Intensive English ELPI FAQs - January, April, Summer, September
Students are not required to buy textbooks. All course materials will be provided by the instructor(s).
We accept applications until the program is full, up to 1 month before the program start date. However, since our programs can fill up quickly, we recommend applying 4-5 months in advance, so that you have enough time to apply for appropriate visas and make travel arrangements.
There are six levels in this program from Upper Beginner to University Admission Preparation (UAP). The chart below provides a guide to our levels and the approximate CEFR, IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL or DET score. *This is a guide only.
|
English Level |
ELPI Level |
CEFR |
IELTS |
TOEIC |
TOEFL IBT |
Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Upper Beginner |
100 |
A2 |
3–3.5 |
350–450 |
29–39 |
30–44* |
|
Low Intermediate |
200 |
A2+ |
3.5–4 |
450–550 |
39–52 |
45–59* |
|
Intermediate |
300 |
B1 |
4–4.5 |
550–650 |
52–64 |
60–79 |
|
Upper Intermediate |
400 |
B2 |
5–5.5 |
650–750 |
64–79 |
80–94 |
|
Advanced |
500 |
B2+ |
5.5–6 |
750 |
79 |
95–119 |
|
University Admission Preparation (UAP) |
600 |
C1 |
6–6.5 |
750–850 |
79–94 |
120+ |
*There is no accurate data for scores below DET 60 due to the design and structure of the test. A DET 30 score is a best guess as to what constitutes a 200 level.
Students are placed based on the results of the placement test, completed on the first day of the program.
You will be tested on the first day of the program and placed into the appropriate ELPI level. Your class details, including level, can be found by accessing your Continuing Studies account the day before classes begin.
Students who have taken an IELTS exam (6.0, with no section less than 5.5) or TOEFL exam (79, with no section less than 17) within the last 2 years will be automatically placed in Level 600 (University Admission Preparation / UAP).
Original test scores must be received before the program begins.
Each ELPI course level is delivered over 12 weeks.
ELPI students must attain a minimum 80% overall course grade to move to the next ELPI level.
ELPI has both morning and afternoon schedules. You’ll be placed in a morning or afternoon class once you’ve been tested by the ELC.
ELPI total program hours is 342 hours:
- Core instructional hours: 227
- Specialized Skills instructional hours: 45
- Language and Cultural Engagement hours: 70
| Morning Class Schedule | Afternoon Class Schedule |
|---|---|
| Monday: Specialized Skills classes: 8:30 am–12:45 pm | Monday to Thursday: Core Class: 1–5:15 pm |
| Tuesday - Friday: Core class: 8:30 am - 12:45 pm | Friday: Specialized Skills classes: 8:30 am - 12:45 pm |
Specialized skills change each term depending on the time of year. Some examples are:
- Grammar/Vocabulary
- Communication/Public Speaking
- Idioms
- Pronunciation
- Writing
- Listening
- Discussion
This program includes free weekly activities. "Optional" weekend activities, such as whale watching, trips to Vancouver or Butchart Gardens, are offered for an additional fee.
Student level changes are rare and instructor driven. Instructors complete various diagnostic tests early on in a program to confirm student placement and only if the instructor(s) determine that a student has been placed incorrectly will they make a request for a level change. This is followed by a review and interview by an independent set of instructors to approve.
Changes between morning and afternoon classes are not permitted. This program is full-time and you are expected to be available to study from 8:30 – 5:30, Monday to Friday. Please do not make other “daytime” plans until your class placement has been confirmed.