Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University Department of Continuing Studies offers the following English as a Second Language programs (ESL) to foreign students:

  • Full-time English Language and Culture (ELC) Immersion Programs
  • University Degree Pathway Programs
  • Custom English Training Programs

Full-time ELC Immersion Programs

Eight-Week Premium English Immersion Program (216 hours/term)

ELC‘s full-time programs give you the opportunity to study English in a university setting and build the skills you need for academic success. This program includes 27 hours per week of intensive study.

Specialization Courses (Friday Mornings)

In the Premium Program, you can customize your studies by choosing courses that will help you meet your goals. These specialization classes take place on Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm. Choose one specialization course per term from the following courses (Courses vary from term to term):

  • Business Communications
  • Cultural Studies Through Film Analysis
  • Grammar Intensive
  • IELTS Preparation

Tuition Costs per Term:

  • One term = 8 weeks (2 months) CAD $3,150 + $250 registration fee
  • Two terms = 16 weeks (4 months) CAD $6,500 + $250 registration fee
  • Three terms = 24 weeks (6 months) CAD $9,750 + $250 registration fee
  • Four terms = 32 weeks (8 months) CAD $13,000 + $250 registration fee

Eight-Week Core English Immersion Program (192 hours/term)

This program consists of 24 hours of instruction per term and does not include the specialization option of the Premium English Immersion Option

Tuition Costs per Term:

One term = 8 weeks (2 months) CAD $2,900 + $250 registration fee

University Degree Pathways

Simon Fraser University’s English Language and Culture Program (ELC) assists you to transition successfully into an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

ELC -> FIC -> SFU

Simon Fraser University’s English Language and Culture Program (ELC) and Fraser International College (FIC) are now issuing a single joint letter of offer so that you can move directly form (ELC) into the University Transfer Program at FIC, and then into the second year of an undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University.

This ELC to FIC pathway program is a full-time, 16-week English program. During ELC, you will take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and/or the Pearson Versant English Test to see whether you’re ready to enter FIC. You are guaranteed entry to year two at SFU after you finish at Fraser International College with the GPA specified in your Letter of Offer.
ELC specializes in English language training and academic preparation. Classes, which are small and highly interactive, focus on helping you improve the academic and English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills you need for university.

  • ELC offers six intakes per year, providing international students with more options for their study and travel plans
  • ELC does not require an IELTS or other standardized English language test for acceptance into the program
  • You will study at Simon Fraser University’s downtown Vancouver campus for the initial part of the pathway program, then transfer to SFU‘s Burnaby campus when you enter FIC.
  • ELC‘s full-time, 16-week English program costs CAD $6,550.00 (CAD $6,300.00 + $250 non-refundable application fee).

English Language and Culture (ELC) Custom Programs

The SFU ELC  Program Delivers successful custom English training programs to a particular group or cohort.

Some of the many advantages of custom program are:

  • Custom programs that are a minimum of four weeks long
  • Custom program content tailored to the needs of the cohort
  • Start dates are flexible, depending on classroom availability
  • The standard program is 27 class hours per week
  • Classes run between 9 am and 3:30 pm Monday to Friday
  • Classes take place at the SFU Campus in downtown Vancouver
  • For custom groups, ELC requires a minimum of 15 students per class group

ELC Custom Program Costs

The tuition cost depends on the length of the program and the size of the group

Other costs include (per student for one month):

  • Accommodation: CAD $1,125. This includes a one-time placement fee of CAD $275 and four weeks’ accommodation, including three meals per day.
  • Airport pick-up: CAD $100. This is a one-time fee.
  • Medical Insurance: CAD $60 per month. Ideally, medical insurance should be arranged before the students leave their home countries. Upon request, ELC can arrange for medical insurance.
  • Transit pass: CAD $110 (Two zones, for one month). Students can buy transit passes when they arrive in Vancouver. Visit www.translink.bc.ca for more information.
  • SFU ID Card: CAD $20
  • Farewell Luncheon: CAD $40 (student only) or CAD  $135 (student plus home-stay family)
    You can arrange a luncheon through ELC if you wish.
  • Special Request Field Trips: Variable cost.

Curriculum

Canadian Studies

Canadian Studies will help you focus on the cultural context of English by studying topics such as geography, history, government, and social institutions, as well as engaging in discussions about current Canadian issues.

You will work both individually and in small groups, and you’ll respond to and analyze a variety of authentic texts, including articles, maps, charts, audio-visual presentations, TV, news, and documentary clips. You can expect to learn how to watch, interpret, discuss, and respond to what Canadians are saying, and to receive the tools to analyze the cultural background of any country.

Composition

This course is designed to help you improve your English grammar skills and learn how to write to a Canadian audience. You will learn how to organize your thoughts and express ideas so that Canadian readers will be able to understand what you’ve written. You may also experiment with creative writing genres.

Listening Practice

Many students struggle to understand popular TV, music, daily conversations, and business negotiations. These courses will provide strategies that will help you make sense of slang, idiomatic language, and contextual clues. You can expect to learn how to understand not only what people are saying, but also how and why they choose their words and expressions.

Oral Skills

This class will focus on oral English enhancement. You will practice ways to improve your speech clarity and fluency through informal conversation and formal speaking tasks. You’ll target various aspects of spoken mechanics.

Reading Skills

The Reading Skills class combines reading comprehension and vocabulary building in a variety of formats. You will analyze how writers use language to stress and change meanings and develop an awareness of current events, Canadian social issues, and popular culture.

By questioning the language, images, and attitudes presented in literature, newspapers, magazines, cartoons, and advertising, you will develop an understanding of culture and international context.

News Media

The News Media course will help you learn how to understand what people say and write. You will actively practice your English listening, reading, and speaking skills through electronic and print media and learn strategies for making sense of language, images, and attitudes presented in the news. This course will also introduce you to some topical issues that are currently of concern to Canadians.

Academic Field Work

This course will provide you with an opportunity to go out into the community to interact directly with some aspect of Canadian culture. In the process, you will also practice your English communication skills in a context other than the classroom.

These trips are normally connected to course content and are conducted by instructors during class time. To make the most of these experiences, we encourage you to ask lots of questions before, during, and after the trips. Outings change from one program to another, but common examples include the following:

  • A visit to the British Columbia law courts
  • A tour of the Vancouver Art Gallery
  • A visit to a local television station
  • A nature walk through Stanley Park
  • A scavenger hunt at Granville Island

Please make requests for field trips to specific locations well in advance. We make no guarantees about securing these trips, though we will do our best.

Specializations

For three hours each week, students in the Premium Program study in an elective (specialization) of their choice. You may choose one of the following:

  • IELTS preparation
  • Business communications
  • Grammar intensive
  • Film studies

Please Contact Us for more information on these programs.

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