English Foundations
This program is for you if…
you are a new Albertan looking to improve your English skills
or
you are looking to enrol in our Academic English (undergraduate/graduate preparation) programs.
This ESL program is designed for new Albertans looking to improve their English skills, as well as international learners who are looking to enter the Academic English for Undergraduate Admission Program but have not yet reached the required level of proficiency.
We welcome learners from all English skill levels who wish to improve their English for work, school, community activities, or family interactions.
Learn from highly qualified and experienced instructors at a Top 5 Canadian University who use a learner-centred communicative approach to help learners improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Meet new friends from around the globe and take part in fun activities with access to our unique Student Engagement Centre.
After completing English Foundations III, learners can enter directly into EAP 135.
Class activities may include:
| ► | Create a survey and survey people |
| ► | Write a personal reflection in a language learning blog and share your reflections with others |
| ► | Learn about presentations and deliver a presentation to your classmates |
| ► | Create a “how to” tutorial and teach a new skill to your classmates |
| ► | Learn new pronunciation strategies to build confidence |
| ► | Listen to a discussion on a global issue and lead a discussion on a familiar current topic |
Complete 1-3 courses
English Foundations I
start here if you have one of:
- IELTS Academic score of 3.5+ with band score of 3.0+
-
ORTOEFL® iBT score of 22+
-
ORour Placement Test
English Foundations II
start here if you have one of:
- English Foundations I
-
ORIELTS Academic score of 4.0+ with band score of 3.5+
-
ORTOEFL® iBT score of 28+
-
ORour Placement Test
English Foundations III
start here if you have one of:
- English Foundations II
-
ORIELTS Academic score of 4.5+ with band score of 4.0+
-
ORTOEFL® iBT score of 33+
-
ORour Placement Test
Total cost per course: C$3,315 – includes tuition, health insurance & services, student services, access to our Student Engagement Centre.
English Foundations I, II, and III: choose your schedule:
- In-person 7 weeks each, Monday–Friday, morning track 9:00 am - 12:15 pm MT
- In-person 7 weeks each, Monday–Friday, afternoon track 12:45 pm - 4:00 pm MT
Courses offered |
|---|
| January 8 - February 26, 2024 |
| May 6 - June 24, 2024 |
| September 3 - October 23, 2024 |
Course Overviews
This course will help beginner-level students to develop a strong foundation of basic oral and written fluency in English. By the end of the course, you should be able to make contributions in small group discussions and engage in simple conversations. You will also demonstrate a growing understanding of written and spoken texts about general interest topics, as well as express ideas in writing at the sentence level with some clarity.
This course will help intermediate-level students to develop language skills in English. You will participate in interactive classes that provide many opportunities for meaningful language learning. Classes will include interactive tasks such as participating in group discussions, giving class presentations, and engaging with authentic video, audio, and digital material. The focus will be on developing fluency, accuracy, and vocabulary as you develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills with an emphasis on practical use.
This course will help high-intermediate-level students to develop their language skills in English. You will participate in interactive classes that provide many opportunities for meaningful language learning. Classes will include giving presentations, leading and participating in group discussions, and engaging with authentic video, audio, and digital material. By the end of the course, you should be able to deliver short presentations, demonstrate an understanding of intermediate-level written and spoken texts, and write about familiar topics with increased fluency.
Program Policies
Student Expectations
Please familiarize yourself with expectation around technology, classroom environment, academic honesty, and more: Student expectations info sheet.
Arrival and Registration
Students who arrive a week after the first day of class may not be permitted to join class.
Change of Registration
The English Language School will only transfer registration to the next term if there is a legitimate reason (medical, personal emergency, study permit problems and so on).
If you request your registration be transferred to a different term before courses begin, there is a $75 transfer fee. You must bring your receipt of payment to the ELS (ED 4-107) during normal office hours and provide a valid reason for transferring to the next term. Transfers will not be allowed after classes have started.
Grade
If you withdraw from a course up to 70% into the course schedule, a grade of ‘W’ will appear on your transcript. Withdrawing from a course after the published withdrawal deadline will result in the assignment of a grade based on work completed.
Withdrawals
In order to withdraw from class, you need to complete a withdrawal form at the English Language School. If you withdraw before the first day of class, you will receive a refund minus $500 (withdrawal fee). If you withdraw on or after the first day of class, you will not receive a refund.
Withdrawal Deadlines
Bridging Program (BP) and International Visiting Student Program (IVSP) Students:
Refer to the Registration Dates and Deadlines as indicated by the Office of the Registrar.
Continuing Education Students:
Program term |
Withdrawal deadline |
| July - August | August 8, 2023 |
| September - October | October 11, 2023 |
| November - December | December 6, 2023 |
| January - February | February 9, 2024 |
| March - April | April 9, 2024 |
Authorized Leave
International Students attending the University of Alberta English Language School and holding full-time student visas are permitted to request a short “leave” from their program of study. Students may request medical leave, maternity leave, or personal leave to return temporarily to their home country.
Authorized leave from ELS should normally be scheduled after completing a regular term of study. In order to properly notified Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and to ensure continuity of student visas, it is important to note the following:
- For a planned authorized leave (returning home for vacation), students must submit an "Authorized Leave Form" to ELS administration at least 2 weeks before their planned departure date.
- Unplanned emergency leave requests (returning home for urgent medical procedure) should be accompanied by supporting documentation and will be expedited.