The Student Experience

London, Ontario, Canada, is the 11^th largest metropolitan area in Canada with almost 400,000 residents. It can be easily accessed through the London International Airport (YXU) and the Toronto International Airport (YYZ), which is approximately 2 hours away. VIA Rail train and bus services run conveniently throughout Ontario and Canada, and in London, the public London Transit Commission (LTC) operates a route to the London Airport with an approximately 10-minute walk to ITPS.

Our Student Administrator and Pastoral Care team help students find suitable housing, car rentals, schools for families, and adjust to the Canadian climate. ITPS ensures that students (and families) are comfortably settled in and students are ready to learn at the pilot school successfully.

Housing and Availability

London offers a selection of housing options, including rental apartments and townhouses for single students, cadres, and families. ITPS has recommendations and helps with arrangements.

Education Institutions for families

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the London District Catholic School Board offer education at the primary (grades JK-8) and secondary (grades 9-12) levels. Geographical boundaries assign schools and both boards provide French Immersion learning.

Over 20 tuition-based schools are also available including:

Western University and Fanshawe College provide top-rate post-secondary education and welcome International Students. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and programs are available for newcomers to Canada through multiple channels in London.

High-quality Medical Access

One of Canada’s largest acute-care teaching hospitals, the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has multiple locations, including Victoria and University Hospitals. 24-hour Emergency Room care with access to world-renowned medical specialists is available. St. Joseph’s Health Care London provides urgent care and further access to diagnostics and laboratory services. The LHSC Children’s Hospital, part of the centrally located Victoria campus, provides paediatric care and Ornge rotary wing aircraft transport patients to other hospitals if deemed necessary. Numerous medical clinics are available throughout the city on a walk-in basis, and dental practitioners accept patients. Medical insurance or payment at the appointment is necessary for most healthcare services. ITPS can provide a list of accessible medical care options to students.

Culture and Recreation

London is a diverse city. Students feel comfortable with the vast selection of international cuisine restaurants and ingredient shopping availability. Students and families can enjoy:

Storybook Gardens
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Sports leagues, conservation areas and parks, cycling paths and skiing
An abundance of nightlife options and other activities
Yearly festivals such as Sunfest, Rock the Park, Ribfest, and the International Food Festival operate in the summer
The City of London offers classes, activities, and sports lessons for all ages
Most religious or spiritual beliefs have observance locations.

AIRSHOW LONDON is the largest military air display in Canada. Annually in late August or September, London’s skies are brimming with aircraft at our base, the London International Airport. Pilots and crews from military fighter demonstration teams from across the continent descend on London for a weekend of unprecedented power.

Amenities

Two large malls and numerous other shopping centres provide availability of amenities such as groceries, clothing, furniture, literature, electronics, and household items. Library cards allow access to the 16 public libraries in the city, with approximately 2.5 million visitors per year. Taxis and rental cars are available with a selection of vendors.