English as a Second Language (ESL)

General English

VanWest College ESL General English

General English

Based on an integrated skill curriculum, core classes teach students specific strategies to improve their English while electives reinforce the core language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Eight language benchmark levels accommodate student progression from a beginner learner with little English skill to advanced language proficiency.

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

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
10:20 – 12:00
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
Class Time 25 & 30 Lessons per Week (Elective)
Elective A 13:00 – 13:50 VanExpress IELTS Preparation (VIP) * 30 lessons only
Business Communication / Canadian English and Culture
English for Flight Attendants / English for Customer Relations / English for Social Media
High School Preparation * Kelowna only / English & Volunteer Experience * Kelowna only
Communication / Speaking / Listening / Writing / Grammar / Pronunciation and More!
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.

Level 1 - Beginner

This course will build students’ understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary and functions of English. The lessons provide a foundation in the structure of the language with all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) integrated using universal topics selected from a wide variety of material. There is in-depth treatment of grammar and a systematic vocabulary syllabus which includes dictionary training and work on systems such as collocations. Pronunciation work is integrated at appropriate points and everyday English is presented allowing the students to practice functional language and social situations.

Level 2 - High Beginner

This beginner level course will build students’ understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary and functions of English. The lessons provide a foundation in the structure of the language with all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) integrated using universal topics selected from a wide variety of material. There is in-depth treatment of grammar and a systematic vocabulary syllabus which includes dictionary training and work on systems such as collocations. Pronunciation work is integrated at appropriate points and everyday English is presented allowing the students to practice functional language and social situations.

Level 3 - Pre-Intermediate

This course develops the 4-skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, in an integrated manner. The topics, which lead to lively communication in the class, are current and of high-interest to adult learners. The additional focus on phonetics helps students learn the correct pronunciation easily and the way the phonemic alphabet is presented. The course will provide a foundation in the structure of the English language by gradually building students’ understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary, and functions of English.

Level 4 - Intermediate 1

Students will improve in the four language skills in English: listening, speaking, reading and writing plus grammar and vocabulary-building. This course is taught using communicative interaction so students will practice and improve their communication skills throughout their time in class. The course will provide a foundation in the structure of the English language by gradually building students’ understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary, and functions of English.

Level 5 - Intermediate 2

This course emphasizes the integration of reading, listening, speaking, vocabulary and grammar-building skills. It will provide a foundation in the intermediate structure of the English language by gradually building students’ understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary, and functions of English.

Level 6 - High Intermediate

This course emphasizes the integration of reading, listening, speaking, vocabulary and grammar-building skills. The course provides a further base in an intermediate level of academic English language by gradually building students’ understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary, and functions of English. Subject matter is carefully selected so that students learn new concepts and encounter new perspectives aimed at improving critical thinking skills.

Level 7 - Pre-Advanced

This course emphasizes the integration of reading, listening, speaking, vocabulary and grammar-building skills. It provides a foundation in advanced structures of the English language by gradually building students’ understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary, and functions of English.

Level 8 - Advanced

This course emphasizes the integration of advanced reading, listening, speaking, vocabulary and grammar-building skills. It will develop academic language and study skills necessary to perform successfully within a post-secondary setting. Components include: listening and note taking; seminar presentation and discussion; academic reading; university level vocabulary; and essay writing.

  • 8 Language Benchmark Levels
  • Develop Fluency in Everyday Situations
  • Build Confidence in All Areas of English
  • Prepare to Enter into Specialized Courses

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


Connect with Us


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).

Start your journey with us