International Student Guidebook

Congratulations, and welcome to VEGA Academy!

By choosing VEGA Academy, you have taken an exciting step toward a future filled with opportunity. You are joining a school that is much more than a traditional high school — one that combines academic excellence, personalized learning, ethical AI literacy, leadership development, and meaningful university preparation that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence for university and beyond.

Moving to a new country and starting at a new school is both exciting and challenging. We understand that this journey is about much more than academics. It is about building confidence, making new friendships, adapting to a different culture, and creating a sense of belonging. From the moment you become part of our community, our dedicated team is committed to helping you feel welcomed, supported, and at home.

At VEGA Academy, every student is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our small learning community allows us to provide individualized guidance and meaningful relationships with teachers and staff who genuinely care about your success. Whether you need academic support, university planning, personal guidance, or simply someone to talk to, you will always find people who are ready to listen, encourage, and advocate for you.

Learning at VEGA Academy extends far beyond the classroom. Through our co-curricular experiences, cultural activities, leadership opportunities, and our affiliation with International Business University (IBU), you will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for success at university and in your future career.

We are excited to welcome you to our community and look forward to being part of your educational journey. Together, we will help you discover your strengths, embrace new opportunities, achieve your academic goals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

It is important for your success that you familiarize yourself with this guidebook, know where to find information, and actively participate in student orientation sessions, which will help you learn how to navigate school life, meet your teachers and staff, and make the most of your experience at VEGA Academy.

We wish you every success in your educational journey and hope your time at VEGA Academy is exciting, fulfilling, and full of growth!

As a Canadian Pathway High School, VEGA Academy provides a seamless bridge between secondary and post-secondary education. Through a strong academic program, personalized university guidance, leadership development, and future-focused learning, we prepare students for admission to the university that best aligns with their aspirations — whether in Canada or internationally.

Beyond academics, VEGA Academy fosters global citizenship, entrepreneurship, ethical AI literacy, leadership, and intercultural understanding through meaningful classroom and co-curricular experiences. With small class sizes, dedicated educators, and a caring community, we help every student build the knowledge, confidence, and character needed to succeed at university and make a positive impact wherever their future takes them.

At the heart of the VEGA Academy Learning Experience is the belief that students should learn not only what to learn, but also how to learn. Through inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and responsible use of technology, students become independent learners who are well prepared for university and an evolving global landscape.

Every student benefits from small class sizes and individualized attention. Teachers and staff take the time to understand each student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations, providing personalized academic guidance, university planning, and continuous support throughout the high school journey.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through the VEGA Academy Co-Curricular Experience, which enriches students’ education with leadership opportunities, entrepreneurship, community engagement, cultural experiences, clubs, excursions, and university-connected activities. These experiences help students build confidence, broaden their perspectives, and develop the communication, collaboration, and intercultural skills valued by universities and employers alike.

A distinctive advantage of studying at VEGA Academy is its affiliation with International Business University (IBU). Eligible students pursuing business studies have the opportunity to earn university credits through exclusive dual credit offerings while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Graduates who meet IBU’s admission requirements can transition seamlessly into the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program and later continue to the Master of Business Administration (MBA), creating a continuous and well-supported educational pathway.

Above all, VEGA Academy is a caring and inclusive community where every student is known, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential. From arrival in Canada through graduation, students receive the academic, personal, and social support they need to adapt with confidence, excel in their studies, and prepare for a successful future.

Learning at VEGA Academy is designed to connect classroom knowledge with real-world application. Through an integrated and experiential curriculum, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills that prepare them for success at university and in an ever-changing global environment.

A key element of the VEGA Academy experience is Ethical AI Literacy. Rather than treating artificial intelligence as a standalone topic, AI is thoughtfully integrated across the curriculum. Students learn how to use AI responsibly, critically evaluate information, understand ethical implications, and engage with technology in ways that support academic integrity and independent thinking.

While VEGA Academy provides strong academic preparation for postsecondary studies, equal importance is placed on helping students understand themselves as learners and global citizens. International students become part of a supportive, inclusive community where diversity is valued, curiosity is encouraged, and learning is purposeful.

At VEGA Academy, students do not simply prepare for the next academic step — they learn how to learn, how to think, and how to navigate the future with confidence. Studying here means joining a caring community that values inclusion, curiosity, and excellence, ready to support you as you discover your potential and prepare for a bright academic future in Canada.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country has three levels of government: federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal.

Most Ontarians live in urban centres in the southern part of the province, close to the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Ontario’s capital city is Toronto, while Canada’s national capital, Ottawa, is located along the Ottawa River.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and one of North America’s most multicultural urban centres. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Toronto, and surrounding communities are home to more than 7 million people, creating a vibrant environment where people from around the world live, study, and work.

Throughout the year, Ontario communities host a wide range of events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, maple syrup festivals, Doors Open events, Pride celebrations, Canada Day festivities, and Santa Claus parades. Participating in these activities is a wonderful way for international students to experience Canadian culture, meet people, and feel connected to their new community.

• Confirm that you have the required immigration documents to study in Canada.
• Most students require a Study Permit and either a TRV or an eTA, depending on citizenship.
• Do not travel to Canada until your immigration documents have been approved.
• Keep these documents in your carry-on: valid passport, Study Permit approval, Letter of Acceptance.

• Book your travel arrangements after your immigration approval has been received.
• Plan to arrive before classes and Student Orientation to allow time to settle in and adjust.
• Share your flight details with VEGA Academy and confirm airport pickup arrangements (if applicable).
• Keep VEGA Academy, accommodation, and home-country emergency contacts easily accessible.

• Confirm your accommodation arrangements before departure.
• Review the expectations, rules, and responsibilities related to your homestay or residence.
• Save your Canadian address and know where you will be staying before you arrive.

• Make sure you have your health insurance information with you before arrival.
• Bring any important medical documents, prescriptions, or medication information.
• Pack enough medication for your initial arrival period and keep it in your carry-on bag.

• Bring some Canadian currency for your first few days to cover basic expenses.
• Bring a debit or credit card if possible, and notify your bank that you’ll be travelling.
• Pack essential personal items and clothing appropriate for Ontario’s changing seasons.

• Bring your laptop or required learning devices, plus chargers and adapters.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked if you plan to use a Canadian mobile service.
• Keep all important documents in your carry-on luggage — not in checked baggage.
• Review this guidebook before arriving to learn more about life, school, and your new community.

• Answer all questions clearly, honestly, and confidently.
• Provide any documents requested by the CBSA officer.
• Services are available in both English and French.
• If you do not understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat it or request language assistance.

The immigration process is a normal part of entering Canada. Stay calm, be respectful, and have your documents organized and easily accessible.

1. Valid passport
2. Study Permit approval documents / Port of Entry Letter of Introduction (if applicable)
3. Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from VEGA Academy
4. Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship documents, etc.)
5. Health insurance information
6. Accommodation details in Canada
7. Custodianship documents (for students under 18, if applicable)

• Keep photocopies of all important documents in a separate place from the originals.
• Leave copies with a trusted person at home, and email digital copies to yourself.
• Consider keeping photos of your documents securely stored on your mobile phone.
• Keep VEGA Academy and emergency contact information easily available.

• Collect your luggage before leaving the airport.
• Confirm your transportation arrangements before exiting the airport.
• If you experience any problems or delays, contact the appropriate accommodation contact for assistance.

For more information about entering Canada and border requirements, visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Living with a homestay family allows students to experience Canadian culture and daily life, practice English in a natural setting, and receive support as they adjust to a new country and school environment. Homestay families provide a private furnished bedroom and a supportive place to study, relax, and become familiar with life in Canada.

Homestay families are carefully selected and supported through established screening and placement processes to help ensure the safety and well-being of students. Choosing a homestay is a wonderful opportunity to build connections, improve language skills, and create meaningful memories during your time at VEGA Academy.

Residence accommodations typically offer furnished rooms, shared common areas, and facilities designed to support student life — study spaces, lounges, fitness facilities, recreational areas, and laundry facilities. VEGA Academy works with trusted residence providers to help students access suitable accommodation options that meet their needs.

• Get enough sleep, eat regular meals, and stay physically active.
• Learn how academic expectations and classroom practices work in Canada — don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unfamiliar.
• Remember that adjusting to a new culture takes time. Feeling homesick, uncertain, or overwhelmed at times is normal and usually becomes easier with time.

Personal Safety Tips

• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
• Walk in well-lit, busy areas, especially when travelling alone at night.
• Stay with your group during school activities, events, and outings.
• Let your homestay family or a trusted adult know your plans if you’ll be out in the evening.
• If you ever feel unsafe, move to a public place and contact a trusted adult or call 911.

• Keep your passport and study permit in a safe place — carry them only when necessary.
• Never share your bank card, PIN, passwords, or banking information with others.
• Be careful about sharing personal information online and review your social media privacy settings.
• Keep your devices protected with updated security software, and avoid suspicious links or messages.
• Be cautious when meeting new people and avoid going somewhere alone with someone you do not know well.

Tip: Save these important contacts in your phone before arriving in Canada. Knowing where to find support is an important part of feeling safe, confident, and prepared in your new community.

VEGA Academy students also benefit from exclusive discounts and opportunities through our community partners, designed to support student life, well-being, and cultural experiences in Canada.

“Through these partnerships, VEGA Academy supports students in building a well-rounded experience — both inside and beyond the classroom.”