration or you wrote your e-mail address incorrectly on the registration form. Please try again to register online. If you still face problems, please contact us by email or phone.
TopQuestions about visas
Do I need a visa to come to M.I.I.L.A.?
- If you are an international student, you can come study in Canada for less than 6 months without a Study Permit. However, depending on your country of origin, you may need a Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Permit - TRP) to enter Canada. Please note that you can still apply for a Study Permit even if you only come study in Canada for less than 6 months, especially if you are thinking of studying longer. Remember that you can extend your Study Permit from within Canada but you cannot get a Study Permit from within Canada.
- If you wish to stay for more than 6 months in Canada, you will need to apply for a CAQ (Quebec student visa) and a Study Permit (Canada). The CAQ (Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec) allows you to apply for the Canadian Study Permit. The whole process takes about 8 weeks. Please note that an application for a Study Permit automatically includes the processing of a Visitor visa (if you need one). Please note that it is up to Immigration-Quebec and to your local Canadian Embassy to issue or refuse a visa. M.I.I.L.A. does not have any control on the issuing of visas and, regarding Canadian Embassies, is not authorized to retrieve information on your behalf.
- More information can be found on these 2 official websites:
- Immigration-Canada: www.cic.gc.ca
- Immigration-Quebec: www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca
Does M.I.I.L.A. help me get my student visa?
Yes, we can help you get your student visa. In Quebec, you must keep in mind that the Immigration system is a bit different that in the other provinces of Canada. To come study in Quebec, before you apply for a Study Permit, you will have to get Quebec's own student visa, which is the CAQ. If you wish, we can take care of your CAQ application and it is free of charge. But you must send us all the required documents before we can send your application to the CAQ Office in Montreal. If one single document is missing, your CAQ application can be delayed or simply refused. You can find all the information about visas on our visa page.
Please note that we are not responsible for any refusal of CAQ or Study Permit.
TopWill I be able to travel to the USA during week-ends or holidays without a visa?
It depends on your nationality. The USA have a Visa Waiver Program which allows citizens from the following countries to be exempt to have a visitor visa when visiting the USA for less than 3 months: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
However, if you are from another country, you will not be able to cross the US border without a visa. The USA will require you to have a US Visitor Visa before crossing the border. There is a US Consulate in Montreal and it takes about 6 weeks to get an appointment. The US Visitor Visa costs US$100. Please note that you can also apply for the Visitor Visa directly from your country, before you come study in Canada.
The web link is: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#2
It is important for you to know that your Canadian Study Permit dates cannot be changed when you come back to Canada after a holiday in the USA. However, if you have a Canadian Visitor visa, it is possible that Immigration-Canada modifies the dates on your Canadian Visitor visa and reduces the length of your stay in Canada, especially if for example your study period is 2 months long and you were first issued a 6-month Visitor visa.
We strongly recommend you to check with Immigration-Canada or the US Consulate in Montreal before you plan your trip in order to see which rules apply to you.
TopCan I get a visa extension and how should I do?
Yes, you can get an extension of your visa. You should apply for an extension at least 5 weeks before your visa expires. If you need to extend both your CAQ and your Study Permit, then you should apply at least 9 weeks in advance. An extension of visa is usually granted, provided that you have all the required documents. You do not need to leave the country to apply for a visa extension, as all visa extensions are processed in Canada. For more information about visa extensions within Canada, please go to http://www.cic.gc.ca or dial 1-888-242-2100.
TopOther questions
Should I arrive in Montreal before the start of my program?
Yes! It is always recommended that you arrive at least a few days before in order to familiarize yourself with the city, the main streets and the transportation system, the weather, and of course your residence/host family.
TopHow much money should I bring with me?
Having been international students ourselves, we know that it is never recommended to bring a lot of cash when travelling. You can ask for travellers’ cheques before leaving your country and you can exchange them for cash at a bank here in Montreal. Credit card payments are also a safe way of buying everyday things.
Please note that it will be possible for you to open a bank account in Montreal, provided that you show some required documents. If you have a bank account here, you will be given an Interac card (debit card with a PIN number) which can be used almost everywhere in Canada to withdraw and purchase things.
TopWill I be able to work while I study at M.I.I.L.A.?
It is illegal for international students to work in Canada. In order to work in Canada, you must have a valid Work Permit or be a Permanent Resident/Canadian citizen.
TopContact us
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- + 1.514.509.4242
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Testimonials
"Montreal is fantastic! The people are friendly and there
are so many activities you can participate in. Montreal and M.I.I.L.A.
was a great choice!"
Edyla Dutra, Brazil
1222 Mackay street, 3rd floor. Montreal, QC. H3G 2H4 Canada | Tel: (514) 509-4242 | Fax: (514) 509-1622
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