Why come to Sault Ste. Marie to learn English?
Sault Ste. Marie is a beautiful, friendly, safe and clean city. It is situated on Lake Superior and is nestled in the vast Algoma wilderness. Experience the changing seasons and the activities that go with them. Swim at one of the great beaches, hike on the expansive trails, camp, bike, boat or fish. Ski cross-country or downhill at one of the many nearby facilities. It has a small town feel that offers a low cost of living while offering a wide variety of employment, educational and shopping opportunities.
Why choose Northland?
- Our friendly and professional staff take time to understand your language abilities and help you create a plan that meets your unique needs.
- All courses, handouts and textbooks are free to Canadian Citizens and Permanent residents. Tuition fees are very affordable for students visiting from other countries.
- Lessons focus on practical real-world themes that you encounter in daily life, work and school.
- You will learn faster being immersed in small groups that encourage interaction in English.
- Field trips and local outings are a fun way to connect to Canadian culture and understand some of its hidden rules.
- Bright and spacious classrooms use computers, iPads and other modern tools to make learning to read, write, speak and listen more interesting.
- Enjoy our free coffee when you relax in our comfortable lobby between classes.
- Enhance your learning with optional courses such as:
- Canadian citizenship test preparation
- IELTS test preparation
- English for academic purposes
- Adult high school credits
- International cooking classes
- Fitness, yoga and self-defense classes
- Our school is a proud member of Languages Canada and is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
Registration and Orientation
Your first day at Northland
- Advanced registration is usually not needed as this paperwork is easy to complete on your first day at school.
- You will then be introduced you to your teachers and shown our school’s other facilities.
- A brief language test will be given which will help us understand your language skills and develop your personalized learning plan.
- We will also provide you with information that will help you get around in Sault Ste. Marie, find essential services and have fun in the local area.
Letters of Acceptance needed to obtain travel documents
All students who are not citizens of Canada or the United States and must have a formal travel visa. If you plan to stay in Canada for over six months you will likely need a work or student visa. Registering in advance at Northland and receiving a letter of acceptance from us can be useful in obtaining these travel visas.
***Please note that health insurance is also required for visitors who wish to study in Ontario. Please contact us if you need help acquiring medical insurance.
How to get a letter of conditional acceptance:
- Email northland@adsb.on.ca or call the program coordinator at 705-945-7109 and request a registration form
- Complete your form and return it electronically or by mail
- Within 5 business days, we will send you an official letter of acceptance stating that you are enrolled at Northland
- Take your letter of acceptance to the Canadian Embassy in your own country and apply for a student visa.
- A Tourist Visa for the United States is also recommended due to the proximity of the Michigan border. Information about a tourist visa is available from the Canadian Embassy after the student visa has been obtained.
More information about visas and finding work in Canada
- Do I need a study permit? How do I apply?
- Study in Canada as an international student
- Not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? Are you eligible to work?
- How do I come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker?
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Who can apply?
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Applying in Sault Ste. Marie
Fees for Non-residents:
All courses are free to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Things to bring with you
- Travel documents such as passport, work or student visa
- Health insurance
- Please note that health insurance is required for visitors who wish to study in Ontario. For additional information about obtaining health insurance or getting your student visa, please contact us.
- Clothing for Canadian Weather
- For fall weather, a warm coat and hat are a must. Snow can be expected any time after the first of November.
- Winter clothing should include a winter coat, mittens, lined boots and a warm hat. Also recommended are sweaters and heavier pants.
- Spring clothing should include a medium-weight coat, preferably rain proof, as well as long and short-sleeved shirts (the weather varies greatly in the spring). Waterproof footwear is a good idea.
- Summer clothing should include short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and light-weight pants and jacket. Don’t forget a swimsuit!
- USA Tourist Visa
- Sault Ste. Marie is located on the Canada / US border. While a US travel visa is not necessary, some students will need one if they plan to go across this border for tourism etc.
Finding a place to live
Sault Ste. Marie has one of the lowest costs of living in Canada. Student accommodations are plentiful and inexpensive. Visit one of the following websites to explore housing in the community. Additional help for newcomers is available at the Sault Community Career Centre. Please keep in mind that prices are in Canadian dollars!