Semester Program
ESL 100 | 12/13 Weeks
Improve your English for study, work and life.
The Semester Program is a full-time English program for students from beginner to advanced. You will build confidence and improve your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Acquiring accuracy: comprehensive English
This 12-week program (plus exams) includes separate classes in grammar, speaking and listening, and reading and writing. Build vocabulary, improve accuracy and fluency, and strengthen critical thinking skills.
We offer classes ranging from high-beginner* to upper-advanced levels. Students who receive a grade of B+ or higher move on to the next level. If a student’s English proficiency falls below our available levels, we will refer them to other language institutions.
What you can expect
- Small classes and supportive instructors
- Students from around the world
- Clear level placement based on your skills
- A focused and engaging learning environment
- After Level 6, you can continue to the Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) to you prepare for university study.
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.
Program levels (1 - 6)
Level 1 – 5: Improve your English step by step
Strengthen your general English skills across all areas of communication. Most students can expect to achieve an advanced level of English in 1 year.
- Separate courses in Grammar, Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening
- Levels: high beginner to upper advanced in each skill area
- 11/12 weeks of instruction and assessment followed by exams
- Enter the program in any session and combine semester programs
- Course materials: Textbooks and handouts.
- Public transit access: Public train and bus pass for courses 12 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 for courses that are 3 weeks or longer.
- Campus resources: Access to the campus library, computers and wiFi.
The program is broken into the following courses:
- Grammar
- Reading and Writing
- Speaking and Listening
Advanced placement into levels 5 of the Semester Program is available for students wishing to guarantee their level placements. One of the following minimum scores are required for level 5 placement:
- TOEFL iBT score of 45 overall, 15 in writing
- IELTS Academic score of 5.0 overall, 5 in writing, 4.5 in all other skill areas
- CAEL score of 40 overall, 40 in writing
- Duolingo English Test score of 85 overall, 75 in production
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
- Conditional admission and acceptance to NAIT
- Course materials: Textbooks and handouts.
- Public transit access: Public train and bus pass for courses 12 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 for courses that are 3 weeks or longer.
- Campus resources: Access to the campus library, computers and wiFi.
The program is broken into the following courses:
- Academic Grammar and Composition
- Academic Reading and Vocabulary
- Academic Speaking and Listening
- TOEFL iBT score of 55 overall, 18 in writing
- IELTS Academic score of 5.5 overall, 5.5 in writing, 5 in all other skill areas
- 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.
*High-beginner means you can: Introduce yourself, communicate basic simple needs, ask and answer simple questions about personal details. Write simple sentences in English using a subject, verb and object. Use 500-1000 words in English on familiar topics like shopping, weather, and simple routines. Follow simple directions in English and interact with others in a simple way
It was an incredible experience from which I learned the language and met friends from different cultures.
Randa from Libya
Learn with confidence
Feel supported and connected
Everything you need is included
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.
Sample Timetable
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning |
Grammar
|
Grammar
|
Grammar
|
Grammar
|
Grammar
|
Optional Activity Program |
| Afternoon | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Optional Activity Program |
Study more... get into a Canadian university faster
Eligible students can take Level 6 and select Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) courses at the same time. Adding this option helps you prepare for academic study in less time.
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.
Homestay
Living with a Canadian family is an excellent way to improve your English and intercultural skills.