Semester Program

ESL 100 | 13 Weeks

If you are serious about dramatically improving your overall English skills, this is the course for you!

Choose your language:    English    Español    日本語    한국어    中文    Português    Tiếng Việt

Acquiring Accuracy: Comprehensive English

Level 1 – 5

  • Separate courses in Grammar, Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening
  • Levels: high beginner to upper advanced in each skill area
  • 12 weeks of instruction and assessment followed by a week of exams 
  • Enter the program in any session and combine semester programs
  • Most students can expect to achieve an advanced level of English in 1 year (3 semesters + 1 intensive program of study)

Level 6: Academic Preparation

The top level of our Semester Program focuses on the written and oral skills necessary for success in the English language post-secondary classroom. Students completing Level 6, with a minimum final grade of B+ in each course meet the English language proficiency requirement for:​​

  • Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)
  • UCalgary Continuing Education International Professional Programs, see conted.ucalgary.ca/ipp
  • Applicable Bow Valley College certificate and diploma programs
Course Overview Chart: Day 1: Placement Test Your level will be determined for each course. Day 2-3: In-class test - You will be tested again in each skill area to ensure you are at the right level. 12 weeks of Instruction. 1 week of exams.

Spring 2024

4/22 – 7/19

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Fall 2024

09/16 – 12/13

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Winter 2025

1/6 – 4/4

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Program Hours

275 hours

Price

$4,325

Randa from Libya

It was an incredible experience from which I learned the language and met friends from different cultures.

Randa from Libya

Experience Value

Our tuition includes the following, and more...

Course Materials

Textbooks and handouts.

Public Transit Access

Public train and bus pass for courses 8 weeks or longer.*
* Coverage starts from May 1 for Spring terms.

Health Insurance

Emergency health insurance for international students.

Social Events

Organized social events for students.

Recreation Facilities

Use of recreational facilities on campus.

Library

Access to the campus library.

Free WiFi

Wifi access on campus.

Computers

Access to campus computers.

   

Class Schedule

A certificate of participation will be given at the end of the course to students who attend a minimum of 90% of classes.

Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  | 1 – 3 p.m.


Tuesday and Thursday: 9:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   |   2 – 4 p.m.


Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.


Sample Timetable

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Morning

Grammar


Reading and Writing

Grammar


Reading and Writing

Grammar


Reading and Writing

Grammar


Reading and Writing

Grammar


Reading and Writing

Optional Activity Program
Afternoon Speaking and Listening Speaking and Listening Speaking and Listening Speaking and Listening Speaking and Listening Optional Activity Program

 

Admission Requirements

Proof of English language proficiency is not required to enter the Semester Program; students will be tested at the beginning of the program and then placed in the appropriate level.

Advanced placement into levels 5 and 6 of the Semester Program is available for students wishing to 
guarantee their level placements. One of the following minimum scores are required for advanced placements:

Level 5:

  • TOEFL iBT score of 45 overall, 15 in writing
  • IELTS Academic score of 5.0 overall, 5 in writing, 4.5 in any other skill area
  • CAEL score of 40 overall, 40 in writing
  • Duolingo English Test score of 85 overall, 75 in production

Level 6:

  • TOEFL iBT score of 55 overall, 18 in writing
  • IELTS Academic score of 5.5 overall, 5.5 in writing, 5 in any other skill area
  • CAEL score of 50 overall, 50 in writing
  • Duolingo English Test score of 95 overall, 85 in production

In the event that students display English language performance that is significantly different from the English language proficiency scores they submitted, the student will be assigned to the course level that aligns with their in-class performance.

Optional Activity Program

Improve your English skills and explore Alberta!

Surrounded by Alberta’s many beautiful travel destinations, our Activity Program offers exciting learning opportunities on and off campus, ensuring the best possible international learning experience. 

Learn More

Compare Programs

Our programs are for students at all skill levels, and are designed for a variety of English language learning goals. To compare our programs and see which programs fit your needs, click the compare program button. 

Compare Programs

Payment

Payment is available by credit card (recommended), cash/debit card (in-person), convera or international bank wire. Please contact esl@ucalgary.ca to receive payment instructions on convera and international bank wire. 

Policies and Procedures

Application and admission requirements, payment and refund policies, and homestay policies.

View policies