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

The English as a Second Language department at UCFV 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 UCFV International. Classes are normally for intermediate, advanced, and bridge students only. Beginner students need special arrangements.

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

Pick up a Permission to Register form 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 Permission to Register form 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 may obtain a transcript online at the end of each semester. You must obtain a C- in a course in order to be able to take the next higher course. If you do not attend classes regularly, you may not be passed to the next level.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books must normally be purchased for each course. They are available in the UCFV bookstore.

This is a developmental level program, and so, is not eligible for government student loans.

Computer laboratory

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

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. Students must apply for a certificate. 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.

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 66
• 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 UCFV.

Program outline

The English Second Language program (ESL) at UCFV combines in-depth training in core language skills at six 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 skills required in Canadian universities. On completion of this program students may receive a certificate and are eligible for entry into academic programs.

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 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 programs in multi-media computer assisted language training lab.