| International students taking ESL programs in Canada will find a wide variety of ESL options including courses offered at both online and campus-based Canadian colleges, universities, secondary schools and independent language colleges. Areas of study include business English, conversational English, English for the workplace, English for academic purposes, university preparation, language test preparation and more. Most ESL programs in Canada offer the option of different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Schedules are also flexible, with full semester ESL programs as well as summer programs, and spring or Easter break language camps. Other ESL options like unpaid internships may also be available.
International students will also find a variety of potential housing options, including homestay, on-campus dormitories and residences, or independent off-campus apartment living. All of these options allow international students to choose the right ESL program in Canada to fit their academic and personal needs. ESL Courses The different English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and programs available in Canada include: - business English
- conversational English
- English for specific purposes (such as medical, legal, educational, etc.)
- English for the workplace
- university or college preparation
- high school preparation
- integrated programs (read, write, listen, speak)
- child/youth programs (for students 12 years old and younger)
- teacher training programs (CELTA/TESL/TESOL, etc.)
- English proficiency and test preparation (CAEL, TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS)
These programs may be offered at the beginner, intermediate or advanced level. They may be semester programs, summer programs, or immersion camps, and program length varies between 5 weeks to 15 weeks. Some programs are tailored for individuals or for groups. ESL courses and programs will differ depending on where you take them: at a university, college, public high school, private high school, or private language college. For example, some college programs allow ESL students to register for up to 2 university courses for credit during their language training. The different courses and programs also lead to different goals; some award you a certificate, while others are simply language skills upgrading. With all of these options, you should be able to find an ESL course in Canada that offers what you need. Preparing for ESL in Canada Preparing for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in Canada will vary to some extent depending on the program or course you have selected. ESL programs may be part of a university, college, secondary school, or offered by an independent language school; therefore, you should check with your program to see what they recommend you do to prepare. However, there are some general things you can do to prepare for any ESL program in Canada.
Language Testing
Some programs will require you to take a diagnostic test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TEOFL), Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL). This initial test shows the school what level of English you're ready for. The school may require you to take the test in advance, or may administer a diagnostic test themselves. Other schools may have their own placement test, or they may not require one at all. Be sure to check with the specific ESL school or program.
Personal Preparation
There are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself personally for studying ESL in Canada. - Practice what English you may have. Watch television or movies in English, listen to music in English, and if possible have conversations with other English-speakers in your area.
- Get familiar with Canadian culture, customs and the details of day to day life in Canada. This will help you with culture-shock and help you to familiarise you with your host country.
- Gather things to remind you of home while you are in Canada. Having familiar music, books, movies and souvenir objects can be very comforting if you get home-sick.
- Research the extra-curricular activities that are offered by the school you wish to go to, or that are available in the local community. You may find your favourite sport or other activity, or you may find something new that looks interesting. If you research before leaving, you won't have to spend as much time in your new country looking for things to do: you can jump right in!
- Get in contact with other international students already studying at the school you wish to attend. The school's administration may be able to put you in touch with current international students who can share their experiences and advice with you.
Choosing an ESL Program in Canada Choosing an English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Canada is an important step. Whether you are coming to Canada just to learn English, or whether you need English for the rest of your studies in Canada, the right program makes all the difference. There are many different ESL programs available in Canada, designed to suit many different students and their needs. Some general tips to keep in mind while you are deciding between the available programs are:
Program focus
You might be looking for business English, conversational English, English for academic purposes, or English for your workplace. Maybe you learn best in a group of other students, or maybe you would benefit from a tailored program for you as an individual. Maybe you would do best in an online ESL program, an independent language college, or an ESL program associated with a Canadian college or university. Whatever your needs, you should make sure that the ESL program you choose has the focus you want while suiting your current skill level and giving you room to advance.
Program recognition
The ESL program you choose should meet the standards set by a language training accreditation agency, such as the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) or a similar organization. The program should also be a member of a professional society or association, to ensure that there is ongoing monitoring of quality. Program recognition can make all the difference in applying your acquired English skills. See our section on Accreditation of ESL Programs in Canada for more details.
Teaching quality
Are the instructors in your ESL program native English speakers? Are they full-time professional instructors? What training have they had, and have they lived and worked in other countries? Other than your own hard work, your teacher is the biggest influence on how much you learn, how well, and how quickly. You want to make sure you get the best instruction possible.
Facilities
Language labs, video and audio equipment and computers with Internet access and interactive learning programs are all big advantages in an ESL program. Other advantages to look for include conversation clubs or other opportunities to use your English outside the classroom.
Housing Options
The different housing options for international students in Canada (such as residences and dormitories, homestay and off-campus apartments) will depend on where in Canada the ESL program is located, and what kind of school it is offered by (an independent language school or part of a university or college). When choosing your housing option, keep in mind that something like homestay will offer you more opportunities to practice your English on a daily basis.
Location
ESL programs are available almost anywhere in Canada, which gives you a wide range of locations to choose from. You might want to study in a large city, or in a smaller town where you get to know more people. You should consider climate and likely weather, as well as how much travel you wish to do and the cost of living.
Size
Consider the size of the campus, the number of international students at the institution, class size and teacher to student ratio.
Program goals
Consider whether the program leads to a credential (diploma, certificate), a job, academic transfer, single or overall skill improvement, etc. Choosing an ESL program in Canada gives you the power to shape your future! Applying to an ESL Program in Canada Applying to an English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Canada is a process that varies between programs and school type; ESL programs are offered by high schools, colleges, universities, and by private language institutions. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow.
Step 1: Choose a program
Your first step is to research ESL programs in Canada and choose the best program for your needs. Canada offers a wide variety of choices for the international student, so you should have no problem finding the program that is right for you.
Step 2: Double check the entry requirements
Different ESL programs at different school types will have different entry requirements, such as minimum grade, minimum age (different schools have different age restrictions), letters from officials at your present school, a certain level of English, certain scores on specific language tests (CAEL, TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, etc.).
Step 3: Know when and where to apply Some ESL programs and institutions have specific application deadlines for international students, while others accept and process applications all year round. Because space is often limited, it is a good idea to apply as early as possible. - Apply directly to the program
Step 4: Pay your application fees and any other fees
Most schools have an application fee, and some may require all or a part of your yearly tuition (usually a tuition deposit of between $200 and $800 C$) to be paid before they will issue a letter of acceptance. As you must have this letter to apply for your Canadian student visa (known as a study permit), this step is very important.
Step 5: Apply for your study permit
Once you have your letter of acceptance from a Canadian ESL program, you can begin applying for your Canadian student visa, also called a study permit. This permit is required for all international students whose studies in Canada will last more than six months. The permit is issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, or CIC. The application process for this permit may take some time. Again, it is very important to leave enough time before the beginning of the program to apply for and receive your study permit. |
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