English Language and Culture
Links and Resources

Travel, Homestay, and Medical Information

Vancouver

Please visit Tourism Vancouver for more information about Vancouver.

Homestay

First Choice International Placement
Visit their website or call them at the telephone number listed below.

First Choice International Placement Inc.
Unit 115, 255 West 1st Street
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3G8
Canada

Tel: 604-984-0868
Fax: 604-984-2373
Email: info@fciplacement.com

Canadian Immigration/Student Visa Information

While in Canada, you can study for up to six months with a visitor visa.

You do not need a study permit if you are planning to study in Canada at a short-term program of six months or less.

You need a student visa if you plan to study in Canada for longer than 6 months.

In order to apply for a student visa, you must go to the Canadian Embassy in your home country with an acceptance letter, along with your passport and proof of funds available to you while in Canada. Some students may require a medical exam.

We will supply you with a Letter of Acceptance after you have paid the complete tuition for the period of time you are planning to study in the English Language and Culture Program.

To extend a visa, you will need an extension kit. You can get one at a Citizenship and Immigration Canada Office or from the ELC office.

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is mandatory for all SFU students. We require proof of medical insurance coverage either before you arrive or within two weeks of beginning your program. You must provide proof of coverage for the full duration of your program with SFU ELC.

International students:
Effective January 1, 2013, new international students enrolled in a full-time regular program at SFU ELC need to obtain medical insurance coverage from guard.me, SFU’s official provider for medical insurance.

Please visit guard.me to arrange for coverage. The cost for this plan is about $43.50 per month.

Students who will live in BC for longer than six months:
You must have coverage under the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) if you will be a resident of BC for longer than six months. You should apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) immediately upon arriving in BC. SFU ELC’s guard.me plan provides interim coverage during the three-month waiting period for the BC Medical Services Plan.

Opt-out:
If you are already covered by one of the plans below, you can opt out of the guard.me plan. Please see the SFU ELC office within the first two weeks of class to opt out.

BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP)
Canadian International Development Agency Health Care Plan
Canadian Bureau for International Education Health Care Plan
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
International Council for Canadian Studies Plan
Embassy of Kuwait
Interim Federal Health Care Plan
Health Economic Administration, HELFO Abroad
Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau - GWL
Libyan Plan
Schlumberger Plan
Fletcher Allen

Airport Pickup Services

If you are arriving from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), there are a number of shuttle bus services available to pick you up from the airport and bring you to any major hotel destination. Click here for more information about scheduled bus services.