Explore

• English Communication
  A communicative approach to learning English, including lectures, learning activities, exercises, listening activities, pair/group discussions, and class discussions.
• Literature Circle Discussion Groups
  Reading to develop critical thinking skills, vocabulary development, oral fluency and discussion skills.
• Pronunciation
  Improve vowel and consonant sounds, syllable stress, word stress, contractions, rhythm and intonation. 
• Writing Workshop
  Explore the language and vocabulary related to the topics covered in class. Improve writing skills by practicing sentence structure, paragraphing and essay writing.

Examples of sociocultural activities offered in past years include:

• Sports
• Hiking in Kananaskis Country
• Calgary Stampede
• Day trip to Drumheller 
• Optional day or overnight trips to Banff, Jasper, Yoho and/or Waterton National Parks available for purchase with additional fees

• English instruction, textbooks and hand-outs 
• Free socio-cultural activities
• Homestay accommodation*. Homestay includes:
  • A learning environment with a local host family offering real and practical English language experiences for the students
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • A private bedroom with beddings
  • Three meals a day (at least one prepared), 7 days a week
  • Laundry facilities for you to do your own laundry
  • Shared common areas (e.g. kitchen, living room)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Homestay Coordinators to discuss concerns and 24/7 emergency assistance

* Please contact the English Language Program office if homestay is not appropriate for you.

For more information about the EXPLORE bursary, please visit englishfrench.ca.

• Transportation to/from Calgary
• Transportation to the University, or in and around the city
• Paid socio-cultural activities
• Accommodation of special diets
• Travel or health insurance (the University of Calgary does not provide health insurance for EXPLORE students. Please ensure that you are covered by your home province’s health care program)
• Childcare
• Accommodation of children or spouse
• Use of University of Calgary recreation facilities (recreation pass available for $25)

For more information about the EXPLORE bursary, please visit englishfrench.ca.

• Canadian and permanent resident students who have been awarded the Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC) EXPLORE bursary. 
• 17 years of age or older.
• Beginner to advanced level of English.

1. Apply for the Explore bursary with the Government of Canada and select University of Calgary as one of your preferred programs.
2. If you are awarded the Explore bursary for the University of Calgary, register in the UCalgary Explore Program and pay the fees to confirm your attendance.
   1. Select your ESL session.
      1. Explore Spring 2025 - ESL Intensive Program
      2. Explore Summer I 2025 - ESL Intensive Program
      3. Explore Summer II 2025 - ESL Intensive Program
   2. Click Add to Cart.
   3. Click Keep shopping.
   4. Select your homestay session.
      1. Explore Spring 2025 - Homestay
      2. Explore Summer I 2025 - Homestay
      3. Explore Summer II 2025 - Homestay
   5. Click Add to Cart.
   6. Click Checkout.
   7. Click Checkout again.
   8. Create your account and fill out your information.
   9. Fill out the applications.
   10. Pay application fee and deposit.

Note: International students and Canadian citizens/permanent residents who have not been awarded an Explore bursary should register in a Summer Intensive Course.

Levels: High Beginner (level 1) to Upper Advanced (level 6). 

You will be enrolled at the level that best corresponds to your language proficiency according to pre-arrival online placement test and in-class diagnostic testing. The online placement test instructions will be provided by email. Expect to complete your placement test one month before your program start date.  

The University of Calgary does not grant credit for the Explore program. However, it is possible that students may receive credit from their home institutions. Contact your home institution directly to find out if this is possible and what Explore program documents you will need (e.g. student evaluation, certificate of participation, course outlines, official transcript, etc.). The student is entirely responsible for all inquiries and arrangements regarding credits. 

Course outlines will be provided by instructors. Certificates and student evaluations are distributed at the end of the program.

English only policy:

An English-only policy is in effect on campus, during sociocultural activities, and in homestay. In order to get the most out of this English immersion program, you required to speak English at all times. While this may seem challenging, you will be surrounded by classmates and peers who share the same responsibility and are eager to help you practice your English language skills.

Attendance policy:

Students are expected to attend classes up until the last day of the program. Students who have to leave the program early, for any reason, are required to notify the English Language Program office in writing.  Students will less than 90% attendance will not receive a certificate of completion. 

All classes and free activities are mandatory. Paid activities are optional.

Students who attend a minimum of 4 of 5 weeks will have their deposit refunded

Classroom expectations:

Cellphones should be turned off or on silent mode during class time. Students sleeping in class will be given one verbal warning and asked to leave the class if the behavior continues.

Sociocultural activity expectations:

Students participating in sociocultural activities are required to sign the necessary waivers. Students who do not follow all safety rules will not be allowed to further participate in activities.

Code of Conduct:

The English Language Program seeks to create and maintain a positive and productive learning environment, and will defer to the University of Calgary's Student Non-Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure. Students are responsible for knowing and following the appropriate conduct expected of them as members of the UCalgary community. For more information, refer to conted.ucalgary.ca/international/info/conduct.jsp and ucalgary.ca/student-services/student-conduct/policy.

Students must abide by the University of Calgary Policies & Procedures, and Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal laws at all times. The University of Calgary will not accept any responsibility for students who do not comply with Canadian laws.

Warnings and dismissals cover but are not limited to the English only policy, cellphones in class, and sleeping in class. If students do not follow the rules and regulations of the program, they will receive:

• Reminder: Verbal reminder of program rules. One verbal reminder is given per class and activity.
• Warning 1: Formal written warning, no suspension. One first warning per program.
• Warning 2: Formal written warning, the student is removed from and marked absent from 1 day of classes and/or activities. One second warning per program.
• Warning 3: Final formal written warning, the student is removed from and marked absent from 3 days of classes and/or activities. One third warning per program.
• Dismissal: Expulsion from the program.

Note: If dismissed from the program, students must leave the campus and Homestay immediately and return home at their own expense. 

After the Explore program, check out Languages at Work for opportunities to work in your second official language at participating Explore institutions across Canada during the summer. 

For other opportunities, visit englishfrench.ca/get-involved.