English (ESL) Diploma

Through English as a second language (ESL) training, you will learn the essential language skills you need to be able to work and enjoy living in countries like Canada where the main language of communication is English.

If you are a foreign student, there is nothing better you can do to improve your chances of finding employment and understanding the culture in an English-speaking country.

Language & Culture Faculty is designed to equip our students with essential language skills to be successful in their academic studies, communicating in the community, and gain essential life skills and cultural understanding. There are multiple levels offered through fun and interactive activities, games and outing to help students gain the maximum opportunities to learn and practice their English. Exam preparation for internationally recognized ESL certifications is offered as well for students who plan on taking exams in IELTS, CELPIP and other standardized exams for a pathway to university and work.

English Language Skills Are Very Important

It is difficult to function easily and happily in a country where you are not skilled in the main language used to communicate, which means it is also difficult to find employment or take courses at college or university. Fortunately, at ULI, there is an opportunity to upgrade your language skills to the level you require.

What is Necessary

Mature student status is needed – You must be 19 years old or older.
Basic English is expected – You must be functionally literate and able to talk, read, and write in English and interested in improving your skills.
You must be motivated, co-operative, and willing to learn.

What is Available

There are multiple levels of study and you will be directed to the ones best suited to your needs:

You will be tested so that your areas of language weakness and strength will be understood.
Language experience and testing results will determine which ESL courses are most appropriate for you, and substitution is allowed when needed.
Courses will include fun and interactive activities as well as games and outings.
Maximum opportunities will be provided for you to practice your language skills.

Job Opportunities Open Up After Taking ESL Training

In any English-speaking country, the English language is needed on a daily basis to complete tasks and to interact with others. As well, English is:

The most commonly used language when people from various countries get together
Is used throughout much of the world as a second language
Is the most common language of science, technology, and the film industry

These are the ESL Programs Available at ULI

Communicating for English ESL Diploma
English for the Workplace
English Conversational Skills
English for Academic Purpose – University Pathway Certificate

Courses may be altered or changed to meet standards and subject to the number of students enrolled. There may be 100 hours of exam preparation included in the total number of hours for each course. As well, tutoring is available at an hourly rate.

ESL training will teach you the essential language skills needed to enjoy working and living in Canada and other countries where the main language of communication is English.

Program Schedule:

This program has monthly intakes on a continuous cycle, year-round.

Entrance Requirements:

Mature student status (19 years of age or older). Non native English speakers require proof of score of 60% on ULI ESL testing (or equivalent from other standardized testing mechanisms). Domestic students require minimum score of 7 on Wonderlic Aptitude test and pass an interview with the ULI admissions department. International students need to pass an interview with ULI admissions department. May be required to take ULI ESL program to bring English to the prerequisite level of acceptance.

Program Information

Program Duration: 300 hours
At 20 hours per week: 15.0 weeks 3.5 months
At 25 hours per week: 12.0 weeks 2.8 months
Actual calendar times may vary due to statutory holidays, professional days and school closures.

Career Opportunities

This program helps students to strengthen communication in English and get jobs in their field of interest.

Course Outline

English for the Work Place

240 hours

English Conversation Skills

60 hours

Courses may be modified or substituted as required to facilitate success in standardized testing or changes in standardized requirements. Alternate courses may be chosen to replace exempted course requirements based on experience and/or testing results.100 hours Exam Preparation may be included in total hours. There is voluntary additional support available with the instructor(s) at $50/hour. Course delivery subject to enrollment and may be altered.

Students who enroll in a language program which is six months or less in duration or for which tuition is less than $4,000 may not make a claim against the Student Tuition Protection Fund, which is managed by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills. Further, this language program may not have been reviewed or approved by PTIB. For more information about programs that do not require PTIB approval see: www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca