ESL Pathways (Advanced)

Overview

Improve your English for real-world scenarios such as job interviews, informal conversations, and public speaking while attaining Canadian Language Benchmarks Levels 8-9.

What to expect

Instructors use multiple strategies to achieve the learning outcomes that include the following: ongoing needs analysis, group work, coaching, one-on-one consultations, using audio/computer labs, case studies, lectures, demonstrations, providing exemplars and texts, modeling, error analysis, peer review, role rehearsals, videos, and audio recordings.

• Specific learner strategies for speaking are: conversation management skills, pronunciation, error correction, and feedback.
• Specific learner strategies for reading are: reading for gist, skimming, scanning, speed reading, vocabulary acquisition, etc.
• Specific learner strategies for writing are: brainstorming, outlining, genre analysis, tone, register, etc. ESL Pathways is a rigorous and demanding program. Students should expect to do significant self-study and experiential learning in addition to classroom based learning. There will be approximately 1 hour of homework per two in-class hours.

Program duration and maximum time for completion

Total number of contact hours for each language skill course (i.e. Listening & Speaking 8, Reading & Writing 8, Listening & Speaking 9, and Reading & Writing 9) is 120 hours.

The ESL Experiential Learning 2 course is to be completed at the end of the program as a requirement for Certification is 48 hours.

The maximum number of hours required to receive the ESL Pathways Advanced Certificate is 528 hours.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

Recommended considerations

Students should be well-educated in their country/language of origin. Most students in the ESL Pathways program have completed high school and at least 2 years of post-secondary study. The expectation is that students seek to become autonomous learners. In addition, student should be open and interested in learning about Canadian cultural norms and to developing citizenship values of tolerance and multiculturalism.

Program availability

Courses

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and costs

How to apply

STEP 1: Find your level

You need to have one of the following language assessments:

• Duolingo (taken within the last 2 years) – how to take this test
• IELTS General or Academic (taken within the last 2 years)
• CLBPT (taken within the last 1 year)
• LINC Progress Report or Certificate
• VCC Pathways results
• VCC EAL Accuplacer + Speaking Assessment

STEP 2: Find your classes

Find classes at your level. Find days and times that work for you.

• Check for CLB 5-7 and CLB 8-9 on the full courses schedule (PDF).
• Check for individual courses (grammar, pronunciation, and more).

STEP 3: Apply

• Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
• Choose ESL Pathways Certificate as your program
• You must also:
  • Provide the results from your language assessment
  • Submit a copy of your Permanent Resident card

STEP 4: Register

• You will receive an email with instructions on how to register online. If you have any questions, you can go to the Registrar’s Office to register in person.

STEP 5: Pay fees

• The classes are tuition free but you must pay college fees and U-Pass fees (if eligible). You will get an email with your fees and instructions on how to pay.
• The StudentAid BC Adult Upgrading Grant may cover the cost of the fees. See Financial Aid for Adult Upgrading Grant application information.

Find out more information in the Questions and Answers for Pathways Students.

International students

Program seats are reserved for domestic students. Any remaining seats may be made available to international students after the domestic student registration finishes, typically a couple of weeks before classes begin. Due to the limitation of international seats, only applicants with a valid study permit to study at VCC may apply. Conditional admission is not available. Please email [email protected] with your status in Canada to check your eligibility.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

International students

Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

Contact us

Program information

<p>For questions about English as an Additional Language programs contact the EAL department:</p>
<p>Email: [email protected]<br />
Phone: 604.871.7301 (leave a message)<br />
In Person: VCC Broadway campus, Building A, Room 3625<br />
Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.<br />
Friday by appointment only</p>

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]

Advising services for International students

[email protected]