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Learn about our ESL Program
Through regular program assessment and review of student feedback, we observed that our early English language learners needed to develop fundamental language skills prior to the introduction of academic concepts, e.g. essay writing, which are introduced in the EAP program.
We listened to our students, and have completely revamped the lower levels of our EAP program into a contemporary and energized foundational ESL program.
The AC ESL program offers a student-centered and interactive approach to English language acquisition. The program has been designed for beginner to intermediate-level students, and replaces the lower levels (ENGL 095-097) of the English for Academic Purposes program (EAP).
The AC ESL curriculum was developed by starting with the fundamental learning outcomes and working backwards, bringing the English language to life through the creation of an interactive learning experience.
The program's goal is to engage students in skill-based active learning that focuses on the most effective ways to evolve their language proficiency.
Language learners tend to judge their language acquisition based on their speaking progression, therefore the AC ESL program aims to increase a student’s confidence in speaking English through practice and setting attainable goals.
Our program intends to create a personalized and creative learning experience by addressing and focusing on common learner errors, real world situations, practical writing tasks, and active participation.
Ultimately, we offer a unique and energized program that not only enhances student’s English language skills, but also teaches students how to employ these language skills in their everyday lives.
After successful completion of this program, the student will have achieved an intermediate level of language proficiency.
Alexander College’s ENGL 099 is transferrable to many colleges and universities in British Columbia, including:
Alexander College’s ENGL 100 is transferrable to many colleges and universities in British Columbia, including:
Additional requirements may apply. Please check with the college or university for specific admission requirements.
Students registered in our ESL program can enjoy the additional benefits as follow:
There are 6 levels of ESL at AC. Each ESL level involves a 7-week program of 20 hours per week of study.
This is the foundational course in the ESL series. At this level, a student may have no prior knowledge of English and will learn the basics, so they are able to communicate simple needs. Students will learn to communicate words and ideas and understand concepts when spoken slowly and clearly. They will also learn to recognize and write letters, numbers, short words, and very short, simple phrases related to everyday situations.
At this level, students continue to build foundational skills and are learning to master the basics of English, so they can interact with others in a simple way. Students will learn how to use familiar everyday expressions, how to ask and answer questions about personal details, and how to write personal information. Students are beginning to guess the meaning of unknown words in texts and use visual clues. They are developing an understanding of simple language structures, everyday vocabulary, and can use these to construct simple sentences about personal experiences.
At this level, students are introduced to the language and skills needed to communicate and understand basic information about common everyday activities, experiences, wants and needs in small group settings. Students learn to identify the purpose, main ideas, and some specific details in texts, and also to write multi-sentence compositions with a developing understanding of spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
At this level, students are introduced to frequently used expressions related to their personal areas of interest, and are able to communicate in conversations and in simple forms of written communication. Students can understand key words, phrases and the overall meaning of short texts related to familiar topics. Students learn to use more complex grammatical structures, mechanics, and topic-specific vocabulary.
At this level, students learn to maintain small group discussions and build their fluency, developing strategies for responding to moderately complex communication styles and settings. Students also learn to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans with clear pronunciation. Finally, students learn to identify the purpose, main ideas, important details, links between paragraphs, and styles in texts. The course builds on vocabulary and grammatical structures, so students are able to produce simple connected paragraphs on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
At this level, students learn to extract the main ideas from texts, and to engage in more complex discussions about their areas of interest. The course covers a range of vocabulary, which includes idioms and colloquial expressions. Students build fluency and spontaneity through regular interaction with other speakers. They produce clear, detailed writing on a wide range of subjects and learn to express their point of view by writing about a topical issue, citing the advantages and disadvantages of various options with proper mechanics.
Currently, Leo hopes to one day start his own business after finishing his program at UBC.
When not studying, Leo loves playing billiards and connecting with different students from different cultures as a means of improving his social skills.
Watch VideoFrank has always been an active member of our AC community from participating in many of our video shoots such as being a host for our news series AC Rush to being a member of ACSA!
Her dream is to one day transfer to UBC and specialize in Business to hopefully owning her own business in the future.
Watch VideoCaroline dreams to one day own her own company here in Vancouver. Her goal is to combine her work experience and knowledge learned at AC.
When taking a break from studies, Caroline is very passionate about dancing! She also has a YouTube Channel where she shares most of her K-pop dance covers.
Watch VideoWe are sharing the latest Student Spotlight featuring the current President of Alexander College's Student Association (ACSA)- Vincent! Vincent shares more about himself, his experience at AC and more.
Watch VideoWe feature Huyen Trang who also goes by Jessie! As a current member of ACSA, Jessie enjoys connecting with people both in person and through social media.
She hopes her role in the student association as well as her studies in marketing and humanities help inspire her fellow peers and international students looking at studying abroad.
Watch VideoLooking to start the application process? You can apply online, review admissions requirements or request additional information below.
Looking to start the application process? Apply to AC here
You can apply online above or request additional information below.
