Summer ESL Program
Join us for an experiential English language learning program in a safe, supportive and diverse environment! Students in our program build communication and life skills, while developing increased confidence and independence and a taste for adventure. Students can expect small class sizes for personalized attention and instruction, exciting excursions, and a sense of belonging in an international community.
Applications for Summer 2026 open at 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
APPLY ONLINE 2026 summer ESL Brochure
ESL Program Overview
In this all-inclusive, four-week program held in July and August 2025, international students ages 12 to 17 years old join their peers for an experiential English language learning program in a safe, supportive, and diverse environment at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. We are proud to offer small class sizes for personalized attention and instruction, led by great teachers who provide fun and experiential lessons inside and outside of the classroom. Our excursions highlight the best that the region has to offer. Our ideal location, between Toronto and Niagara Falls, allows us to take students on many exciting day trips. Students in our program build communication and life skills, develop increased confidence and independence, and a taste for adventure, all while immersed in a diverse and inclusive English language environment that is distinctly Canadian. \Upon completion of Summer ESL, students leave with an OSSD ESL credit, a certificate of completion, a comprehensive learning report, and a sense of belonging in an international community.
Safety and support is of the utmost importance to us, and our incredible staff support students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing excellent preparation and risk management for all activities, travel and excursions, personal airport pick up and drop off procedures and access to an on-campus health centre. Our lines of communication are always open to both for parents and our agent partners, allowing us to maintain a strong relationship and the utmost transparency in our program offering.
Contact Information
Inquiries for Appleby's Summer ESL Program:
Phone: 905-845-4681, ext. 118
Email: SummerBoarding@appleby.on.ca
Experience-Driven Language Immersion
Learn beyond the classroom through immersive, dynamic instruction led by dedicated and experienced staff & educators.
The Summer Boarding Experience
Join a vibrant community and dive into a summer filled with connection, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
Growing Life Skills Together
Challenge yourself, build independence, boost your confidence, and thrive in a supportive & inclusive community.
Unforgettable Excursions
Make the most of your time in Canada with weekly adventures to iconic destinations like Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Canada’s Wonderland—three memorable excursions every week!
A Global Community of Belonging
Experience true belonging in a welcoming community of global citizens—where diversity thrives and everyone has a place.
Top-Tier Amenities on a Scenic Lakefront Campus
Welcome to your summer home on Appleby College’s lakefront campus—enjoy award-winning facilities at our unbeatable location.
Unmatched Support, From Start to Finish
From academics to well-being, our caring staff support you every step of the way in a welcoming global boarding environment.
A Home Away From Home
Enjoy the comforts of home in our clean and comfortable boarding houses, with nourishing meals prepared by our dedicated in-house catering team.
Safety and Security
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with living in a safe and secure environment in one of Canada’s safest cities with 24/7 On-Campus security and supervision.
Program Schedule
4-Week Summer ESL Program:
- July Session: June 28 to July 25, 2026
- August Session: July 26 to August 22, 2026
Dates listed are inclusive of arrival and departure dates
2026 4-WEEK JULY SUMMER ESL SCHEDULE
2026 4-WEEK AUGUST SUMMER ESL SCHEDULE
More Information
Click on a choice below for details!
| ESL CLASSES AND IMMERSIVE ACTIVITIES | |
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Appleby College’s Summer ESL Program is ideal for students who have an interest in improving their English communication skills, or for those who plan to attend secondary school or university in English speaking countries. Every day students participate in an engaging classroom experience, specific to their English level, focusing on the academic aspects of the English language, including reading and writing. English language learning also continues in other formats with experiential activities, both inside and outside the classroom. These activities provide students an opportunity to put the skills learned to practice as they communicate with peers and teachers. Activities will vary, but will include games, debates, leadership programming, and of course, our annual student film festival! Our program focuses on the acquisition of language through communication. Students are encouraged to speak freely in English and make mistakes as they apply and improve their English language skills through practice, in real life situations, while learning about Canadian culture and authentic Canadian expressions. Students are required to bring their own laptops for projects and classwork. |
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| ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS | |
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Living on campus is a big part of the Appleby Summer experience! Participants stay in one of our four air-conditioned boarding houses, each offering a welcoming, comfortable, and social environment. Participants are paired in double rooms, with shared washroom accommodations, by age, gender identity—and most excitingly, with someone from a different language group. This intentional pairing helps foster meaningful cross-cultural friendships and encourages English language use in a natural, supportive setting. Each boarding house features cozy common rooms where participants can relax, play games like pool or table tennis, or get to know each other. Wi-Fi is available throughout campus and within Boarding Houses. Common rooms are all equipped with a microwave, fridge (stocked with a variety of nutritious snacks), and filtered water system for participants to access at any time. Upon participant arrival, all rooms are set with fresh linens. Self-service laundry facilities are located within each boarding house and free for participants to use. Meals are a highlight of the day! Our beautiful dining hall serves three nutritious, buffet-style hot meals daily, all prepared on-site by Appleby’s exceptional culinary team. Fresh fruit and snacks are always available, and we’re happy to accommodate most dietary needs and allergies with care and attention. We ask that applicants please list all restrictions and allergies at the time of application, and reach out to us with specific concerns. |
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| EXCURSIONS | |
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Get ready to explore! Our off-site excursions give participants the chance to experience some of the region’s most exciting attractions while immersing themselves in Canadian culture. From iconic landmarks to thrilling adventures and post-secondary campus tours, every outing is designed to be enriching, and unforgettable. All excursions are fully supervised by trained boarding staff and include meals, transportation, and entrance fees—so all participants need to do is enjoy the ride! Highlights include:
Please note: Excursions may vary based on weather and availability. |
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| EVENING PROGRAMMING | |
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Evenings at Appleby are a vibrant time for our Summer Boarding community to come together, unwind, engage and build lasting friendships. Led by our enthusiastic Boarding Staff, participants take part in fun, inclusive activities, and often new experiences that encourage connection, creativity, and community spirit. From friendly competitions to artistic expression and cultural exploration, our evening programming is designed to be both memorable and meaningful. Activity Examples include:
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| PARTICIPANT CARE | |
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From the moment participants arrive in Canada to the day they depart, their safety and well-being are our highest priorities. With 24/7 supervision, our caring and dedicated boarding staff live alongside participants within the boarding houses and take part in daily activities and excursions, offering constant support and connection. Our experienced boarding team is certified in Standard First Aid and CPR-C and committed to creating a warm, inclusive, and safe environment for all. During the day, instructors and on-campus staff are always present to guide and support participants in the classroom, regardless of the need. Appleby College’s 24/7 On-Campus Security Team ensures safety around the clock, while our Campus Health Centre Nurses & local clinics provide access to medical care whenever needed. |
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| TRAVEL DETAILS | |
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Summer ESL Arrival and Departure Dates: July Session: June 28 to July 25, 2026
August Session: July 26 to August 22, 2026
Deviations from the arrival and departure dates listed above are typically not possible to accommodate. In rare instances where deviations are possible to accommodate, additional fees will apply. |
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| FEES, WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY | |
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Summer 2026 Summer ESL program cost: $7,950.00. Boarding porgam fee includes:
Boarding program fees do NOT include airfare, fees for travel permits, notarization of custodianship (available for $50 if required), or personal spending money. Fees can be paid by a variety of methods incuding credit card. Credit card payments for all summer boarding programs are subject to a 2.4% non-refundable surcharge. Withdrawal and Refund Policy: Notice of student withdrawal must be made in writing to Appleby College Summer Programs at SummerBoarding@appleby.on.ca. Details and timelines:
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| HOW TO APPLY | |
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Applications for Summer 2026 open at 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Offer of Admission: After submitting your application, your application will be reviewed, and our team will be in contact within 5 business days with the resuts of your application. If you have questions about the Summer ESL program or application process, please email SummerBoarding@appleby.on.ca. We look forward to welcoming you to Appleby College this summer! |
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| VACCINATION POLICY | |
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Appleby College Summer Programs Immunization Requirements for Summer Boarding Programs All participants attending Summer Boarding Programs at Appleby College are required to be fully vaccinated. During the registration process, individuals will be required to upload official immunization records (translated in English wherever possible) to their online profile. Once the participant’s application is complete and required documents are uploaded, our team will begin the application review process. Full series of the following immunizations are required in order to attend Appleby Summer Programs:
*If your participant has previously had the chicken pox, this immunization is not required* Participants who have not yet received the full series of required vaccinations or are not vaccinated, will be required to obtain them prior to travel and provide official immunization records ahead of program start date. |
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