Welcome to Canada!

A Guide to Help You Navigate Studying Abroad

We understand that leaving your home country to travel abroad to Canada can be both exciting and challenging, so we’ve created a guide designed to give you some basic information about living in Mississauga and setting up your new home, while you study your Culinary Arts Diploma Program with us.  In the guide below you’ll find information about housing, banking, and our city.  If you require assistance, there’s a contact form at the bottom of this page to ask any questions you might have. We look forward to cooking with you!

An Introduction to Mississauga

Mississauga is a city located just outside of Toronto, in the heart of Ontario. Our province is the most multicultural in Canada and a land of opportunity for over half of all new immigrants who make the move to our country.  Ontario is a prosperous, democratic society built by the hard work of generations of immigrants. We are the living embodiment of Canada’s renowned cultural mosaic.

On the map, Ontario is in the middle of Canada. It is also the hub of the Canadian economy. Mississauga is Canada’s 6th largest city, home to over 700,000 residents representing cultures from around the globe. Mississauga is an award-winning world-class city located on the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario. It is home to one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan populations in the country, and is one of the most diverse cities in the world. This diversity gives the city a well-earned reputation for tolerance, respect and appreciation of all cultures.

You will find a large range of exciting new experiences to partake in and so much to discover in the city of Mississauga. Eclectic, diverse and engaging for the most discerning visitor, Mississauga’s expanding landscape has endless options for you to enjoy!

Things to Explore

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Mississauga Celebration Square

Mississauga Celebration Square is the premier location for free outdoor events which features a main stage with a state-of- the-art sound and lighting system, two digital program screens, a lawn, an interactive water feature which converts in to an ice rink during the winter months, an amphitheatre, as well as a cafe in the summer months.

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The Living Arts Centre

The Living Arts Centre is another incredible venue hosting cultural activities. It has quickly become the pinnacle for performing arts in the city core, featuring every kind of performance imaginable — from drama, dance, music, variety, and comedy to opera, symphony, jazz, blues, ballet and big band.

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The Art Gallery of Mississauga

The Art Gallery of Mississauga is a public, not-for-profit art gallery located in the Mississauga Civic Centre right in Celebration Square, which is across from our largest shopping centre, Square One Mall. The AGM is proud to admit people free of charge, serve communities, and showcase positive visual art.

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Paramount Fine Foods Centre

If you're interested in sports, the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, formerly known as the Hershey Sport Centre is Mississauga’s premier sports and entertainment complex. The 5,500 seat arena, hosts a number mainstream concerts and championships and three attached ice rinks are home to local hockey teams and events in the area.

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225 KM of Hiking Trails

Mississauga boasts 225 km of trails and woodlands. Our extensive trail system offers everyone the perfect way to get out and enjoy some of the rich woodland areas Ontario offers. All of the surrounding trails available to be explored can be used for walking, cycling, jogging, inline skating and even cross country skiing during the winter months.

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Parks & Greenspaces

If you're looking for a breath of fresh air in the city, Mississauga has more then 480 parks to discover. From small green spaces, to large destination parks, there's something for everyone. Our destination parks offer things like large flower gardens, beaches and lake views, picnic getaways and outdoor water parks.

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Recreation Programs

Residents of Mississauga have access to a variety of different recreation programs. You can join scheduled programs like classes and teams, or drop in programs like swimming, summer camps, art classes and more. If you find yourself with free time and you're looking to make new friends, the city's recreational programs are a great place to start!

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Farmers Markets

Mississauga offers a variety of different food buying options. We're home to many international grocery stores, as well as large chain stores and Farmers Markets. If you're looking for fresh and local produce in the spring and summer months, we offer 6 markets to choose from, including our largest in Square One Mall on Fridays and Sundays.

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Shopping

New residents to Mississauga have no shortage of shopping experiences to entertain you and provide you with almost anything you can image. Square One Shopping Centre is the largest mall in Ontario, which sits in the center of our city. It hosts more than 360 stores and services, making it a one stop shop for pretty much anything you need.

Opening a Bank Account

During your stay in Mississauga, you’ll need a bank account to pay for your living costs, bills and rent for your accommodations. Below, you’ll find a list of banks in Canada, including chartered banks, credit unions, trusts, and other financial services companies that offer banking services and may be popularly referred to as “banks”.

Top 5 banks in Canada:

Banks in your own country may have partnerships with any Canadian banks which allow you to use their banking services as soon as you arrive, so speak to some of the banks you already work with. Sometimes you won’t be able to connect with a local bank, so if that isn’t possible, you can always open an account upon your arrival with any major bank here in Canada.

If you are planning to open an account in Canada you’ll need to provide your passport for identification, a letter from our College to confirm your status, and evidence of your address in your home country.  Sometimes it takes a few days to get a bank account, so before you arrive make sure that you have sufficient funds to pay for food, travel or temporary accommodation. We strongly advise that you do not carry large amounts of cash. Instead buy travellers cheques from your home country that can be cashed in Canada as and when required.

Health Insurance

It is extremely important to have health insurance while you are studying in Canada. Canadians are privileged with exceptional health care, however without the appropriate insurance coverage medical attention can be very expensive.  An International Student, or Visitors to Canada plan, ensures that you aren’t left with a $100,000 hospital bill after a  major accident or an unexpected medical emergency. Just as important though, are the other benefits such as the 24/7 emergency assistance to help guide you through an emergency and monitor your case to make sure you’re receiving appropriate care.

Chef School has partnered with Ingle International to connect you with simple access to health insurance for the duration of your studies (refer to http://www.studyinsured.com/ for more information and to sign up). They offer a variety of packages to accommodate your budget and health requirements. Be sure to research the best coverage for your needs as each policy is different.

If you purchase insurance by a daily rate, be sure to enter the dates of arrival and departure to and from Canada.  If you are covered by an international health insurance plan, it is advisable to thoroughly check the coverage of your plan before your arrival.

Housing Options

Chef School does not provide accommodation for students and therefore you must organize where to live prior to arrival. Mississauga has a large housing and rental market that offers numerous accommodation options for students. There are different types shared and private accommodations ranging in price to suit your budget and style. It is very important to establish a reasonable budget and give yourself plenty of time to explore your options. Refer to the websites listed below to browse some of the current vacancies.

Study Permits, Temporary Resident Visa & Work Permits

If you want to study in Canada for more than 6 months you must apply for a Study Permit. Study Permits are not issued from within Canada. You must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) which is located in your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Official information on requirements can be obtained from a CIC office in Canada, a Canadian Embassy or Consulate overseas or from the CIC website at cic.gc.ca.

A Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) is sufficient if you want to study for 6 months or less.

If your program has a co-op placement required, please apply for your Co-op Work Permit along with your Study Permit application.

International Services

You will find that Mississauga is well equipped with all the tools and services that you need to feel at home. There are many organizations that are set up to help newcomers get adjusted. These organizations can help you with a variety of information and services you’ll need as you settle in, from housing and transportation to finding places of worship and navigating financial assistance, the agencies below can help.

English Enhancement

All of our courses require that you read, write and speak English proficiently.  Our programs are taught in English, which means before you enroll you must have a good grasp of the language.  If you’ve already passed our English proficiency test, you likely won’t need the resources below, however if you would like to improve your English language skills in a training program prior to or part-time while you are studying, the following ESL programs are recommended.

How To Get Here

Upon arrival you need to have a place to stay arranged.  Make sure to arrive during day time hourse so that you have access to all the amenities and services in the city to help you get settled. The Toronto Pearson International Airport, where you will arrive, is located about 15 minutes away from Mississauga by car.  Ride Share services, Taxis and Public Transportation are available from the airport.

  • Safe Transportation via UBER
  • For a taxi pick up call 905-274-4444.
  • For bus transit information call 905-615-INFO (4636)
  • Call 905-615-4BUS (4287) for an automated route system.

The Culinary Arts School of Ontario is Located at:
5732 Kennedy Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1T1