English as a Second Language
www.ufv.ca/esl
www.ufv.ca/international

The English as a Second Language department at UFV offers full-time and part-time classes in ESL. The classes include speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Students who plan to take university-level courses should complete the Bridge ESL courses.

Program office: Room A247, Abbotsford campus

Telephone: 604-854-4581

Special programs may be offered at different times.

Entrance requirements

You can become an ESL student if you have completed Grade 12 or equivalent, or if you are 19 years of age or older before the first day of classes, and if English is not your mother tongue. International students should contact UFV International. Classes are normally for intermediate, advanced, and bridge students only. Beginner students may need special arrangements.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

Fill out an application form in the ESL office. There is a $45 application fee. You will be given an appointment for an assessment. All students do an assessment before they can register.

Registration

After the assessment, pick up your timetable from the ESL office. You will be assigned a time to register. If you register after the second week of classes, there is a late registration fee. Please remember to notify the ESL office and the Admissions and Records office of a change of address or phone number if you move or change your phone number.

Attendance

It is very important to attend all classes but especially your first class. Please check your timetable for the time of your class. If you do not attend your first class, your place may be given to a person on the waiting list. You are expected to attend classes from the beginning to the end of the course. Classes with insufficient enrolment may be cancelled.

Grading policy

At the end of the semester students are assessed to determine an appropriate placement for the following semester. Students can obtain a transcript online at the end of each semester. Students must achieve a C- to advance to the next course. Students who do not attend class regularly are usually unable to advance to the next level.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books must normally be purchased for each course, and a headset is required for all courses with a lab component. These are available in the UFV bookstore.

This is a developmental level program, and so, is not eligible for government student loans; however, students who qualify can apply for the Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP).

Computer laboratory

Certain classes are scheduled in the computer lab. Open lab times are also available. Students can use computer software to help them in any skill area in which they need to improve.

Levels

Beginner

Students will improve their basic reading, writing, and speaking skills in an intensive course in classes that meet for three or more hours per day.

Intermediate

Students will improve their spoken and written English and increase their vocabulary. Students may want to take the phonics course or the pronunciation courses at this or the advanced level.

Advanced and Bridge

Students will improve their reading and writing. They will develop a better knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. They will continue to improve their listening and speaking ability. These levels are a preparation for further academic study.

Certificates

The ESL department offers four English language proficiency certificates. Qualified students who want to receive a certificate must apply for the certificate they wish to receive. Students must achieve a grade of C- or better in each of the listed courses, and must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher on all the courses for the certificate. Students may apply for more than one certificate.

Intermediate
• Reading and Vocabulary 58
• Writing and Grammar 54
• Speaking 56 or Pronunciation 45

Advanced I
• Reading and Vocabulary 68
• Writing and Grammar 64
• Speaking 66

Advanced II
• Reading 70
• Writing and Grammar 74
• Speaking 76
• One other 70 or 80 level ESL course

Academic
• Reading 80
• Writing and Grammar 84
• Any two other 80 level ESL courses

Note: It is not the intention of the ESL Department to issue certificates for work not done at UFV.

Program outline

The English Second Language program (ESL) at UFV combines in-depth training in core language skills in two intensive and six regular levels with a choice of optional electives to suit the individual needs of students. The gradual shift from ESL into academic subjects gives students practical support during this transition and helps them adjust to academic studies.

This approach also helps maximize student success in further academic or career programs by providing students with the opportunity to develop the language and socio-cultural skills required in Canadian universities. On completion of this program students may receive a certificate and are eligible for entry into academic programs. Students may also begin taking academic courses while taking the final two levels of the ESL program.

All reading/vocabulary, writing/grammar, and speaking/listening courses are considered “core.” All other courses are “electives.”

Semesters

1. Fall: September to December
2. Winter: January to April
3. Summer: May to August

ESL program outline

Five ESL core subjects plus optional electives

Click here for University Foundation certificate details.

Electives

• Levels 10-20
  • Computer Multi-skills
  • Multi-skills class
  • Computer Word Exploration 30
  • Computer Word Exploration 40

• Levels 30–60
  • Pronunciation P45 & P65
  • Phonics P55
  • Drama DR47
  • Music MU47
  • Business English BU55
  • TOEFL preparation T85
  • English Through Film FLM

• Levels 70–80
  • Business English BU75
  • TOEFL preparation T85
  • English Through Film FLM
  • Academic Transition L87
  • Oral Communication for Academic Purposes S76
  • Phonics P55
  • Pronunciation P65.

• Individualized ESL self-study courses in multi-media computer assisted language training lab.