Learn English at the English Language Centre at the University of Victoria

If you want to learn English at the English Language Centre at the University of Victoria, AEI Study Abroad Agency offers free counseling and placement services for English courses!

Contact us to know the cost of your language trip, including school registration, English course, course material, airport reception service, international insurance and accommodation.

The Language School

The English Language Centre at the University of Victoria is one of the oldest and largest language centres in Canada. Our reputation and location in the welcoming, safe and beautiful city of Victoria attracts many students to UVic. Excellent programs, caring staff and modern facilities on a park-like campus offer our students a very special learning experience.

The ELC’s home on campus is a new building where our students enjoy special classrooms, modern computer labs, and easy access to all staff and teachers. The spacious back patio is an area to relax on sunny days and faces fields where students play sports after classes.

The social and cultural experiences you have in Victoria are important to help you meet Canadians and improve your spoken English. Some of your best memories from your time in Victoria will be of activities and experiences outside of the classroom. Many of these activities are free.

The ELC's Coordinators organize a calendar of activities, events, workshops and local trips to help you meet Canadians and practice your English skills. At the beginning of your program you will receive a calendar of events outlining all the exciting things that you can participate in during your stay in Victoria.

The English Courses

12-WEEK PROGRAMS

Offered 3 times per year for upper beginner to advanced level students. 30 hours a week of class and tutorial study time and a full schedule of activities.

12-week Intensive English Program

This program offers an intensive language immersion experience for students who wish to improve their communication for professional, academic or personal development. A range of class levels, from Upper Beginner to Advanced allow participants to build on their progress in previous sessions and offer a path to admission to the University of Victoria through the University Admission Preparation Program.

- 22 hours of classes per week

- Study Centre and Pronunciation Clinic

- 6 levels of instruction from Upper Beginner to University Admission Preparation

- General or Academic concentrations for students at the intermediate to advanced levels

- English Work Experience option for students at the high intermediate to advanced levels

- Free weekly activities and a variety of optional activities for a minimal cost

University Admission Preparation

University Admission Preparation (UAP) is the highest level in the 12-Week program. Successful completion of this level satisfies the English requirement for entry into UVic undergraduate and graduate programs.

The UAP is designed to prepare you to study at an English-speaking university by improving your research, writing, and seminar skills and introducing you to the level of English required to succeed in regular credit courses. The UAP provides the skills you need as a non-native speaker to participate in an academic setting with confidence.

The UAP is open to students:

- whose first language is not English

- who successfully complete an entrance exam and personal interview

- who have a minimum of 550/213 TOEFL (79 iBT TOEFL) or an IELTS score of 6.5

UAP applicants should send a copy of their TOEFL score with their application. The TOEFL test must have been taken within 8 months of the start date of the program.

English Work Experience Program

The English Work Experience Program (EWEP) is an optional addition to the 12-Week Program. It offers an excellent opportunity for students to develop their English skills in a challenging professional environment.

Special features:

- Job-preparation workshops during the 12-Week Program

- 4 to 6-week work term (120-240 professional hours)

- Letter of Recommendation from your Employer and the Program Coordinator

- Certificate of Participation

SHORT-TERM LANGUAGE AND CULTURE / MONTHLY ENGLISH PROGRAM

Special Features:

- Monthly start dates

- 20 hours of classes per week

- Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced class levels

- Focus on speaking and listening skills

- Unlimited access to UVic’s Computer Assisted Language Laboratory, libraries and computer labs

- A schedule of social and cultural activities

Monthly start dates = maximum flexibility! Now an intensive program is always available for students, no matter what time of year they want to study English at the ELC.

These programs improve speaking and listening skills by combining challenging classroom instruction with exciting social and cultural activities. Students participate in and discuss Canadian culture using a curriculum based on cross-cultural communication.

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

University Admission Preparation: Advanced English and Canadian Studies

This 4-week summer program combines 2 intensive courses: Advanced English Language Skills and an Introduction to Canadian Culture (CS 101). Advanced English classes prepare students to study at an English-speaking university by improving research, writing, and seminar skills. An Introduction to Canadian Studies gives students an understanding of key aspects of Canadian culture including literature, media, communications and fine arts. Successful completion of this combined program satisfies the language requirement for entrance to the University of Victoria.

Program features:

- 4-week full-time summer program

- Morning classes: Advanced English Language Skills (2 hours) and an Introduction to Canadian Culture (2 hours)

- Afternoon academic skills workshops

- Unlimited access to UVic's Computer-Assisted Language Laboratory (CALL), library and computer labs

- Optional weekend trips such as whale watching and a visit to Butchart Gardens

TOEFL Preparation

This program is for intermediate to advanced-level students of English who require a TOEFL score for admission into a North American university or college, and would like to be better prepared for this exam. It is taught by experienced instructors using the latest TOEFL preparation software and textbooks. Students also learn test-taking strategies for the new IBT TOEFL.

TOEIC Preparation

This is a part-time, intensive course offered two days per week for students who want to improve their TOEIC test-taking skills.

Business English Program

This program is designed for intermediate to advanced-level students who are in business or plan to study business. The program strengthens business communication skills by providing opportunities to practice English through a variety of business-related activities.

Special features:

- Intensive 4-week summer program

- 20 class hours per week

- Afternoon seminars, workshops, business visits

- Unlimited access to UVic's Computer-Assisted Language Laboratory (CALL), library and computer labs

- Optional weekend trips such as whale watching, a trip to Vancouver and a visit to Butchart Gardens

English for Teachers Program

The program is intended for teachers of English, or teachers required to use English as the language of instruction. It consists of English language instruction, training in English Language Teaching (ELT) methodology, lectures, seminars, workshops and includes a language class observation.

Special features:

- 4-week intensive summer program (can also be customized for groups)

- 20 class hours per week

- Afternoon lectures, seminars, workshops and visits to local places of interest

- Unlimited access to UVic's Computer-Assisted Language Laboratory (CALL), library and computer labs

- Optional weekend trips such as whale watching, a trip to Vancouver and a visit to Butchart Gardens