Frequently Asked Questions

G.I.F.T.S. is an unusual kind of school, and we recognize that many of the details of attending G.I.F.T.S. will be unfamiliar to our first-time students. We've gathered some of the most common questions our administration is asked.

How do I choose a course?
First, read the different course focus descriptions. Choose one that interests you. Then go to the Online Registration to see when your focus is available. Fill in your 1st and 2nd choices for the week and focus on the registration form. If you are coming for more than one week choose another focus for the subsequent weeks. Please register separately for each week. Still confused? Call or email us and we'll be happy to help you out!

What do students get out of this course?
Our curriculum is holistic and avoids specialization, so our educational goals extend far beyond the technical elements of media production. When students leave one of our courses, they have learned much more than just how to operate a camera or write a script. They will have learned how to collaborate with strangers under the pressure of a deadline, how to trust their own instincts and avoid the pitfalls of hesitation, how to conceive of a project from beginning to end, and how to see it through. We also see a huge increase in students' confidence in their own abilities and creative vision.

Industry professionals recognize that our students have had their mettle tested in a real-life intensive production environment: especially repeat students. The G.I.F.T.S. experience provides students with an adaptability and flexibility unmatched by any other short-term media production course.

Many of our students have gone on from our courses to set up their own production companies: particularly alumni of our Independent Media Producers' Program.

Some high-school students have had success at applying their experience at G.I.F.T.S. to get high school equivalency, challenge, or external credits.

Where is the school?
We are located in the Gulf Islands, in British Columbia, Canada, between Vancouver and Victoria. Galiano Island is a 50-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and a 90-minute ferry ride from Swartz Bay (Victoria). For more information, please visit www.galianoisland.com

What are the accommodations like?
We provide hostel-style accommodation for up to 32 students per week: 3 beds to a room, simple but comfortable enough, with shared showers and bathrooms (not co-ed of course).

We ask that students bring their own sleeping bag, as well as toiletries and a towel. There are no laundry facilities for students at the school (unless staying for multiple weeks), so a full week's clothing will be necessary.

Unfortunately, there are no banks on Galiano, and only a limited amount of money in the one ATM (automatic teller machine).

What is the food like?
Our buffet-style kitchen offers a selection of healthy and tasty food. We provide three meals a day, and happily accommodate special diets such as vegan or allergy-restricted. However (yes, this really is a frequently asked question) we do not generally make special arrangements for a junk food oriented diet. There is a concession with pop, chips, chocolate bars, ice cream, etc., which cost about $1 per piece.

Is GIFTS only for teens?
GIFTS offers many adult programs. Some are mixed youth/adult but most are separate. Please see our calendar of adult courses.

What kind of supervision do you have?
Supervision consists of an excellent student/teacher ratio during the day (about 5 students per staff member) and a night supervisor who stays at the school at night. Students who want to leave the camp for any reason must sign out and get permission from their mentors.

We hire mentors not only for their skill and experience, but also for their character and ability to work with people.

There are emergency medical professionals available 24 hours a day on Galiano Island. more info

Can I take more than one course at G.I.F.T.S.?
Yes, many students study 2-3 different focuses consecutively. Ask the registrar about staying at the school on Saturday nights. Students pursuing a career in independent media will want to take the IMPP month-long course. more info

Do I get a discount if I take more than one week-long (MIP) course?
Yes. You get 10% off your subsequent courses. NEW for 2004!

What are the camp rules?
We have a strict code of conduct for the staff and a residency agreement for the students. The school runs on principles of respect and trust, and since collaboration lies at the heart of our curriculum, it works very well and we've had few problems. That means that the rules for students aren't extensive or complicated. They can be summarized as follows: no drugs/alcohol, no fraternizing, and don't disrupt things too much. See our Policies.

Are students able to have leisure time at the beach etc?
Galiano Island is a world-famous vacation spot, offering a combination of spectacular natural beauty, good weather, and an easy-going social setting. It seems natural that people would want to enjoy this while they're here. That said, we find that our intensive courses generally keep students too busy (having too much fun!) to play at anything else. So, if leisure is part of your goal, we'd recommend that you make arrangements to come to the island early or stay a little later.

What do other students and parents say about your school?
We're more than happy to put you in touch with G.I.F.T.S. graduates who are willing to talk about their experiences here. Please contact us for more information.

For a small sample of some of our students' and parents' typical comments, look at 'In Their Own Words', on on our testimonials page.

Will I learn anything new?
Yes, regardless of your experience (first time filmmaker or budding Egoyan) you will greatly benefit from working with other motivated filmmakers and working professionals at G.I.F.T.S.