Okanagan College (OC) is a public, post-secondary institution recognized by the Government of British Columbia. OC is a member of the Association of Community Colleges of Canada (ACCC) and the British Columbia Centre for International Education (BCCIE). At the present time, OC hosts approximately 320 international students from several countries in Asia, Latin America, and Europe at its three campuses located in the cities of Kelowna, Salmon Arm, and Vernon, British Columbia. The Okanagan-Shuswap region of British Columbia is located less than one hour east of Vancouver by air. It is famous for its beautiful mountains and lakes, and delicious fruit and wine. The area's warm, sunny summers are ideal for water sports, mountain biking, and hiking. The Okanagan offers mild winters with excellent skiing and snowboarding.In Kelowna, international students may study in OC's high quality ESL programs (six levels from beginner to advanced). Each level takes one, four month semester to complete. Intermediate and advanced students may study ESL alone or combine ESL and academic courses. At the Vernon campus, students are offered one month sessions in conversational ESL. A variety of degree, diploma, and certificate programs are also available.

This Program focuses on: Core Courses include six levels of English Essentials, Reading and Writing; optional Courses are Pronunciation, Grammar and Speaking; co-enrolment in ESL and degree/diploma programs; and access to Computer Assisted Language Learning and Learning Support - Tutoring Centres.

Curriculum :

The English for Academic purposes offers 16 week sessions throughout the academic year. Students enrolled in the Program receive 25 hours of in-class instruction each week.

 

The Program offers 6 levels of English classes, from beginning to advanced. During orientation, students take a language proficiency test to help determine the level best-suited to their ability. Students’ academic performances are continually evaluated and grade reports are issued at the end of each session.

 

The Program’s comprehensive curriculum features core courses emphasizing reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In addition to attending regular classes, students can also select from various elective courses to study areas such as pronunciation, oral fluency, and conversational course.

 

Programs begin in January, May, July, and September and Students at advanced ESL levels may combine ESL with diploma/degree courses. Successful program completion meets the English requirement for all academic programs at Okanagan College.

Homestay
Living with a homestay family is a good way to learn and practice English. The home may be a house, an apartment, or a townhouse. Homes are normally located within 30 minutes  or less of the campus by bus. Host families are chosen for their interest in other cultures and their willingness to help students adjust to the Canadian lifestyle. The host family may be a family with children, a family without children or a single person. The student is expected to stay with the homestay for at least two months.

 

Student Residence
Nestled in the mountains of the scenic Okanagan Valley, Okanagan College Student Residence offers you furnished, non-smoking accommodations at the Kelowna campus. The residence is located only steps away from classrooms, libraries, recreational and fitness facilities, and food services.Public bus service connects you to local beaches, recreation areas, downtown, the airport, and shopping districts within the city.

The city of Kelowna is located in the centre of the Okanagan Valley, approximately400 km. east of Vancouver and 600 km. west of Calgary. Kelowna is easily accessible to visitors, only a four-hour drive from Vancouver or a quick 60-minute flight from Vancouver or Calgary.

 

The Okanagan Valley is located in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada, making it a central location for visiting B.C.’s west coast (Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria) and the Rocky Mountains, bordering BC and Alberta.

 The International Student Computer lab is available to all international students to practice speaking and listening skills, complete homework assignments, do Internet research, and the computers are multi-language capable. The ISC lab has programs specifically designed to improve English speaking and listening skills. We also have wireless Internet throughout all campuses, a 'Laptop Computer Borrowing Service', and computer access for all students. Notable services offered through the College include the Learning Centre, International Computer Lab, campus health services, campus recreation, counselling services, disability services, First Nations student services, student associations, human rights advisors, libraries, and bookstores.

 The nationality and age mix ; varies over different time periods, courses and levels.