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Academic and Career Preparation Programs

English-as-a-Second-Language

The VIU English Language Centre is committed to providing to community and international students quality ESL education, including both language and culture, and to fostering a student-centered environment that honours the diversity of students and teachers.

The MELC provides a wide range of ESL levels and support services to meet the needs of students whose first language is not English, and who have various goals for the acquisition of competence in English.

English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)

Academic Preparation

VIU’s English-as-a-Second-Language program consists of 5 levels: English Foundations, levels 1A and 1B (7 weeks each); English Foundations, level 2 (14 weeks); and Academic Preparation, levels 3, 4 and 5 (14 weeks each). Each level normally takes 14 weeks to complete for a certificate.

All levels provide small classes, highly qualified, friendly, approachable teachers, and a wide range of learning materials. Classes are held 20 or 24 hours per week and include recreational activities; students can get additional assistance in the learning centre.

English Foundations levels 1A and 1B (7 weeks each)

  • September to October
  • October to December
  • January to February
  • February to April
  • April to June
  • June to August

ESL Foundations level 2, and Academic Preparation levels 3,4,5

  • September to December
  • January to April
  • April to July

Communications 1 and Communications 2

  • September to October
  • October to December
  • January to February
  • February to April
  • April to June
  • June to August

Admission Requirements

All students must:

  • be a citizen, landed immigrant, or hold a valid visitor or student authorization;
  • complete a Vancouver Island University ESL language assessment test.

Levels and Courses

ESL Foundations 1A

Students will study an integrated curriculum of all language skills so that they are able to generate their own language to express ideas and opinions about familiar topics. The development of writing skills will focus on simple sentences.

ESL Foundations 1B

Students will study an integrated curriculum building on the skills they have acquired in ESL Foundations 1A. Their oral skills will allow them to understand general meaning and feel more confident when speaking about familiar topics. Their writing skills will develop so that students are beginning to write in paragraphs.

ESL Foundations 2

ESL Foundations 2 integrates the four skills:  reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will actively practice all aspects of English and focus on enhancing academic English with communication skills. The goal of this course is to develop knowledge, skills and confidence in English.

Academic Preparation 3, 4, and 5

There is a concentration on academic reading, writing, and an introduction to literature. Some students will be able to take specified academic courses and others will take a series of modules on specific skills. A passing grade in Academic Preparation 5 will allow student direct entry to VIU programs without further English testing.

Academic Preparation 3 includes three modules: Listening Skills and Introduction to Note Taking; Cross Cultural Communication; and Public Speaking.

Academic Preparation 4 includes four modules: Introduction to Academic Study Skills; Lectures and Media Studies; Meetings and Team Work Skills; and Academic Presentations.

Academic Preparation 5 includes four modules: Short Story and Film; Literature and Media Studies; Business Communication ; and Research and Professional Presentations.

Communications 1

Students will learn about Canadian life through interactive activities, short readings, field trips and conversations about Canadians. In this multi-level class, they will learn to use useful expressions and vocabulary related to their lives in Canada. They will use all language skills with emphasis on developing oral communication.

Communications 2

A multi-level course in which students will study all language skills but will specifically focus on oral/aural skills. Students will develop their listening and speaking skills both in and out of the classroom through interactive activities.

For More Information

Please call 250-740-6318 for further information and an appointment for an assessment test.

Updated January 10, 2011