1.   Why should I sign up with Global Journeys?

Global Journeys works in association with Appleby College - known for its excellence in secondary education,  to design exciting accredited study travel programs that meet and exceed Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and provide meaningful and enhanced learning experiences for students.

With an enviable history of developing state of the art educational travel experiences, our programs are often emulated but never surpassed in terms of student safety, staff dedication and relevant course content.

We also work with an established travel agency which has been in business for over 40 years! 

     Here is why we are great at what we do!

 * Affiliated with an Established and well-known educational institution

 * Academic Integrity and a Great Reputation

 * Solid curriculum with strong support staff 

 * Certified, Qualified, Dedicated and Enthusiastic Teachers

 * Professional, Well-traveled, Efficient, Informed, and Multi-Lingual Staff

 * Staff that are available and willing to work 24 hours a day with students

 * Quality Accommodation and meals    

 * Numerous Excursions to explore the country

 * Sense of Fun and Excitement – with activities geared towards students' interests

 * Sincere Concern about Safety             

 * Excellent follow-up and Amazing Customer Service

Still not convinced?? More Reasons to Choose Global Journeys  Click Here

2.  Where do the teachers come from and who hires them? 

All our teachers are Ontario Certified, and come from public, private and separate schools across the province - as do our students. They have years of experience in teaching and share a passion for exploration, discovery and knowledge which is the essence of educational travel. Teachers are interviewed, selected and hired by our Academic Director, Kevin Doran. He has taught for years in the Ontario Secondary School System, and later became a senior school administrator, textbook author and curriculum writer. Spending the last 12 years working in developing and overseeing international education programs, he is responsible for  hiring, coordinating and directing all the dimensions of the academic component of Global Journeys' programs both here in Ontario and abroad.

     Want to see where students have come from in the past? Click here

3.  How do we choose the locations for our programs?

The courses in all our programs are specifically relevant to the locations we visit.

Our team researches each location thoroughly, site inspections take place in advance, and programs are designed with great care to come up with an itinerary that is safe, fun, exciting and tied into the curriculum that teachers will be covering with students. Certified teachers along with our Academic Director and accrediting institutions ensure that these courses provide students with the necessary foundation for future studies at high school, college or university. In essence the course is similar to what you would learn in your home school – but enhanced by the program locations.

4.  Who designs the curriculum?

The curriculum is based on the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and is enhanced with materials relevant to the locations we will be visiting.  Reviews and accreditation are performed by Appleby College, a well known private secondary school in Ontario. Our Academic Director and our group of teachers for each program work very hard to make the courses challenging and exiting, ensuring you leave with the foundation you require for your future studies. Students from outside of Ontario can also join our programs and receive a secondary school credit - simply speak with our office and your guidance counselor for details!

     Want to see which courses are available?   Click here

5.  How many credits can I earn?

Students may take one course for the duration of the program and will earn one secondary school credit – assuming of course, that they have done all the required work, tests and completed the final exam. The Ontario Ministry of Education requires 110 hours per course and we balance our itinerary throughout the month with classes, site visits and recreational activities – but give students free time to study and explore. Getting a solid foundation in the course you are taking is crucial to prepare you for higher learning - and focusing on one course will keep you very busy  – after all you need some time to fully explore and experience the environment, culture and traditions on location.

6.  When are classes taught and for how many hours? 

Classes are usually held in the mornings Monday to Friday for four hours and then additional hours one afternoon a week, in classrooms on campus or in conference rooms in hotels. The remainder of the time is held on relevant archaeological, historical or environmentally relevant sites – such as at the Roman Forum in Italy, at a café in France, or in the rainforest in Australia. You will be given a detailed schedule when the entire groups meets in May, prior to departure.

7.  What is the class size?

Each class has no more than 20 students and so the number of students per program will depend on the number of classes we arrange to send.   

8.  Do I need to bring or buy books for the program?

Teachers supply students with work books that have everything that is required for the program.  However, you will be informed prior to departure about books that may be required.  In some cases teachers ask students to each bring a different book that can be added to the traveling library for the period of the program. In this way all students can access a wealth of material while abroad and yet not have to carry loads of books around!

9.  When will I receive my marks?

Your marks are sent to you a couple of weeks following your program.

Upon your return your teacher will submit your marks and report to the Academic Director who reviews all the information.  The Academic Director and Appleby College will then submit a transcript and report to your home school. Your school is responsible fo listing the credit on your student record. You and your parents will also receive a report by email and mail and we always recommend you check in with your school in September to ensure they have received all the necessary transcripts.

10. Will I receive a reading list before going on my trip and have the opportunity to prepare for the course in advance?

Definitely!  You will meet your teacher in April/May and you will be given course information, independent study unit topics, and reading lists.  Although prep work before leaving is not required for most of our courses, it does help in cutting down your workload.  While on site, teachers and program assistants will be conferencing with you and tutorials will be set up to assist you as well. Assistance will always be available.

11. Are there computers available or can I bring my laptop?

Many of our programs include free access to computers for word processing and internet use.

Please call or email us for details regarding your specific program. For areas where there is limited access, our staff will direct you to nearby facilities which will offer services at low cost to students. You can definitely bring your laptop if you wish to do so. Please note you are responsible for the security of your laptop if you do decide to bring it.

12. Can I speak with the Academic Director or my teachers directly about the course?

We are always available to answer questions!  To contact Kevin Doran, our Academic Director, just call our office at  905-812-0912 or email him at kdoran@global-journeys.com  and he will be happy to answer any questions concerning the academic components.  You will also have the opportunity to meet your teacher, staff and other registered students in your course about 2 months before departure to talk about the course and schedule. 

13. Will I have any free time for myself?

Definitely! After class you can use the afternoon to study, relax, shop or explore with another student member or group of student members and then meet up with the group again for dinner. You are required to sign in and out with teachers and carry the contact information our staff provide at all times. After dinner you have free time once again until curfew.  Activities are also organized for you outside of class time both in the afternoons and evenings if you want to participate – such activities include walks, picnics, movie nights, basketball, water polo games, visits to museums, galleries, and local theatre productions - all based on the general group's interest and requests. 

14. How can you guarantee my child’s safety?

Safety is one of our key concerns - we have meetings with students prior to departure - an orientation session is set up on the day of arrival to ensure students are aware, comfortable and knowledgeable of our surroundings, cultural differences, and locations of all staff.  Students are informed of all our "rules" in advance and are expected to adhere. Students are not allowed to head out on their own and no overnight stays outside of residence are allowed.  Students are not allowed to drive motorized vehicles and can only ride in motorized vehicles with family with written permission from parents.  We have a curfew which students must abide by and any behavior which is deemed unacceptable will be dealt with immediately and is taken very seriously.  We want you to have a positively amazing experience and a safe one!

15. Are staff available in Canada while students are abroad?

Absolutely, our office remains open throughout the year – and staff are always available to assist parents with any of their needs while our groups are abroad. Our integrity, the quality of our programs and our reputation goes unmatched and so we guarantee to be available when you need us – at the airport, at the office, or abroad!

16. Is there a staff person who speaks the languages of the countries we will be visiting?

We will always have a staff person or a local representative on site who speaks the language of the country where we are located to assist the group in every way.

17. Can I board with a friend?

Yes you can, if double rooms are available.  You can indicate whom you wish to room with on your application form and if it is possible to place you together we will do everything we can to accommodate your request.

18. How much money should I bring? 

This of course depends on your spending habits and the program location. On average students require $5 - $10 Canadian Dollars each day for lunch. Of course you may wish to purchase snacks and will require funds for entertainment, gifts and souvenirs - so on average $150 per week would be enough to cover this.  We would recommend you bring additional funds should you wish to purchase more expensive gifts and souvenirs.

19. How can my parents, other family and friends reach me while we are away?

We will be providing all parents, legal guardians and students information lists with residence locations, staff contact names, and phone and fax numbers for each programs. In some sites phones are located in students' rooms and incoming calls are transferred by reception.  In areas where phones are not available in students' rooms parents can leave messages at reception and they will inform students to return their call that day. Faxes may also be sent to students and are delivered to a Global Journeys’ mailbox and distributed by staff. Should the call or fax be of an urgent nature students will be notified immediately.  Parents can also call the Global Journeys office in Mississauga if they are having any difficulty with communication lines. Parents can also mail or courier letters or packages directly to the residences – every one loves receiving mail!

20. What are Program Enhancements  and what is the cost? 

Our programs include so many activities and site visits but for those students who wish to explore areas beyond the focus of the program and outside of the region in which our programs are located - this is your opportunity to do so! The excursions are supervised and organized for you prior to departure - which means you don't have to worry about organizing this yourself and you will always have others to travel with.

Half Day excursions cost approximately $65 - $95; Full Day Excursions cost $125 - $150.  

21.  What happens if I decide not to sign up for Program Enhancements?

Most students sign up for all or most of the excursions to enhance their cultural experience abroad. However, for those who choose not to go on particular excursions - they can be assured that a number of teachers and staff will always be available at our residence for assistance of any kind.  Those who stay behind can use their time to study, relax or explore the city along with another student group member.  We do ask you to sign up for excursions prior to your departure. If you are on location and decide to join us for an excursion which you originally did not sign up for, we will try our best to add you to the excursion if space is available but cannot guarantee this.

22. Do we get to go swimming?

Absolutely you can go swimming - and where you go swimming of course depends on the program you have selected.  Most hotels have pools on site which we have complete access to and university residences have sport centres nearby which charge a small fee.

23. What type of insurance should I purchase? 

You can purchase comprehensive insurance through us when you submit your application and this provides all medical, travel, cancellation, baggage and emergency transportation (flight home) coverage.  

24. Can I arrange my own flight and stay longer if I want to?

We recommend you fly with the group only because this gives you an opportunity to bond with everyone. It is really where all the fun starts!  However, if you wish to make your alternative flight arrangements or wish to extend your trip once the program is over simply call us and we will provide you with the details to make this happen.

25. What type of currency should I bring along?

This will depend on the program you will be taking and we will provide you with all that information prior to departure.  We recommend you bring some cash on hand for the first few days until you get the chance to go to a bank.  Also having a combination of sources of funds is ideal….so in addition to some cash, bring a bank card, traveler’s cheques and a credit card if you wish.  Bank cards need to be connected to a “chequing account” and your PIN code must have 4 digits. If a situation should arise where you need additional funds, your parents can also wire funds through your bank or places such as Western Union or Thomas Cook – keep in mind this does get expensive.

26. What kind of meals do we get?

Breakfasts and dinners are included in all programs and lunches are also included in Australia and in Oxford as specified in our brochure or on our website. The meals will vary based on the location you are visiting and will always have continental as well as local cuisine for you to experience.  For most people this will be very different from their usual home meals and this is all part of experiencing a new country.  If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies just let us know and we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs.

27. How many students are there to each room?

You are placed in single or double rooms depending on the location of the program.

While in the Outback in Australia (for about 2-3 nights) you would be in triples or quads.

28. Are there refrigerators to store my medication?

We ask that you inform us on your application form of any medication you will need to take while on our programs - which helps should an emergency arise.  If your medication needs to be refrigerated please inform us in advance and we will make arrangements to ensure you are accommodated.

29. What type of transportation do we use?

Private motor coaches, planes, trains, and ferries. Of course this depends on the program you have selected and locations we will be visiting. 

30. Will I be allowed to go out in the evenings?

Students can go out in the evenings after dinner as long as they are accompanied by another fellow student or students.  We do ask students to discuss with their teacher and staff where they are planning on going and have a sign out procedure - this ensures we can be of assistance should you ever need it.  We want you to have an amazing time but would like you to come home safely too!

31. Do I need a Visa?

Canadian students going on the New Zealand/Australia program will require visas for Australia and this is processed by Global Journeys free of charge to students. Students who do not hold Canadian passports should inform Global Journeys staff and they will direct you to the correct embassy to obtain the appropriate information.

32. What is the luggage weight allowance?

Remember, Travel Light!!! Because you will be carrying your own baggage around!  And charges for overweight baggage can get expensive - so leave some room for those special things you wish to bring back with you from your trip.  You will be informed of weight allowances in your travel information package in early June.

33. Can I visit relatives or friends and stay at their home overnight?

These programs are designed to offer a group experience and in order for our staff to monitor your safety we cannot allow overnight stays.  You can definitely visit your family or friends abroad but if you are leaving the city and will be missing dinner we will need written permission from your parents and contact information.

34. I live in another province/country, can I still join Global Journeys and earn a credit?