Vancouver Island University

English Communication Program

ㆍBeginner to advanced

ㆍUp to 26 hours per week includes Directed Learning and English Language Experience

ㆍSix start dates per year (beginning and middle of each semester)

ㆍIncludes Learning Centre, language lab access and socio-cultural activities.

ㆍSmall classes, highly qualified, friendly, approachable teachers, and a wide range of learning materials Communication 1 Students will learn about Canadian life through interactive activities, short readings, field trips and conversations about Canadians. In this multi-level introductory class, students learn to apply useful expressions and vocabulary related to their current lives in Canada. Students will use all language skills with a strong focus on building oral communication. Communication 2 This course is designed for students to practice and extend their listening and speaking skills. Students work toward developing oral communication and heightening levels of confidence. This class accommodates a range of intermediate level learners engaging in interactive activities featuring Canadian and cross-cultural communication, various presentation venues, as well as drama and debates. Communication 3 20 hours per week (2 seven-week units) as well as 2 hours per week participating in English Language Experience and 2 hours per week in Directed Learning course. This multi-level advanced course provides opportunities to engage in campus and community adventures, cultural presentations and volunteer experiences. Students will advance in all skill areas, including reading and writing; however, developing critical thinking, and advancing oral/aural skills remain the central focus of this course. Improvement in communication skills is made possible through a variety of activities, including public speaking, career research, as well as cultural and environmental awareness experiences.

Academic Preparation (AP) Program

ㆍ5 levels

ㆍUp to 26 hours of study per week including Directed Learning courses

ㆍIncludes 2 Learning Centers, language lab/computer lab access and socio-cultural activities

ㆍSmall classes, highly qualified, friendly, approachable teachers, and a wide range of learning materials

ㆍThree semesters (September, January and May), each 14 weeks long

ㆍStudents in the top 3 levels may be eligible to take up to 2 academic credit courses each semester taking their English language study.

ㆍGraduates from the English Language Centre can directly enter VIU degree, diploma and certificate programs

ㆍAll English language students who graduate from the AP5 course with a grade of 'C' or higher will receive 3 academic credits Foundations 1 Students will study a blend of all language skills so that they are able to express their ideas about familiar topics in English. Writing skills build from simple sentences to paragraph development. Focusing on oral, listening and reading skills will also help students become more confident in understanding and communicating in their second language. Foundations 2 The Foundations 2 course combines the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in daily classroom activities. Students will actively practice all aspects of English and focus on building academic writing skills along with practical communication skills. The goal of this course is to develop students’ knowledge, skills and confidence in English so they can move forward in their academic preparation. Academic Preparation 3 All Academic Preparation courses build on improving academic reading, writing, and presentation skills. Some students may be able to take academic courses (grade dependent) and all students will take modules focusing on specific skills. This course takes students from writing academic paragraphs to developing expository or academic essays. In addition to building grammar, reading and writing skills, there are three modules:

ㆍListening Skills & Introduction to Note-taking

ㆍCross Cultural Communication

ㆍPublic Speaking Academic Preparation 4 All Academic Preparation courses build on improving academic reading, writing, and presentation skills. Some students may be able to take academic courses (grade dependent) and all students will take modules focusing on specific skills. AP4 prepares students in the art of persuasion – in writing, debating and presenting. In addition to polishing grammar, writing persuasive essays and developing academic study skills, students will take two modules:

ㆍAcademic Lectures & Presentations

ㆍShort Stories & Literary Analysis Academic Preparation 5 All Academic Preparation courses build on improving academic reading, writing, and presentation skills. Some students may be able to take academic courses (grade dependent) and all students will take modules focusing on specific skills. This course prepares students to be successful in their future university courses. In addition to learning how to effectively research and write argumentative papers, students will take two modules:

ㆍLiterary & Media Analysis

ㆍBusiness Communications & Professional Presentations Passing Academic Preparation 5 allows students direct entry to Vancouver Island University programs without further English testing. All AP5 graduates earn 3 academic credits for their language skill progress.

Short-Term Language and Culture Program

ㆍ4 start dates – July, August, January, or February

ㆍ3 or 4 week programs

ㆍ3 levels – developing, intermediate, or advanced

ㆍ20 hours of English language instruction per week

ㆍIntegrated skills development in reading, writing, listening, and speaking

ㆍSmall classes with highly qualified, friendly, and approachable teachers

ㆍIncludes language labs and a wide variety of learning materials

ㆍIncludes socio-cultural activities and group day trips

ㆍOptional regional tours to explore Canada’s west coast

ㆍFarewell social and certificate of completion