As an ELC student, you don’t have to choose between studying hard and having fun. We’ll help you do both! Our campus programs combine a balance of intensive classes and social activities so that you can learn and live in English. You will form friendships, share your culture with others, learn about Canada and be part of a supportive community.
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On-campus programs provide:
- 18-22 class hours each week
- Homestay or dormitory accommodation
- medical coverage
- bus and gym pass
- ELC Study Centre and tutorials
- social and cultural activities
ELPI - Summer
This program is a longer-term, general English program to improve social, professional and international communication.
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English as a Medium of Instruction
The three-week English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) program is designed to suit the unique
schedules, interests and needs of instructors of varying content areas from around the world.
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English for Professional Communication
This full-time program combines English language classes and public speaking workshops.
• 20 hours of general English classes per week
• 16 hours of professional communication workshops
• Optional homestay accommodation and meals available
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Foundations in Business English
This full-time program features general English classes plus afternoon workshops to build Business communication skills.
• 20 general English class hours per week
• 16 additional hours of Business English classes
• UVic Dormitory accommodation and meals
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Intensive English ELPI
The Intensive English (ELPI) program is for learners seeking to improve their general or academic English skills for social, professional or international communication and is best suited for upper beginner-level learners who want to attend a longer-term program to improve their English or prepare for entrance into other UVic degree programs.
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Monthly English
The Monthly English program is for learners looking for a short-term opportunity to continue developing English skills for work, business or travel.
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Summer Language and Culture
The Summer Language and Culture program is for high beginner to advanced-level learners looking for a short-term general English program during their university break while enjoying the summer in Victoria, BC.
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Teaching English as a Foreign Language – International
Build skills and confidence as an international educator. This non-credit program is offered as a
three-week immersive summer session at the University of Victoria campus.
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University Admission Preparation (UAP)
This full-time program includes:
• 20 class hours per week (260 total program hours)
• Offers Study Skills and Academic Integrity workshops
• Homestay accommodation and meals
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University Admission Preparation (UAP) and Canadian Studies
This intensive summer program includes:
• 20 class hours per week (80 total program hours)
• Two courses: "Advanced English" and "Introduction to Canadian Studies"
• Optional dormitory accommodation and meals available
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University Pathway Program
This specialized first year program is the perfect option if you want to start your UVic degree but still need to meet UVic’s English language requirement. Choose from two streams: Social Sciences (includes economics and pre-business) or Science, Engineering and Computer Science.
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Susan Abrill, an ESL instructor at the University of Victoria, integrates comics and contemporary literature into her classes, enhancing student engagement and language proficiency through storytelling.
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This micro-certificate program will develop and improve your overall language proficiency—with a focus on effective oral and written communication skills—and presentation skills for academic purposes.
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The English Language Centre (ELC) is proud to receive the 2023 award for Outstanding Program in International Education.
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We are thrilled to announce that the English Language Centre (ELC) has been named a finalist for the 2023 "Language Training Provider of the Year" award by Professionals in International Education (PIE).
Read StoryWe are delighted to announce that Dr. Seppy Masoodi has joined the UVic English Language Centre as its new Director, as of August 22, 2022.
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The Division of Continuing Studies is very fortunate to have a Regulated International Students Immigration Advisor (RISIA) as part of its Registration and Student Services Team. Find out answers to common immigration questions.
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This year, as a host institution for the Programa Proyecta del Estado de México the ELC welcomed 110 students from Mexico State to our July Summer Language & Culture and Monthly English programs in October and November.
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In November, students from 2 ELPI classes organized a fundraiser bake sale for a not-for-profit organization that provides start-up funding for educational, agricultural and community projects in Africa (mainly Uganda) so that they can become sustain
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