English as a Second Language (ESL)

English & Volunteer Experience (YCC)

VanWest College English & Volunteer Experience - Your Community Connections (YCC)

English & Volunteer Experience

Your Community Connections (YCC)

This highly interactive, community-based course teaches students how to be engaged in their community, learn new skills, gain “Canadian” experience and to improve the quality of life in their community where they live. In a classroom setting students will study about local cultural aspects and current events while improving their English language, critical thinking and analytical skills. The classroom learning will then be applied to real-life, hands-on situations. From the classroom to the community, students are introduced to various businesses and volunteer organizations and will attend local events to develop a more meaningful bond between the community and themselves.

Course Details

  • offered location: Kelowna
  • start dates 2025: Feb 10, Apr 7, Jun 2, Jul 28, Sept 22, Nov 17
  • length: 8 weeks
  • class: 30 Lessons per week
  • capacity: 8 students

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 or English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
10:20 – 12:00
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
Class Time 25 & 30 Lessons per Week (Elective)
Elective A 13:00 – 13:50 English & Volunteer Experience *Kelowna only
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
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.

English & Volunteer Experience (YCC)

Looking for volunteer opportunities while studying English in Canada? You are guaranteed to gain authentic Canadian experience with us!

Prerequisite: Completion of EAP 100 or Level 3

Built-In Volunteer Placement & Field Trips During the Course:

  • Kelowna cultural district
  • Kelowna community resources
  • Kelowna gospel mission
  • Okanagan centre for innovation
  • Healthcare system
  • Various local businesses
  • Central Okanagan food bank

Built-In Volunteer Placement & Field Trips after the Course:

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Festivals & events for various organizations
  • Projects that need people for short-term commitments
  • Community centers
  • Farms
  • Healthcare system (These positions in particular will require training and a criminal record check, and students must be available to volunteer for six months or more.)

  • Connect with Local Community
  • Unique Opportunities
  • Weekly Visit to Kelowna Businesses & Cultural Locations

Course Details

Offered Location
Kelowna

Start Dates 2025
Feb 10, Apr 7, Jun 2, Jul 28, Sept 22, Nov 17

Length
Minimum 8 weeks | 30 Lessons/week


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