Academic success in Canadian high schools depends on preparation, consistency, and support. Start by setting clear goals, building daily routines, using essential study tools, and utilizing student resources throughout the semester.
You’re starting a new semester in a country with one of the best education systems in the world. Demonstrating a strong academic performance at ILAC International High School can lead to better university options, scholarships, and long-term career opportunities. Let’s walk through what it takes to get there.
How International Students Can Prepare for a New Semester in Canada
As you prepare to start school in Canada, do you complete your to-do list quickly, or wait until the last minute? Starting early makes a big difference. Taking time to prepare before your first day will help you settle in faster, feel more confident, and make the most of your classes from the start.
Here’s how to get ready before your semester at ILAC International High School:
- Organize class materials: To prepare, students generally get their basic study gear in order, including notebooks, pens, planners, and digital folders. Also, download the required apps, permits, or documents ahead of time.
- Sketch out your class schedule: Review the course guide you received after enrolling. It outlines everything you need to stay ahead. Take note of the course topics, project deadlines, and grading breakdown. The standard two-course full-time schedule has two 2.5-hour classes in one day with two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break.
- Attend orientation or online welcome sessions: Ask your school advisor or admissions officer about any orientation programs on campus before classes begin. ILAC brings together students from over 90 different countries. These sessions should help you adjust faster and ease first-week nerves by connecting you with like-minded peers.
- Set manageable academic goals: You likely travelled long distances to get a high school education in another country, so of course, you have goals. But which ones are realistic? More importantly, how soon can you reach them? Consult with ILAC’s counsellors to select your pathway and break goals into smaller steps. Managing expectations is an effective way to maintain focus while preventing burnout.
What Apps Do International High School Students Need in Canada?
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of apps designed for international students. You’ve probably come across focus apps that lock your phone, block social media, or schedule study blocks. The best tools are simple, reliable options that easily fit into your daily routine as an ILAC International High School student.
ILAC Student Portal
Make sure you set up your ILAC Student Portal account before the first day. Here, you’ll see important updates about your class schedule, grades, lectures, and even tuition fee structures. Just log in with your student number, included in your Letter of Acceptance, and email address.
ILAC IHS Student Microsoft 365 Account
Every ILAC IHS student receives a Microsoft 365 account upon enrollment. You’ll get access to OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, among other productivity software. Activate your account before the first day. Your professors will ask you to submit most of your projects through these tools.
BorderPass
ILAC IHS has teamed up with BorderPass to give you free, expert help with your study permit. It’s an online immigration support service built into your student experience.
Notion
If you want something more creative than Google Calendar, try Notion. It’s a flexible workspace app where you can build custom dashboards, to-do lists, study trackers, or even entire journals. There’s a bit of a learning curve. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll have a digital diary, planner, and second brain all in one.
Duolingo
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Around 87% of the population speaks English, and about 29% speak French, although nearly everyone understands English. Use Duolingo to sharpen your grammar, pronunciation, and everyday vocabulary. It won’t replace your classes, but it’s great for practice.
Grammarly
Install Grammarly on your laptop and phone to help identify errors in grammar when writing in English. Making mistakes is completely normal when learning a new language. Grammarly helps catch those errors so you can learn from them in future writing.
Personal Routine Tips for International Students in High School
No two school days will look exactly the same, but having a solid routine helps you stay on track. It builds good habits and sharpens your time management skills. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Morning
- Classes typically begin at 9:00 a.m., so most leave their homestay or student housing around 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to allow for commute time.
- Homestay locations are accessible by public transit, and most commutes take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and proximity.
- Homestay families provide students with a nutritious breakfast.
- Students attend their scheduled courses, which vary by grade and English level. This could include Academic English, electives like Media Studies or International Business, or credit-bearing subjects that contribute to diploma completion.
- ILAC HS classrooms are small, interactive, and focused on participation. It’s a good idea to prepare your homework and class materials before the course begins.
Lunch
- Students in homestay typically receive breakfast and dinner, but they can request a three-meal plan if needed.
- After the first 2.5-hour class block, ILAC students break for lunch and recharge for the afternoon.
- Students can bring their own food or explore nearby restaurants and cafés.
Afternoon
- For students enrolled in a two-course full-term program, the second course begins after lunch and runs for 2.5 hours.
- You’ll have a short 15-minute break after the first 90 minutes of your afternoon class.
- After classes, students can participate in school clubs like STEM, dance, or board games.
- Some students also take part in community involvement activities, which are required to earn their diploma.
Evening
- Dinner is always included if you’re staying in ILAC homestay or student housing. Meals are shared with your host family or fellow students, giving you a chance to connect after class.
- For social activities in the evening, Toronto and Vancouver have plenty of nearby restaurants, from bubble tea spots and sushi bars to student-friendly diners.
- After dinner, students often use the time to study, video call family, or relax before the next school day.
Mental Health and Support for ILAC International Students in Canada
ILAC International High School offers programs that support student mental health and well-being. Attending school in a new country may take some adjustment, but there are resources available and ways you can protect your mental health while settling in.
- Use ILAC’s student support services. You can book time with a guidance counsellor, talk to a peer mentor, or join wellness workshops.
- Stay connected with family and friends back home through regular calls or chats to help ease homesickness.
- Create small routines that remind you of home, like making your favourite breakfast or listening to music in your native language.
- Don’t keep everything to yourself. If something feels off, talk to a teacher, advisor, or counsellor.
- Join school activities that match your interests, like science, technology, board games, or dance. You can also start your own club if nothing appeals to you.
- Learn about cultural norms at your own pace. It’s okay to feel out of place sometimes, but try not to isolate yourself. You’ll meet students from different countries and age groups along the way.
- If someone says or does something that makes you uncomfortable, speak up and report it to a trusted adult. ILAC has strict policies against aggressive behaviour.
- Take breaks. You don’t need to study every free moment. Toronto is full of diverse cultures and neighbourhoods to explore, while Vancouver offers easy access to nature and outdoor activities.
- Adjustment takes time. You don’t have to figure everything out right away.
School Supplies for International High School in Canada
Let’s make your first day a little easier. This checklist covers everything you’ll need to bring to ILAC International High School so you can walk in feeling prepared.
| [ ] | ILAC campus map (Toronto campus and Vancouver campus) |
| [ ] | Scientific calculator (Casio fx-991EX or TI-30X IIS) |
| [ ] | Combination lock for lockers |
| [ ] | Lined notebook (one per subject or with dividers) |
| [ ] | Dual-language dictionary (English + native language) |
| [ ] | Portable umbrella |
| [ ] | Reusable water bottle with insulation |
| [ ] | PRESTO card (Toronto) or Compass Card (Vancouver) |
| [ ] | ILAC ID or study permit copy |
| [ ] | USB flash drive (at least 16GB) |
| [ ] | Wired earbuds or headphones |
| [ ] | Laptop with charger (check school specs) |
| [ ] | Folder for permission slips or printed forms |
| [ ] | Healthy non-perishable snacks (granola bars, crackers) |
| [ ] | Pencil case with black/blue pens, mechanical pencils, eraser, highlighter |
| [ ] | Hand sanitizer |
| [ ] | Tissues or travel pack of wipes |
| [ ] | Refillable planner or printed class schedule |
| [ ] | Mini first-aid kit (plasters, motion sickness meds, etc.) |
Note: You won’t need study permits and official documents for your daily classes; however, keep digital copies of them on your phone as a best practice. You’ll likely need to reference these docs a few times during your first few weeks or when settling administrative tasks.
FAQs for Academic Success in Canadian High Schools
Start by building a healthy routine. Aim for enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and set aside time each day for reviewing lessons. You need to keep yourself accountable whether you’re in homestay or student housing. At ILAC IHS, it’s also important to activate your Student Portal and Microsoft 365 account before the first day. Your schedule, lectures, and assignments will go through these platforms.
Contact ILAC IHS Student Services for questions about your schedule, documents, or orientation. Use your student number to activate your ILAC Student Portal for updates. Once you’re on campus, school advisors and peer mentors will guide you through tours and welcome events. BorderPass is also available for immigration help.
Class sizes are small at ILAC International High School, so teachers can give you a more personalized, engaged lecture. You’ll also work toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which opens doors to top Canadian universities. Along the way, you’ll get strong ESL support, join after-school clubs, and take part in weekly activities that help you make friends and improve your English outside the classroom.
In Summary
- Preparing early helps students adjust faster to life at ILAC International High School.
- Set realistic goals, attend orientations, and stay on top of your course materials.
- Set up your accounts for the ILAC Student Portal, ILAC IHS student Microsoft 365 Account, and BorderPass before the semester starts.
- Create daily routines that balance academics, rest, and social time.
- Don’t ignore your mental health. Talk to advisors, join clubs, and take breaks as needed.
- Pack smart with essentials like a planner, calculator, snacks, and weather-ready gear.
- With the right tools, mindset, and support from ILAC IHS, academic excellence is well within reach.
Get the Support You Need Every Step of the Way at ILAC IHS
The path to academic success in Canadian high schools starts with preparation. At ILAC IHS, we make sure you have everything you need to get ready for school in Canada, and to become the student you’re meant to be.
Confidence grows faster when you’re in a supportive environment. Our specialized high school education programs for international students are tailored to make the transition smoother. Talk to an advisor today to find the program that fits you best!