Intensive English ELPI FAQ
You can study Academic or General English in this program.
- Academic English focuses on English for academic purposes, such as university, and builds all four English skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- General English focuses on English for professional and social communication purposes and also builds all four English skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Some teachers require students buy extra materials such as a textbook. Students should be prepared to spend $50 - $100 CAD in addition to their 12-week program tuition, although depending on the teacher and class level, it may not be necessary.
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.
Effective January 1, 2025:
|
English Level |
ELPI Level |
|
CEFR |
IELTS |
TOEIC |
TOEFL IBT |
TOEFL PBT |
Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Upper Beginner |
100 |
Previously called 200 |
A2 |
3–3.5 |
350–450 |
29–39 |
390–430 |
30–44* |
|
Low Intermediate |
200 |
Previously called 330 |
A2+ |
3.5–4 |
450–550 |
39–52 |
430–470 |
45–59* |
|
Intermediate |
300 |
Previously called 410 |
B1 |
4–4.5 |
550–650 |
52–64 |
470–509 |
60–79 |
|
Upper Intermediate |
400 |
Previously called 490 |
B2 |
5–5.5 |
650–750 |
64–79 |
509–549 |
80–94 |
|
Advanced |
500 |
Previously called 570 |
B2+ |
5.5–6 |
750 |
79 |
549 |
95–119 |
|
University Admission Preparation (UAP) |
600 |
C1 |
6–6.5 |
750–850 |
79–94 |
549–588 |
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 level for the entire 12 weeks. 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 our University Admission Preparation (UAP) level. Original test scores must be received before the program begins.
When you are placed in a class level, you will stay in that level for 12 weeks. At the end of the program, you will be complete a written and oral exam. If you pass the level exams, you will move up to the next level of the 12-week program. If you do not pass, you will need to repeat the 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.
| Morning Class Schedule | Afternoon Class Schedule |
| Monday: Specialized Skills classes: 8:20 am - 12:25 pm | Monday to Thursday: Core Class: 1:00 - 5:15 pm |
| Tuesday - Friday: Core class: 8:30 am - 12:45 pm | Friday: Specialized Skills classes: 8:20 am - 12:25 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.
Academic/General class change requests can be made through a student’s instructor in the first few days of a program. However, even though there is a process, these requests can rarely be accommodated, so it’s very important to select carefully prior to the program start.
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.