English Language Studies

The English Language Studies (ELS) department at UFV offers full-time and part-time classes in the English language. The program includes courses for speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing as well as elective courses such as Business English and Pronunciation. Students who wish to take university-level courses may do so either by completing upper-level Bridge ESL or EAP courses or by taking both upper-level EAP courses and academic courses through the University Foundation program.

Program office: Room A247, Abbotsford campus

Telephone: 604-854-4581

Special programs may be offered at different times.

Entrance requirements

Students can become an ELS student if they have completed Grade 12 or equivalent, or if they are a minimum of 19 years of age before the first day of classes, and if English is not their primary language of communication. International students should contact UFV International. Classes are normally for intermediate, advanced, and bridge-level 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. ELS classes begin in September, January, and May.

How to apply

Fill out an application form in the ELS office. There is an application fee. Applicants will be given an appointment for a language proficiency assessment. All students must complete an assessment before registering. The assessment takes approximately two hours and is free of charge, but new students must call or visit the ELS office to arrange a day and time to come in to do the assessment. Students who have recently completed a LINC class may not need to have an assessment done.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Textbooks and other class materials 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. Please see the ELS webpage for more information.

Domestic students can apply for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG). Students who qualify for this grant can receive funding for their study costs, including tuition and textbook costs. Applications must be submitted to the Financial Aid and Awards office at least four weeks before classes start. The Adult Upgrading Grants Application form must be completed.

Registration

After the assessment, applicants pick up their timetables from the ELS office. Applicants will be assigned a time to register. If applicants register after the second week of classes, there is a late registration fee. Please remember to notify the ELS office and the Office of the Registrar of a change of address or phone number.

Attendance

It is very important to attend all classes but especially the first class. Please check timetables for the times and locations of classes. If students do not attend their first class, their place may be given to a person on the wait list. Students are expected to attend classes from the beginning to the end of the course. Classes with insufficient enrolment may be cancelled.

Computer laboratory

Certain classes are scheduled in the computer lab or have a lab component. Open lab times are available for students who wish to complete homework assignments or 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. Students at this level may be eligible for the University Foundation Program which allows them to take both ELS and university-level courses at the same time.

Certificates

The ELS 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 a minimum GPA of 2.00 on all courses for the certificate. Students may apply for more than one certificate.

ELS Intermediate certificate

ELS Advanced I certificate

ELS Advanced II certificate

ELS Academic certificate

Note: The ELS department does not issue certificates for work that has been completed at other institutions.

Program outline

The English Language Studies program 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 ELS 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 upper-level EAP and ESL Bridge courses (courses at the 080 level) students who have applied may receive a certificate, and are eligible for entry into academic programs provided they have completed EAP 084 (formerly ESL WG84) with a C+ and have completed all other course requirements for entry into the program. Students may also begin taking academic courses while taking the final two levels of the ELS program through the University Foundation program.

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

ELS program outline

Five ELS core subjects plus optional electives

Note: Not all electives are offered every semester. Please check with the ESL department.

Click here for University Foundation certificate details.

Elective courses

All levels

Levels 070–080

Grading policy

Students who obtain a grade of C- or better in an ELS class are eligible to register in EAP courses at the next level. Students can obtain a transcript online at the end of each semester. Students who do not attend class regularly or who do not complete the required tests, quizzes, exams, and/or assignments are usually unable to advance to the next level.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation may register in no more than 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.