English as a Second Language (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 is 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 English for Academic Purposes program (EAP).

Program Description

Our Curriculum

The AC ESL curriculum was developed by starting with the fundamental learning outcomes and working backward, 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.

Building Confidence

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.

Practice Your Skills

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.

Pathway Lists

Alexander College’s ENGL 099 is transferrable to many colleges and universities in British Columbia, including:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
• Camosun College (CAMO)
• Capilano University (CAPU)
• College of the Rockies (COTR)
• Douglas College (DOUG)
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
• Langara College (LANG)
• North Island College (NIC)
• Okanagan College (OC)
• Selkirk College (SELK)
• Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
• University of British Columbia (UBC)
• University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
• University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
• University of Victoria (UVIC)
• Vancouver Community College (VCC)
• Vancouver Island University (VIU)

Alexander College’s ENGL 100 is transferrable to many colleges and universities in British Columbia, including:

• Camosun College (CAMO)
• Capilano University (CAPU)
• Coast Mountain College (CMTN)
• College of New Caledonia (CNC)
• College of the Rockies (COTR)
• Emily Carr University (EC)
• Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
• Langara College (LAN)
• North Island College (NIC)
• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT)
• Okanagan College (OC)
• Simon Fraser University (SFU)
• Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
• Trinity Western University (TWU)
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver (UBC-V)
• University of British Columbia, Okanagan (UBC-O)
• University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
• University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
• University of Victoria (UVIC)
• Vancouver Island University (VIU)

Additional requirements may apply. Please check with the college or university for specific admission requirements.

Application Procedure for ESL Program

1. Complete the Online Application for Admission
2. Pay the $200 CAD Application Fee
3. Complete the English Placement Test

Students registered in our ESL program can enjoy the additional benefits as follow:

• Academic Pathways to BC colleges and universities
• Academic Advising Services in a variety of languages
• Free one on one Tutoring Service
• Library Service
• Weekly Cambridge Test Preparation Workshop
• Certificate of completion for each level
• Health and Wellness Support
• Student Portal: myAC and Canvas
• Student Activities

ESL Levels and Duration

There are 6 levels of ESL at AC. Each ESL level involves a 7-week program of 20 hours per week of study.

• English Foundations I - EASL 068
• English Foundations II - EASL 069
• Beginner I - EASL 078
• Beginner II - EASL 079
• Intermediate I - EASL 088
• Intermediate II - EASL 089