The following sections cover details such as school facilities, academic questions, what is included in prices, general advice for students, visa information etc. The information can also be found in the agents manuals which are available for download in the agents area. If you have any additional questions or queries please contact us at the schools or on info@lalgroup.com.
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SCHOOL FACTS
Name: SEC Vancouver
Address: 549 Howe St. 5F • Vancouver • BC V6C 2C2
Tel: +1 604 678 8148
Fax: : +1 604 678 8149
Email: admin@sec-vancouver.com
In the downtown core of Vancouver students have the perfect setting for improving their English. The Vancouver campus offers a variety of Pathways for learners. It focuses on the Bridge Program, ESL, University and test preparation, and the Language Production Program. Students will find that all of their learning needs are satisfied in this fully equipped, state-of-the-art facility.
School Size: |
4th and 5th Floors |
Number of Classrooms: |
19 |
Facilities: |
Computer labs, student lounge, cafeteria, media room |
School Capacity: |
350 |
Major Student Nationalities: |
Mexican, Brazilian, Japanese, Korean, European |
Number of Staff: |
10 |
Number of Teachers: |
19 |
Public holidays in 2008: Jan 01, Mar 21, Mar 24, May 19, Jul 01, Aug 04, Sep 01, Oct 13, Nov 11, Dec 25
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CLASS INFORMATION
Teaching Methodology
SEC integrates General English and Intensive Speaking classes through the SEC Syncro-System (SSS). By synchronisation students are able to understand the function and application of each grammar point and are thereby able to engage in a real-world approach to teaching. Whether your aim is to attend a Canadian college or university, enjoy an internship position at a Canadian company, or improve your everyday English – SEC has a pathway just for you.
Our Classes

Our Teachers
All SEC teachers have university Degrees in English related disciplines. Our core teachers are all certified by TESOL Canada with certificates such as the Cambridge CELTA or Trinity TESOL. Many of our teachers have both TESOL Canada and Bachelor of Education degrees.
First Monday
On the first Monday morning students are expected to come to SEC Vancouver reception at 8:45. All new students will be welcomed by our SEC staff. The students will have an assessment placement test to determine their level. After testing, they will be provided with a full orientation session describing the school, the courses, surrounding areas, student counsellors, activities, and basic knowledge for life in another country. Students are introduced to their counsellors, activity coordinator and homestay coordinator.
Course Books
We provide students with one of the following textbooks, appropriate for their level and age as part of their course:
• Interchange 1
• Interchange 2
• Interchange 3
• Passages 1
• Passages 2
Students are required to bring writing materials, as well as emergency contact information, medical information as well as Toronto address and telephone numbers. Students will be required to fill out a contact sheet during the orientation procedure. Upon successful completion of the course, students are given a certificate at the end of the course.
Class Size
The maximum size for all adult courses at SEC Vancouver is 14 students.
In the case of an insufficient number of students at a particular level we reserve the right to provide students with another course.
Pricelists
Our Prices show the cost of tuition and accommodation separately.
• Tuition
• Tuition Materials
• Registration fee
• Certificate(s)
• Orientation and assessment test(s)
NOT included in the fees
• Accommodation
• Transfers
• Personal Pocket Money
• Travel & Medical Insurance
• Local Transport
• All excursions/ activities
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CITY INFORMATION
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia is located on the west coast of Canada along the Pacific Ocean. Nestled in the valley of the coastal mountains, Vancouver is one of the few cities in the world that boasts the ability to ski and sail in the same day. With a temperate climate year-round, Vancouver scenery and natural beauty is enjoyable in every season. Vancouver truly combines urban sophistication with nature, culture and history. As the busiest port in the nation, and Canada’s third largest city, Vancouver is also one of Canada’s economic strongholds.
Transportation
Vancouver Transit System (Translink) has a reputation as one of North America’s cleanest, most efficient, and safest transit systems. Translink uses transit buses, sea buses and the skytrain to transport thousands of people every day.
TransLink provides up to 90 minutes of travel for each cash fare or FareSaver ticket. Tickets and passes can be purchased for one, two or three zone travel by bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain.
|
Zone |
Adult |
Concession |
Regular Fares
Weekdays from start of service to 6:30pm |
1 Zone
2 Zone
3 Zone |
$2.25
$3.25
$4.50 |
$1.50
$2.00
$3.00 |
Discount Fares
Weekdays after 6:30pm and all day Sat/Sun/Hol |
All Zones |
$2.25 |
$1.50 |
FareSaver Tickets (Book of 10 tickets) |
Zone |
Adult |
Concession |
Regular Fares
Weekdays from start of service to 6:30pm |
2 Zone
3 Zone
|
$18.00
$27.00
$36.00 |
$15.00
N/A
N/A |
DayPasses |
Zone |
Adult |
Concession |
All day
7 days a week |
All Zones |
$8.00 |
$6.00 |
More Value in Monthly FareCards
Monthly FareCards provide unlimited travel within the selected zone(s) on weekdays and across all zones on weekends, statutory holidays, and after 6:30pm on weekday evenings.
FareCards |
Adult |
Concession |
Commute Savings |
| 1 Zone |
$69 |
$40 |
$21 |
| 2 Zone |
$95 |
$35 |
| 3 Zone |
$130 |
$50 |
Taxicabs
A number of Taxicab companies service the Vancouver area. The price of a taxi is determined by a meter and not by the driver so you can not negotiate the price. You can arrange to be picked up by a taxicab driver by calling one of the below listed companies. You can ask for an estimated price for the trip before you get in. It is also customary to give an additional tip to the driver of 15% of the fare cost.
Local Time
GMT -8
Climate
Temperature in Celcius |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
Average max.
Air Temperature |
6 |
8 |
10 |
13 |
16 |
19 |
21 |
21 |
18 |
13 |
9 |
6 |
Average min.
Air Temperature |
0.5 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
11 |
13 |
13 |
10 |
6 |
3. |
1 |
Precipitation mm |
15 |
123 |
114 |
84 |
67 |
55 |
39 |
39 |
53 |
112 |
181 |
176 |
Sunshine hours |
60 |
85 |
134 |
182 |
231 |
229 |
294 |
268 |
199 |
125 |
64 |
56 |
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FLIGHTS AND AIRPORTS
Vancouver International Airport is the main airport that is conveniently located 30 min. form SEC and downtown Vancouver.
SEC provides a transfer service from Vancouver’s International Airport for students regardless of the time and day of arrival. After collecting their luggage, students should pass through the Customs area. Our airport representatives will be waiting for the students, holding a sign with "SEC” prominently displayed.
Students should show the host family/hotel/apartment address so that our airport representatives can identify them easily.
Please note: It is absolutely essential to send us the exact flight details (date, time, flight number) at least 7 days prior to arrival, to ensure that transfers can be arranged and host families know when to expect the students.SEC offers a 24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER.
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Student Visa Information
Visitor Visa
Students from most foreign countries may enter Canada for a period of up to six months without a visa, and may study for a period of up to six months. For some foreign countries a Visitor Visa is required for entry. Please check with the closest Canadian Embassy or Consulate.
Documents required at airport customs:
• Valid Passport
• Visitor Visa (if required for your country)
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Return airline ticket
• Letter of Acceptance from school
Student Authorization (Visa)
If a student wishes to study for more than six months in Canada they must obtain a Student Authorization from the Immigration section of the Embassy or Consulate in their country.
Documents required at airport customs:
• Valid Passport
• Medical exam documents (if required)
• Proof of financial support
• Letter of Acceptance from school
• Letter of authorization from Canadian embassy
Note: A Student Authorization (Visa) may be extended within Canada.
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