English as a Second Language (ESL)

Electives

VanWest College ESL Electives

Electives

Course Details

A wide selection of electives is available to further support language development.

  • offered location: Vancouver and Kelowna
  • start dates: Every Monday
    If Monday is a holiday, Tuesday is the start date.
  • length: Minimum 2 weeks

Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees Per Week
Weeks Monday – Friday Digital Material Fee
Per Week
30 Lessons
08:30 – 14:45
25 Lessons
08:30 – 13:50
20 Lessons
08:30 – 12:00
2 – 11 $450 $420 $390 $20
12 – 23 $445 $415 $385
24 – 43 $435 $405 $375
44+ $415 $385 $355

Schedule

Monday – Friday
Class Time 20 Lessons per Week (Core English)
Core English 08:30 – 10:10 General English
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
VanExpress IELTS Preparation (VIP) *30 lessons only
English for Business (Linguaskill) Advanced
Speak Up (All Day Speaking) *Not part of the ESL progression
Cambridge B2 First Exam Preparation (FCE) *Not part of the ESL progression
English for Kids
English for Youth
10:20 – 12:00
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
Class Time 25 & 30 Lessons per Week (Elective)
Elective A 13:00 – 13:50 Electives
Elective B 13:55 – 14:45
Tutoring A 14:50 – 15:45 One-to-One Lesson (Monday – Thursday, Optional)
55 minutes per lesson
Tutoring B 15:50 – 16:45 One-to-One Lesson (Monday – Thursday, Optional)
55 minutes per lesson

– The schedule and course availability is subject to change without notice.

– Level progression is dependent on a number of considerations including weekly writing and speaking tasks, listening and reading tests, attitude, attendance, and completion of outside classroom course work. To progress to a new level, students must achieve an overall score of 75% or better.

Communication

Communication 101

This beginner level course focuses on essential, real-life communication functions (speaking and listening) through the use of themes and practical scenarios that allow participants to continue learning and practicing basic English phrases used in everyday situations. Material is presented in audio and video format and ample class time is given to students to practice what they have learned. Cultural aspects such as non-verbal behavior and cross-cultural communication are also learned in context.

Communication 102

This fast-paced, high interest course focuses on essential, real-life communication functions (speaking and listening) through the use of themes and practical scenarios that allow participants to learn and practice useful English phrases used in everyday situations.

Communication 103

Students practice listening and speaking activities and are exposed to grammar for speaking and vocabulary study. They develop their communication competence through directed learning activities. In addition to improving listening and speaking skills, reading and writing are also reinforced through a wide variety of dictation techniques.

Grammar

Grammar 101

This class is an introduction to basic grammatical features that students need to understand to communicate effectively when writing and speaking. Students will learn and review grammatical features while focusing of a number of topics which model correct grammar usage. Language production centers on speaking and writing.

Grammar 102

This is a class for intermediate students who need to continue developing the basic grammar they need to understand to communicate effectively when writing and speaking. Students will learn and review grammatical features while focusing of a number of topics which model correct grammar usage. Language production centers on speaking and writing, which allows students to get the feedback they need from their teachers.

Grammar 103

This course is designed for advanced students who wish to expand on their previous knowledge of English grammar and want to begin using more complex and sophisticated language structures. Students will learn and review grammatical features while focusing of a number of topics which model correct grammar usage. Language production centers on speaking and writing, which allows students to get the feedback they need from their teachers.

Listening

Listening 101

This class is an introduction to listening strategies that learners need in order to understand the message and communicate effectively in English on familiar topics. Students will learn essential phrases, vocabulary, and pronunciation needed to comprehend and respond to different functions such as describing present and past activities, making plans, evaluating situations, and expressing preferences. The focus of the course is the accurate reporting and use of information that has been heard. There is constant correction and feedback from instructors, who will model the speaking structures which are taught.

Listening 102

This class continues to expand on listening strategies that learners need in order to understand the message and communicate effectively in English on familiar topics. Students will learn essential phrases, vocabulary, and pronunciation needed to comprehend and respond to different functions such as describing present and past activities, making plans, evaluating situations, and expressing preferences. The focus of the course is the accurate reporting and use of information that has been heard. There is constant correction and feedback from instructors, who will model the speaking structures which are taught.

Listening 103

This course emphasizes strategies to develop listening skills at an advanced level. Students listen to a range of academic subject materials varying in length and complexity and learn how to predict before listening, and how to identify main ideas in lectures and presentations. Learners will be taught how to take effective notes while listening for particular details. This class includes student presentations (group, pair, individual) and the class will give critical analysis/feedback to their peers. There is constant correction and feedback from instructors, who will model the speaking structures which are taught.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation 101

Individuals will study and practice the essential aspects of pronunciation. The first level focuses on sound production and correction. The students will learn to form and contrast vowel sounds such as /iy/ and /e/, and to distinguish the sounds of consonants such as /p/ and /b/ and /t/ and /d/.Upon successful completion of this course the learner will be able to distinguish, form, and recognize the different English vowel and consonant sounds.

Speaking

Speaking 101

This class is an introduction to speaking skills that you need to communicate effectively in English for short discussions and presentations on familiar topics. You will learn grammar and phrases needed to perform different functions such as making introductions, describing habits, and expressing preferences. The focus of the course is the reporting of information to others and being clearly understood, so this is not mainly a conversation class. There is constant correction and feedback from instructors, who will model the speaking structures which are taught.

Speaking 102

This class builds on Speaking 101 and continues the speaking skills that you need to communicate effectively in English for short discussions and presentations on familiar topics. You will learn more complex grammar and phrases needed to perform different functions such as making introductions, describing past experiences, and expressing certainty and regret. The focus of the course is the reporting of information to others and being clearly understood, so this is not mainly a conversation class. There is constant correction and feedback from instructors, who will model the speaking structures which are taught.

Speaking 103

This course will develop students’ skills and confidence in the areas of public speaking and presentation. Students participate in directed discussion of a model presentation before preparing and delivering their own speeches. They complete outlines to help them organize information and prepare notes to consult during their presentations. In the practice phase of the lesson, students rehearse their presentations and complete a speech checklist to confirm that all required presentation elements are included. Students will also learn how to present in a variety of genres, effectively use voice and props, and lead or participate in discussions. The pronunciation component of this course will improve student’s diction, articulation, enunciation and projection skills.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary 102

Vocabulary 102 teaches useful, common vocabulary to prepare students for the kinds of words found in novels, newspapers, films, and social and workplace settings. It focuses on a variety of subject areas, such as the mind, design, celebrity, and the environment. To help students reach a fuller understanding of the new vocabulary, they focus on word meanings, word families, and collocation. Students will learn definitions for new vocabulary and how to identify the parts of speech and the various forms. Synonyms and idioms will also be covered, as well as, general grammatical knowledge in speech and writing.

Writing

Writing 101

This class is an introduction to writing skills that you need to communicate effectively in English on familiar topics. You will learn grammar and phrases needed to perform different functions such as writing basic sentences and paragraphs as well as writing paragraphs for description, opinion, and narration.

Writing 102

This class continues developing students ability to write effectively in English on familiar topics. Students will learn grammar and phrases needed to perform different functions such as writing paragraphs for opinion, narration, compare-contrast , and problem solution. Students will also write a full persuasive essay.

Writing 103

This class helps students develop their ability to write effective paragraphs and essays in English. They will learn phrases and strategies needed to write paragraphs and essays dealing with persuasion, problem-solution, compare-contrast, and cause-effect.

Canadian English and Culture

Canadian English and Culture

This class will introduce students to Canadian English and Culture through weekly readings, group discussions, video, and listening exercises. Every week students will explore topics such as Canadian history, sports, geography, and more. There will be dynamic classes that encourage students to analyze Canadian culture while comparing and discussing their own. There will be a project activity every Friday where students will demonstrate what they have learned through mini-presentations, roleplay, or other interactive activities.

Course Details

Offered Location
Vancouver and Kelowna

Start Dates
Every Monday
If Monday is a holiday, Tuesday is the start date.

Length
Minimum 2 weeks


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PTIB Approval

Our English as Second Language (ESL) program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and offered in Vancouver (DLI:O19283891072) and Kelowna (DLI:O19395299852).

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