The English Language Centre (ELC) has been offering high quality ESL programs since 1970 and we are happy to welcome over 2500 students each year. We are also proud to be an important part of UVic, ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and one of the best comprehensive universities in Canada. Intensive classes! Modern campus! Pathways to Degree Programs! International friends! These are just some of the reasons why each year more than 2500 international students choose UVic’s English Language Centre (ELC) programs to improve their English skills. The English Language Centre (ELC) is part of the University of Victoria (UVic), a medium-sized university located on a modern campus in the west-coast capital city of Victoria, British Columbia. Spectacular landscapes, outdoor activities, excellent shopping and nightlife make Victoria one of Canada’s favourite tourist destinations. UVic’s location in Victoria is convenient and scenic – just 10 minutes away from the beach and 15 minutes from downtown. UVic consistently ranks among Canada’s top 3 universities and is listed in the top 1% of universities worldwide. ELC students have unlimited access to all of UVic’s academic and recreational facilities, allowing them to become part of an exciting student community of 19,000 degree students. Outside of classes, ELC students enjoy a variety of social and cultural activities which allow our students to explore the beauty and culture of Victoria, while offering an opportunity to practise their English with each other, and with Canadians.The ELC has been providing students with innovative English programs for over 40 years, and in 2012 we are offering the NEW University Pathway Program for international students who wish to study at the University of Victoria, one of the top universities in Canada! ELC programs begin every month and can be combined to suit each student´s schedule and interests, making it easy to study in Victoria for 1 month, 6 months, a year, or longer!

22 class hours per week
Study Centre and Pronunciation Clinic (8 hours per week)
6 levels of instruction from Upper Beginner to University Admission Preparation
General or Academic concentrations for students at the intermediate to advanced levels
English Work Experience (EWEP) option for students at the high-intermediate to advanced levels
General Advanced Level (GAP) for advanced students to focus on career, cultural and global issues
Free weekly activities and a variety of optional activities for a minimal cost
Homestay accommodation (National Award Winner, 2007)

Curriculum :

The 12-Week Intensive English program, or "ELPI", offers an intensive language immersion experience with a range of class levels, which allows students to build on their progress in previous sessions and offers a path to admission to the University of Victoria. This program combines 22 class hours per week, tutorial and pronunciation resources at UVic outside of classes and a full schedule of socio-cultural activities which allow students to practise their English skills while exploring and enjoying Canadian culture.

 

At the beginning of the ELPI program, students complete a written and speaking placement test so they can be placed in the correct level. All students must attend the placement tests on the first day of the program. Any student arriving late cannot be guaranteed placement in ELPI. If classes are full and a student cannot be placed, he/she will be transferred to the next available session of Monthly English or to the next available ELPI session. Upper Beginner to Low-Intermediate levels build fundamental communication skills. They focus on comprehension and speaking confidence by improving pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, student choose either a general or an academic program. The general program is excellent for professional or personal development. The academic program is for students who plan to attend an English-speaking college or university.The University Admission Preparation Level (UAP) is the most advanced level in the ELPI program. Successful completion of this program satisfies the English requirement for admission to University of Victoria degree programs.The General Advanced Level (GAP) is also offered to advanced students who want to strengthen their proficiency in English for international communication. This level focuses on career, business, global issues and individual interests. Students volunteer in the community for a minimum of 2 hours per week.

 

Formal examinations are held each session and a report card is issued at the end of the session. The final mark is the total of all assignments. After completing each level, students receive a Certificate of Participation. The Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students who attend at least 80% of the scheduled classes.  Students who miss 20% or more classes (including late arrival and/or early departure) will not receive the Certificate of Participation.  All students will receive a Record of Grade (report card) at the end of the program.

 

This program includes structured classes from Monday to Friday and time in the Study Centre and Pronunciation Clinic for a total of 30 hours per week. Elective class options focus on particular language skills and special topics of interest such as Business English, Canadian Culture, Pronunciation, Music and TOEFL Preparation. Topics vary and students may choose 2 electives per term. Elective classes count for 10% of the overall program evaluation. Outside of classes, students can take advantage of the excellent learning resources available on campus, including the Study Centre and Pronunciation Clinic, the Computer-Assisted Language Laboratory, library and computer labs. Students in this program enjoy a full calendar of free weekly activities as well as a variety of optional activities offered at minimal cost.