Study English

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Over the last 40 years, Bow Valley College has become a global leader in English as Second Language (ESL) training, helping students from all over the world prepare for a life, and career.

What we offer

  • Small, interactive, and engaging classes
  • Experienced instructors
  • Flexible course options including Full Time Study, Part Time Skill Specific Development, and Preparation Programs for further academic study
  • Enhanced skills for the workplace
  • Flexible registration - from two months to one year or more
  • Year round courses that range from two to four months

In the Fall of 2010, Bow Valley College launched a new series of ESL opportunities for students interested in studying in Canada. Our new program provides additional education pathways for international students into Career programs at Bow Valley College and at other post-secondary institutions in Alberta.

Our Programs

International students have the option of studying in two different programs:

  • International ESL
  • Post Secondary Preparation Program for International Learners

Both programs offer intensive, academic language courses that are outcomes based and learner centered. The classes focus on all four strands - Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Skills are developed through a range of contemporary themes, topics, and activities.

International ESL

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The International ESL program assumes students enter with an intermediate level of proficiency. To build further proficiency focused on academic success, we offer four different levels of classes:

  • Introduction to Academic English
  • Intermediate Academic English
  • High Intermediate Academic English
  • Advanced Academic English

Students who complete this program will be able to:

  • Read efficiently and effectively in an academic context
  • Write clearly and accurately for academic purposes
  • Communicate information in discussions and presentations
  • Interact with confidence in a North American academic environment
  • Use technology appropriately to assist their learning

Students are assessed upon entry and placed according to their ability. Placement tests take place the week before classes. Each term is 8 weeks in length and classes are full time from 9:30am to 3:30pm Monday through Thursday.

Term start and end dates for the next year:

  • April 30-June 22, 2012
  • June 25-August 17, 2012
  • August 27-October 19, 2012
  • October 22-December 14, 2012
  • January 7 - March 1, 2013
  • March 4 - April 26, 2013

Students who successfully complete Advanced Academic English with a grade of B or higher meet the language proficiency requirement for Bow Valley College's Early Learning and Child Care program or can proceed to the Post-Secondary Preparation Program for International Learners.

Post-Secondary Preparation Program for International Learners

This 16 week program is designed especially for international students interested in pursuing academic programs at post-secondary institutions. The program features a combination of two classes, both of which are mandatory to successfully complete the program:

  • English for Academic Purposes – International and internationally educated students will explore a series of thought-provoking themes and completing in-depth reports, research projects, and presentations to develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Success Skills – Students will develop key study skills and explore the academic success skills required for a Canadian classroom.

The class schedule for English for Academic Purposes is 8:00am-2:00pm Monday to Thursday. For five Fridays of the semester students will attend the Success Skills class which is currently from 9:30am-12:30pm. Students will be required to write an assessment test to gain admission to the program. This test will be written the week prior to the start of classes. Students who are not successful on the admissions test may be able to study in the International ESL program instead.

Semester start and end dates for the next year:

  • April 30 - August 17, 2012
  • August 27 - December 14, 2012
  • January 7 - April 26, 2013
  • May 6 - August 23, 2013

Students who successfully complete English for Academic Purposes with a grade of B or higher will meet the language proficiency requirements for Bow Valley College programs.

Students who successfully complete English for Academic Purposes with a grade of B+ or higher will meet the language proficiency requirements for SAIT.

Interested in more information on our International ESL programs and education pathways? Listen to our International ESL programs podcast!

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