Camosun College

The English Language Institute is one of many programs offered by the Contract Training and International Education Department of Camosun College. Since its inception in 1986, it has grown steadily to the present stage where it hosts eleven programs for high schools, junior colleges and universities. The objective of the English Language Institute is to provide groups of international students with a program of English language instruction coupled with experiences in social, cultural and outdoor activities held in and around Victoria. One might say that it is an "experience Canada" package of study and fun. The language instruction is given in the morning in small classes by well-qualified and experienced instructors. Some of the activities include a city bus tour, visits to the Royal BC Museum, the world renowned Butchart Gardens, provincial and city parks, heritage buildings, a traditional English tea taken in a beautiful garden and a variety of sports activities such as: swimming, hiking, canoeing, ice skating, curling, tennis and squash. The English Language Institute accepts groups with minimum enrollment of thirty students for a minimum duration of fourteen program days (fifteen calendar days). Groups are accepted throughout the year, but most of the programs occur in the summer to take advantage of the warm summer season. Some programs are launched in the spring holiday season. In special cases smaller groups may be accepted. Special programs can be organized to suit the needs of the institutions and students. With the assistance of the many educational departments at the College, the English Language Institute is capable of devising programs with differing focuses. For example, at present the English Language Institute has special programs for foreign students majoring in Secretarial and Office Management, Early Childhood Care and Education, and Foods and Nutrition Sciences, which feature language and expression related to their majors, workshops, lectures and field trips to community agencies and facilities. English language and cultural immersion programs are also available for teachers of English to children. For accommodations, students can be placed in Homestay or in student residences. For Homestay, students will be assigned in pairs to well-selected host families who will be responsible for providing clean and safe home environments, inclusion of the students as part of the families, meals and transportation to and from our College. The host families play a significant role in English language learning and experiencing Canadian home life. For residence stay, students can select single or double occupancy rooms which are spacious and clean. The washrooms and baths are shared and meals are taken at the residence's cafeteria. To add to English language classes and Homestay as sources for language knowledge and experience, Canadian students will be hired to serve as companions or 'Student Assistants.' Their purpose is to allow our international students the chance to practise English as well as to present opportunities for friendships. These interactions give the students a cultural understanding that is as valuable as that gained through Homestay.