Program Description
The English Language Certificate Program is an intensive academic English
program designed to prepare you for academic success. You will learn the
skills you need to succeed in university studies at the undergraduate
and graduate levels. The fourteen-week semester program has five hours
of classes per day in five subjects: Grammar, Reading, Writing, Listening,
and Speaking.
Typical
Student:
Students in the English Language Certificate Program are over age
18, have completed secondary school with strong marks, have an intermediate level of English
proficiency and have an
academic goal to study at university, either at the undergraduate level
or the graduate level.
Language Levels
Name of Level
Description of Class Level
Duration of Class Level
Level 1
High beginner level
7 weeks
Level 2
High beginner level
7 weeks
Level 3
Low Intermediate level
7 weeks
Level 4
Low Intermediate level
7 weeks
Level 5
Intermediate level - Most students who have studied English in secondary school enter the program at this level.
7 weeks
Level 6
Intermediate level
7 weeks
Level 7
High Intermediate level
7 weeks
Level 8
High Intermediate level
7 weeks
Advanced Level 9
Advanced level - Completon of both Level 9 and Level 10 meets the English proficiency requirement for entry into degree programs.
7 weeks
Advanced Level 10
Advanced level
7 weeks
Placement Testing
You will be tested a few days prior to the start of the program for placement
into the level of English class that best fits your current level. You may enter the program at any level.
A
Typical Week
Subject
Number of Classes
Grammar
5 hours of classes
Reading
5 hours of classes
Writing
5 hours of classes
Listening
5 hours of classes
Speaking
5 hours of classes
One-on-One Conversation
1 hour per week with U of Guelph native English student
Total
26 hours per week
The times of classes vary according to the availability of classrooms. Some classes are held later in the day.
After class: Conversation Partner meetings, activities, and social activities.
There are a minimum of two field trips per semester.
Certificate of Proficiency
When you successfully complete the Advanced level of the English Language
Certificate Program, you earn the University of Guelph Certificate of
English Proficiency. This certificate meets the English Proficiency
requirements for admission to the University of Guelph, University of Guelph Humber and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Activities
Each semester, students participate in field trips designed for enjoyment and
to teach about Canadian life.Here is a sample list of activities, which
vary according to the season:
• Bus trip to Niagara Falls
• Bus trip to Toronto: Ethnic markets
• Ski trip to local ski club: lessons, equipment and lift ticket
included
• Canadian Pancake Supper
• Learn to Skate session at ice arena
• Bus trip to Elora Gorge Conservation Area park hiking
• Canoeing on the Speed River (located in the City of Guelph)
• Bus trip to Toronto to Parliament Buildings, CN Tower and SkyDome
• Bus trip to St. Jacobs – historic Mennonite country
Program Benefits:
University of Guelph Library privileges
Monthly
local bus pass
Personal University of Guelph email account
Unlimited Internet access on campus
Use of more than 1000 campus computers on campus
Field
trips each semester to local tourist sites
Academic advising to assist you with your application to university
Membership
to Athletics Centre: swimming pools, ice rinks, squash and tennis courts,
and gymnasium.
Assistance with Visa Renewals
Campus and community tours
On campus social and athletic activities
Weekly conversation practice with a native English speaker
