English as a Second Language (ESL)

Program Home Page

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 ELC 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)

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

Academic Preparation

VIU’s English as a Second Language Academic Preparation program consists of 5 levels (14 weeks each):

Foundations Level 1
Foundations Level 2
Academic Preparation Level 3
Academic Preparation Level 4
Academic Preparation Level 5

Start Dates

September to December
January to April
April to July

Communications

VIU's English as a Second Language Communications program consists of three levels (7 and 14 weeks):

Communcations Level 1
Communcations Level 2
Communcations Level 3

Start Dates

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 1

Students will study an integrated curriculum of all language skills so that they are able to use the language to express their ideas and opinions about familiar topics in speaking and writing.

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 developing academic English and their communication skills.

Academic Preparation 3, 4, and 5

There is a focus on academic reading, writing, and an introduction to literature. A passing grade in Academic Preparation 5 will allow students direct entry to VIU academic programs without further English testing.

Communications 1

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

Communications 2

Students will study all language skills, with a special 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: February 24, 2011