English as a Second Language

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.

How to apply

Fill out an application form in the ESL office. There is a $45 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 ESL 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.

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 times and locations of your classes. If you do not attend your first class, your place may be given to a person on the wait 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 eligible 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.

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).

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section for current course fees. 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 ESL 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.

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.

ESL Intermediate certificate

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

ESL Advanced I certificate

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

ESL Advanced II certificate

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

ESL Academic certificate

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

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

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

• Fall: September to December
• Winter: January to April
• Summer: May to August

Inter-Semester sessions

• Summer
  • May to June
  • May to July

ESL program outline

Five ESL core subjects plus optional electives

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

Click here for University Foundation certificate details.

Electives

All levels

• Computer Mediated Studies
• Multi-skills class
• 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