English Language & Culture Program

Choose VIU for your short-term visit to Canada and get ready for a life changing experience!

All classes in the English Language & Culture Program (ELCP) combine high quality English language instruction with a focus on developing listening and speaking skills. To complement the language learning in the classroom, students also gain understanding of the culture in Canada and on Vancouver Island through the recreational activities and daytrips, which are part of the Summer & Winter programming.

ELCP Program Features:

4 start dates – July, August, mid-January or February
3 levels of English instruction – developing, intermediate, or advanced
20 hours of English language instruction per week
Integrated skills development in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
Small classes with highly qualified, friendly, and approachable teachers
Includes language labs and a wide variety of learning materials
Includes social and cultural activities and group day trips
Optional regional tours to explore Canada’s west coast
Farewell social and certificate of completion

This program is designed for students to practice and extend their ability to communicate in English effectively and fluently.

Length: 3 or 4 week

Location Offered: Nanaimo Campus

Program Dates

Program	3 Week Program	4 Week Program
January 2019 (Apply by mid-November)	Not Applicable	January 15 – February 8, 2019
February 2019 (Apply by mid-November)	February 19 – March 8, 2019	Not Applicable
July 2019 (Apply by mid-May)	Not Applicable	July 2 – 26, 2019
August 2019 (Apply by mid-June)	August 6 – 23, 2019	Not Applicable
January 2020 (Apply by mid-November)	Not Applicable	January 14 - February 7, 2020
February 2020 (Apply by mid-November)	February 18 - March 6, 2020	Not Applicable
July 2019 (Apply by mid-May)	Not Applicable	July 7 - 31, 2020
August 2019 (Apply by mid-June)	August 11 - 28, 2020	Not Applicable

Language and Culture Program	Program Length	Cost	Application Deadline
July Program	4-week program	$1,975 Cdn	Mid-May
August Program	3-week program	$1,550 Cdn	Mid-June
Mid-January Program	4-week program	$1,975 Cdn	Mid-November
February	3 week program	$1,550 Cdn	Mid-November

All fees subject to change without notice.

Additional fees apply for accommodation, food, and personal expenses. To estimate your total student fees and costs, please visit our international student Cost Calculator: https://international.viu.ca/cost-calculator

Schedules vary by season. Programs are subject to enrolment and students must begin on program start dates.

Students must have basic English skills before entering the English Language Centre (ELC) programs.

The ELC cannot accept students who are at the very beginning level of using English.

Please complete the following test to see if you are at the correct level for our courses. If you score less than 17 / 20 (85%) on this test, you may not be accepted into the ELC programs.

Students will be given an English language level assessment test when they arrive at Vancouver Island University to confirm their basic English knowledge. If a student does not pass the level assessment test, the student may not be accepted into the program.

Test Instructions

When you are ready, click on the link below to begin the test. The timer starts when you see the test. After 10 minutes, the test ends.