English Courses at the University of British Columbia

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a program for people looking to improve their skills to enroll on higher-education studies in an English-speaking country. Its integrated teaching includes developing the student’s academic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Note that due to the academic nature of the program, only intermediate and advanced students can enroll on this program. If you don't have the required minimum level of English, you will be placed on the Discover English Program.

Program Curriculum

Students in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program have classes from Monday to Thursday, either from 8:30am to 2:40pm or 10:20am to 4:30pm, with one break during the day. On Fridays, they can attend optional workshops from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Every day you'll have two blocks of Academic Reading and Writing and one for Academic Speaking and Listening. The themes of these two classes are connected and the faculty work together to give opportunities to work on projects and assignments on which you must apply all your skills. You're also encouraged to go to the optional Friday workshops and join the socio-cultural activities that the UBC Cultural Assistants organize during the semester.

Benefits of enrolling on the English for Academic Purposes program

• Your English level is tested with a placement test upon arrival to place you in the correct level.
• Improve your skills and confidence in academic English communication.
• Integrated-skills classes allow you to put into practice the content you learn into other classes.
• Receive an official transcript with your marks and attendance for each term.
• You will receive a certificate after the successful completion of each EAP course and 8 consecutive weeks of coursework.

The UBC Discover English Program is designed for gaining practical English skills that can be applied on field trips on and off-campus and later when traveling, studying or working. The program has six different courses, divided into two 8-week modules, and there are start dates in January, March, May, June, September, and October. This program is available at all proficiency levels, from Elementary to Advanced.

Program Schedule

During the morning you will have new and engaging themes every week that will set you up for the afternoon activities. You will enhance your real-world practical language skills for reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, and pronunciation.

Later, during the afternoon, you will enjoy using the UBC campus and the whole city of Vancouver as your classroom, as you practice your skills with your classmates and native Canadian speakers.

Finally, in the optional Friday workshops you will receive additional help to practice your pronunciation or your grammar. You can also join lectures and conversation groups for further practice.

Benefits of enrolling on the UBC Discover English Program

• Learn everyday practical English inside and outside the classroom.
• Discover UBC and Vancouver in field trips into the community.
• Generate teamwork and critical thinking skills through group work, discussions, and projects.
• Meet and speak with Canadians in authentic situations and settings.
• Benefit from studying at a world-class campus.
• Receive an official transcript with your marks and attendance for each term.
• You will receive a certificate, after the successful completion of each course and 8 consecutive weeks of coursework.

The Global Citizenship Through English (GCE) is a short full-time program for student who wish to learn integrated language skills in special lessons prepared with a global approach, including themes such as environment, cross-cultural communication, media and technology. This program is offered in 3 or 4-week modules, which you can combine to study for up to 7 or 11 weeks. It's offered in January, February, March, late June, July, August and September; and students can enroll starting at an elementary level.

Program Curriculum

This program has an integrated skills approach for learning, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with a particular focus on speaking fluency and accuracy. Students will learn and practice English while communicating about current topics and issues relevant to all the people around the planet. The activities will include English lessons, projects, debates, educational visits around UBC and Vancouver, and guest lectures. Thus, it is a very active program that brings student interaction and engagement to the maximum.

Benefits of enrolling on Global Citizenship Through English (GCE)

• Improve your skills and confidence in English communication, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Discuss current issues related to global citizenship as you develop your English language skills.
• Study and network with classmates who come from all over the world.
• Take advantage of the program’s widely diverse class activities and its flexible approach for learning.

With a focus on communication, the Business English Program of the English Language Institute at the University of British Columbia gives students the chance to practice English through phone calls, meetings, presentations and negotiation contexts as well as email writing and case-study discussions. It's offered once in a year from late-June to mid-July, lasts 3 weeks, and from intermediate to advanced levels.

Program Curriculum

As its name suggests, the classes at the Business English program will include topics and activities related to business, specially focused on improving your speaking and listening fluency. You will also increase your vocabulary and put into practice your business English in everyday situations on the phone and in meetings, presentations, or negotiations. You will also practice by writing emails, memos and business letters, participating in simulated meetings and roleplays, and discussing case studies. Additional activities include group discussions, guest speakers, student presentations, and field trips.

Benefits of enrolling on Business English (BE)

• Improve your speaking and listening skills and confidence for communication in English.
• Acquire discussion strategies.
• Obtain language skills for business contexts, such as negotiations.
• Put into practice the language of marketing and management through business case studies.
• Enhance your fluency in the context of business-related themes and materials.