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

The English as a Second Language department at UFV offers full-time and part-time classes in English language studies. 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 courses or by taking both upper level ESL 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

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 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. ESL classes begin in September, January, and May. In addition, there are some classes that begin every seven weeks with  approximate start dates at the beginning of November, March, and July.

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 a language proficiency assessment. All students do an assessment before they can register. The assessment takes approximately two hours and is free of charge, but new students must call or visit the ESL office to arrange a day and time to come in to do the assessment.

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 Office of the Registrar 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

Students who obtain a grade of C- or higher in an ESL class are eligable to register in ESL 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.

Fees and additional costs

ESL courses are tuition free. However, students will need to pay Ancillary fees and other UFV student fees. 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 it 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 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 ESL and university level courses at the same time.

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 upper level ESL Bridge courses (course at the 80 level) students who have applied may receive a certificate and are eligible for entry into academic programs provided they have completed ESL WG 84 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 ESL program through the University Foundation 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

Inter-Semester seven week sessions (approx start/end months)

1. Fall:
a) September to October
b) November to December

2. Winter:
a) January to February
b) March to April

3. Summer
a) May to June
b) July to August

ESL program outline

Five ESL core subjects plus optional electives

Click here for University Foundation certificate details.

Electives

• All levels
  • Computer Mediated Studies
  • Multi-skills class
  • Computer Word Exploration 30
  • Computer Word Exploration 40
  • Pronunciation P45 and 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 Note Taking L87
  • Oral Communication for Academic Purposes S76
  • Phonics P55
  • Pronunciation P65.