English and Canadian Culture from Abroad

The program is designed to enable you to:

• Improve your English language communication skills
• Gain confidence speaking and listening in English
• Explore and discover the wonderful city of Montreal
• Learn about Canadian and Quebec culture

In this unique remote program, you will gain a variety of English skills thanks to our active, practical and individualized approach to teaching and learning.

Our unique research-based approach is driven by the 5 following pillars:

1. Authentic
   When learning a new language, you need practical knowledge and skills that enable you to communicate in real situations. That’s why our classes focus on using real material on actual topics. Whether you want to work, study or just socialize in English, our classes will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills you need.

2. Individualized
   We know that every student is different. That’s why McGill instructors adapt and modify course material to your level and learning style, giving you personalized feedback to help you overcome the specific challenges you are having with your English each step of the way.

3. Active
   Since learning happens by doing, our classes use a task-based approach. Your class time will be spent speaking and understanding, allowing you to strengthen your language skills with every session.

4. Professional
   Our lecturers know a thing or two about teaching English—with an average of 10 years of experience, your instructors are well equipped to provide you with the necessary tools to develop your language skills.

5. Tech-savvy
   As language learning becomes increasingly digital, McGill uses the latest technology to help students develop their language skills. Thanks to apps and other online resources, language learning goes with you beyond the virtual classroom.

1. Benefit from an interactive and personalized approach that maximizes skill-acquisition through tasks and discussion and prepares you to work, study and socialize in English.
2. Develop your language skills actively through tasks, exercises and discussions that use real English on authentic topics, so you’re prepared to use English in the real world.
3. Learn from instructors with an average of 10 years of experience.
4. Accelerate your language learning by studying full time in this remote program.
5. Experience English language and culture with students from around the world.
6. Add internationally recognized credentials from one of Canada’s top universities to your CV.

1. Learn at a world-renowned institution consistently ranked amongst Canada’s top three universities
2. Join McGill’s diverse student body with learners from over 150 countries
3. Become part of an institution with exceptional academics; McGill is home to 12 Nobel Prize winners and 144 Rhodes Scholars

What is My Virtual Homestay?

• An interactive, cultural, and educational program that allows students to discover life in Canada in a unique way
• English-speaking homestay families act as virtual guides providing students with an immersive experience to learn the local language, lifestyle, and customs

What happens in My Virtual Homestay?

• Complete an online questionnaire and get matched with a local Canadian family.
• Get to know your host family in a live 1-hour session per week (3 sessions in total).
• Receive a certificate and postcard as a souvenir at the end of My Virtual Homestay.

This program includes interaction with conversation partners through live interactive outings exploring Montreal and activities using English in an informal setting with McGill students. Examples of activities include:

• Discussion groups
• Casual conversation
• Boardgames
• 5 à 7
• Escape room
• World map challenge
• Scavenger hunt
• Movie night
• Yoga/meditation
• Cooking

• Summer 2023 (not offered)
• 2024 dates will be announced soon

My Virtual Homestay experience will be scheduled at a time convenient for the student and host family.