Vanwest college brochure

VanWest College

Vancouver | Kelowna B.C. Canada

Leading you to reach your English goals!

» Contents »History 3

VanWest Vancouver 4

VanWest Kelowna 6

Why VanWest? 8

VanWest Student Assessment 9

Program Level & Description 10

General English 12

VanWest Electives Guide 14

Exam Preparation Courses 16

English for Business and Workplace 18

University Pathway 20

English Language Co-op Program 22

Specialized Programs 24

Memorable Activities 26

Accommodation Options 28

Fees 29

Calendars 30

Rules & Policy 31

Languages Canada Quality Assurance is a critical component of Languages Canada, and all member

schools are required to be accredited under one internationally recognized and

comprehensive scheme. The Accreditation Scheme maintains the integrity and rigor

of standards and process.

ALTO ALTO is a premium forum joining leading language travel agents, schools, and national

associations as one global community. Membership is open to businesses, associations

and the leaders of those organizations involved in language and/or educational travel.

BCCIE British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) is committed to providing

international education practitioners in British Columbia the tools, resources and

support to build their skills and practice; to share opinions and resources with peers,

and to build collaborative and supportive networks with colleagues across the province

and internationally.

EQA/ Provincial BC Government BC is the only province in Canada with a provincial seal of quality for post-secondary

education. The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) Designation enables students to

easily see which post-secondary institutions the Government of BC recognizes as

having met provincial quality assurance standards and offer consumer protection.

Imagine Education au/in Canada The Imagine Education au/in Canada brand is the product of a joint effort by Foreign

Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and the provinces and territories through

the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). It enables educational institutions,

such as VanWest College, to address international students in a consistent voice.

Accreditation and Professional Bodies

Mission StatementOur mission is to deliver English language

training that is relevant to learners’ present and

future needs and is based on principles of second

language acquisition and adult learning.

Vision StatementTo be a leader in the delivery of quality English

language services that ensure our students

achieve their English language objectives in a

safe, inclusive environment that promotes global

citizenship.

VanWest College has a rich and diverse history in the

delivery of English language services. Established in 1988,

the College initially delivered ESL to new immigrants through

the government ELSA/LINC program and to individual

international students who came to Vancouver to gain English

language skills.

Our guiding vision is to be an international leader in the delivery

of top quality English language services that ensure VanWest

College students achieve their English language objectives while

receiving the best learning experience possible. Our mission

is focused on providing relevant English language training that

meets learners’ present and future needs; learning that is soundly

based on principles of second language acquisition and adult

learning.

Over the past 25 years the College has adjusted to significant

change in the ESL landscape – fluctuations in economies, increased

competition, evolving policies on visas and immigration, and

last but not least, shifting expectations of students. The rapidly-

changing ESL environment created challenges, but through those

very challenges, the College has emerged with an articulated

statement of mission, philosophy, and goals.

Van West Colleges’ best practices are built upon a strong student-

success oriented culture; one that is under ongoing review for

continuous improvement. Strategic planning and systematic

structures and policies are driven directly by the needs and goals

of our students.

History of VanWest College

Consistently listed as one of the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver

offers spectacular super-natural beauty! With a population of

approximately 2 million people from many different cultures,

Vancouver offers a great variety of activities in an exciting, multi-cultural

atmosphere. Shopping, cultural events and festivals, restaurants, and

entertainment are all available, as well as an endless variety of sports

and recreation. Breathtaking sights are guaranteed.

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Vancouver

• 16 Classrooms

• 18 Computers

• Outdoor garden patio

• Student Lounge

• Student Cafeteria

• High Speed Wireless Internet

• Official BULATS Testing Centre

• Up-to-date use of technology; latest TVs,

projectors and software

VanWest College is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver within a short walking

distance from all the key attractions this exciting city has to offer. We are conveniently

located close to all transportation lines that are available in the city.

www.vanwest.com 4 | 5

• 10 Classrooms

• 15 Computers

• Student lounge & cafeteria

• High Speed Wireless Internet

• Cambridge ESOL Testing Venue

• TOEIC Testing Centre

• Up-to-date use of technology; latest TVs,

projectors and software

Located in the heart of the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Kelowna is

an ideal destination for international students looking for a truly Canadian experience.

The bright, modern campus is an easy walk to both the main bus station and the lake.

At our charming campus, you will be greeted with a warm smile every morning and a

feeling of 'family' every day.

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With big city comforts and small town charm, Kelowna provides all the amenities of big city life: one-of-a-kind

shops, entertainment, festivals and vibrant culture. Nestled between Okanagan Lake and rolling mountain

ranges, Kelowna provides year round outdoor (entertainment) fun. Local farms, orchards and vineyards thrive

within a 10-minute drive of the downtown core, and provide fresh summer produce and delicious winter wines.

You can even pick your own fruit in season. Biking and hiking opportunities are abundant in the spring and

fall. The beach, of course, is the biggest draw in the summer - swim, boat, jet-ski, or just sun-bathe on the many

beaches of Kelowna.

If you prefer less active entertainment,

you can visit the many local wineries or

the local brewery. You can see concerts

and hockey games, or try a relaxing

yoga class. From the beaches to the ski

hills, this community has something for

everyone.

Kelowna


1. Individual Student Support We have one primary goal: helping students achieve their English language objectives.

Our teachers and staff are committed to providing each student with individualized

attention to ensure they meet their goals. We are dedicated to giving students ongoing

support, encouragement and advice.

2. Personalized Study PlanWe know that students want to make the most of their time here, and we will make

sure they do! VanWest offers a Personalized Study Plan to every student, drawn up in

consultation with their student counselors. The Personalized Study Plan is designed to

reflect the goals and individual needs of each student.

3. Small Efficient ClassesWe have 10 to 12 students per class in Vancouver and 8 to 10 students per class in

Kelowna. With these small sized classes' students will connect better with their

teachers and, as a result, get focused individual attention to improve their English.

4. Nationality MixWe provide a diversified classroom experience. Students from 20 different countries

are regularly represented in our school, enriching each student’s experience as

international friendships are forged.

5. Accredited SchoolWe are accredited by Languages Canada and other major international organizations.

These accreditations prove our commitment to providing innovative, high quality

English language programs.

6. Quality Assurance & Quality Control We ensure that our students receive the best learning experience possible. We

carefully choose instructors who are passionate about teaching, and who are up-to-

date on the latest teaching methodology. Our instructors are university educated and

additionally hold a teaching designation recognized by Languages Canada.

What Makes VanWest Special?

We prepare and guide our students to meet their goals from start to finishThe College has four streams of entry: General English, English for Test

Preparation, University/College Academic Preparation and English for

Business. The majority of our students start their language journey in the

General English Program.

Students enrolled in the Academic and Test Preparation Programs study IELTS,

advanced academic skill development courses (EAP), and may choose from

a variety of multi-skilled intermediate to advanced level courses developed

by the Cambridge English Language Department, part of the University of

Cambridge. Backed by the largest research and validation programme of its

kind, Cambridge English Language Assessment provides the most secure,

accurate and reliable indicator of language skills.

Student Success requires timely, student feedbackAssessment is an integral part of the entire curriculum cycle at VanWest

College. As a college, we need information on how our students are

progressing, confirmation that they are placed in the appropriate level, and

are moving forward with the acquisition of English language skills. The

information received is vital for us to give accurate feedback in a timely

fashion, and to assist students in their future improvement and development.

At entrance, students receive a written and oral placement test designed

to assess the students’ level of language ability. This is to ensure that the

students are grouped by homogenous levels and thus placed in an effective

teaching-learning environment.

Through weekly progress tests, the learners’ development - mastery of

difficulty with course materials - is measured and monitored. Weekly testing

is a combination of summative and formative assessment.

On a monthly basis, students receive a proficiency test to discern their overall

language ability using known international benchmarks. VanWest administers

an external proficiency test developed by University of Cambridge ESOL/

Michigan State University. Alongside measuring the proficiency of individual

students and giving opportunities for feedback, the information gathered

is analyzed to provide continuing data on the Colleges’ overall quality of

teaching and ability in meeting course aims and outcomes.

VanWest Student Assessment

Weekly AssessmentReading 10

Writing 10

Listening 10

Speaking 10

Grammar 10

Vocabulary 10

Attendance 20

Homework/Projects 10

General Study Habits10

Proficiency Test 1×/month

TOTAL 100


Program Levels & Description Course OptionsStudents feel comfortable using English for social

and business purposes. Awareness of appropriate

expression in formal and informal situations is

developed

Advanced • Accelerated English • General English Course • IELTS

• One-to-One Lesson • CAE • University Pathway • BULATS

• High School Foundation • Diploma in Business English

• Languages Co-op • English for Business and Workplace 9Written and spoken work reflects an awareness of

idiomatic and conceptual language. Students are able

to speak flexibly on a range of subjects including social,

academic, and business matters

Low Advanced • Accelerated English • General English Course • IELTS

• One-to-One Lesson • BULATS • University Pathway


• Languages Co-op • English for Business and Workplace8At this level, students feel comfortable expressing

their opinions and have an awareness of style, in both

speaking and writing. They can understand and express

ideas about a variety of subjects

High Intermediate 2

• Accelerated English • General English Course • IELTS

• One-to-One Lesson • BULATS • FCE • Languages Co-op


• English for Business and Workplace7Students can understand spoken and written language

quite well. At this level, the focus shifts to accuracy and

precision in spoken and written communication

High Intermediate 1

• Accelerated English • General English Course

• One-to-One Lesson • BULATS • Languages Co-op

• Diploma in Business English • PAE

• English for Business and Workplace6For students who can talk about many things with

friends, including hopes and ambitions. They can

express their feelings and wishes verbally and in written

form, too

Intermediate 2 • Accelerated English

• General English Course

• One-to-One Lesson

• PAE • BULATS • Languages Co-op5This class is for students who are confident when talking

about things they’re interested in. They can follow the

main idea of most movies and TV shows in English

Intermediate 1 • Accelerated English


• One-to-One Lesson

• Pre EAP (PET)4For students who are comfortable talking about daily

activities and hobbies in English with their friends. This

class will enhance their knowledge

Low Intermediate

• Accelerated English


• One-to-One Lesson3Focusing on the essentials, this class provides the words

and grammar students need for activities like chatting

with friends, eating out, and banking

Beginner • Accelerated English


• One-to-One Lesson2For students who have never studied English before.

This course will introduce essential vocabulary and

grammar needed for everyday living

Low Beginner • Accelerated English


• One-to-One Lesson1

Progress Chart

4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 weeks

General English 29progress to level 9 (52 weeks)

General English 25progress to level 9 (60 weeks)

Accelerated English 33(36 weeks)

Accelerated English 29(40 weeks)

Level Progression In each level, students are required to take

weekly tests. Therefore, students will have

the possibility to move up a level early if they

are able to maintain an average of 75% in all

skill areas of English; Use of English, Reading,

Listening & Speaking, Vocabulary and Writing.

English Language Proficiency Reference Scores Guide

VanWest Level IELTS Academic TOEFL iBT CEF TOEIC CLB Cambridge Academic Cambridge Business

9 6.5-7.5 102–109 C2 850-990 10

BULATS ADVANCED8 6.0-6.5 94–101C1 750-850

9-10 CAE

7 5.5-6.0 79–93 7-8FCE

6 5.0.5.5 60–78B2 550-750

7-8BULATS INTERMEDIATE

5 4.0-4.5 46–59 6-7

4 3.0-4.0 35–45 B1350-550

5-6 PET

3 2.0-3.0 32–34 A2 4-5

2 1.5-2.0 20–31 A1 250-350 3-4

1 0.0-1.5 0-20 0-250 2


“ My morning class is all about feedback! My

teacher would give me corrections as soon as I

make a mistake during class. This was an excellent

opportunity because I felt myself improving! One

of my favorite class in the afternoon is Power

Speaking. This class puts my English skills to a test

every day! With the friendly feedback, supervision

from the teachers and the use of real life topics,

my communication skills are becoming better

organized and I can better express myself! ”

Faihan (Saudi Arabia)

Subject: Power Speaking

General English

Core English (15 hrs / week)

Time Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

8:45 am – 11:45 am Core English

Theme-based lessons in everyday contexts

The Core English Program focuses on the six major skill areas (reading,

grammar, vocabulary, writing, speaking and listening). Plenty of

opportunity is given to practice conversation skills, pronunciation along

with the essential skill areas.

Intensive English (25 hrs / week)



12:30 pm – 2:20 pm PM 1 Electives

Core English plus your choice of one PM elective

PM courses focus on specific skills required to be successful in general,

academic, business and test-preparation English environments. The

courses are designed to improve and strengthen areas of weakness.

Optimum English (29 hrs / week)





Improve your fluency in Speaking

By focusing on discussions and role-plays that are based on realistic

situations, Communication Electives, in the PM2 block, help students

take their vocabulary and grammar to the next level. With consistent

supervision of an instructor, students will see a marked improvement in

their accuracy, fluency and confidence when using English.


From beginner to advanced level, our classes teach students specific strategies to

improve their English. The General English morning program is based on integrated

skill curriculum. Afternoon classes reinforce core language skills: reading, writing,

listening and speaking and are built to accommodate student progression from

beginner to advanced language proficiency.

Highlights of General English • Start dates: every Monday

• English levels: Low Beginner to Advanced

• Recommended program duration: 4 to 60 weeks

• Weekly assessment and one-to-one consultations with instructors as needed

• Personalized study plan to track academic progress

• Theme-based lessons in everyday contexts

AM

• Integrated Skill Development

• listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary

PM1

• Critical Reading & Writing

• Communication Strategies

• Grammar & Vocabulary

• Debate & Discussion

PM2

• Listening Tactics• Pronunciation• Power Speaking• Presentation

Dynamics

PM1 ElectivesClass Name Levels Description

Critical Reading & Writing 1

1-3

This course covers the basics of writing in English, including spelling, grammar,

punctuation, structure and basic to complex sentence construction. Writing skills are

developed by focusing on the elements of a good sentence within the context of a

paragraph.

Communication Strategies 1

1-3

This course focuses on essential communication functions and related expressions

through the use of themes and practical scenarios that allow participants to learn and

practice useful English phrases used in everyday situations.

Essential Grammar/Vocabulary 1

1-3

This class is an introduction to basic grammatical features that students need to

understand to produce both written and oral text. Grammatical features, such as

rudimentary English tenses, pronouns, adverbs of frequency, prepositions, and

conjunctions will be taught in a thematic context. Grammar points will be practiced

orally and in writing exercises.


4-5

This class introduces students to the process of paragraph writing and teaches

them how to generate, develop, and organize their ideas. Exercises include group

and pair work as well as relevant study of reading skills, grammar, punctuation, and

capitalization, providing comprehensive practice in writing process and development.

Essential Grammar/Vocabulary 2

4-5

This course emphasizes the development of fluency and accuracy. Students will learn

and review grammatical features such as verb tenses, the parts of speech, sentence

patterns, pronouns, troublesome verbs, and subject-verb agreement. Students will be

encouraged to self-check as they practice more complicated grammatical structures.

Critical Discussion 2

4-5

Students will learn new vocabulary associated with weekly themes, explore relevant

topics that reflect on their lives, and examine varying world views and differences

between cultures. Learners will build upon social skills to help shy students share their

opinions with a group of trusted friends.

Vocabulary in Use 2

4-5

The focus of this course is vocabulary - expansion, meaning and usage. Students will

learn definitions for new vocabulary words and how to identify the parts of speech and

the various forms. Synonyms and homonyms will be learned, as well as how to choose

appropriate articles used with nouns and prepositions used with verbs.


4-6

Students will learn explicit skill strategies to improve their overall communication in

English such as prediction, identifying main and supporting ideas, and expressing

opinions and differing points of view. Weekly themes are current and thought-provoking

and provide a framework to improve critical thinking skills. Cultural aspects, such as

non-verbal behavior and cross-cultural communication, will be learned in context.


6+

This class teaches students the vocabulary and skills they need to thrive in a real-

life academic context, while helping to apply critical-thinking skills to a variety of

global issues. The course offers interesting and thought-provoking themes and texts,

connected to various disciplines that prepare students to study in English in Canada

or abroad.


6+

This class encourages students to think critically and succeed academically. The

question-centred approach provides a unique critical thinking framework for each

weekly lesson. This course develops key cognitive skills such as analyzing, synthesizing,

and evaluating - as well as developing the language skills essential for academic

success.

Documentaries & Discourse 3

6+

The objective of this class is to sharpen your listening skills, increase your vocabulary,

note-taking and conversation skills while you enjoy interesting, topical documentaries.

Topics include ecology, social issues, history and wildlife. Class will include lots of time

for discussions and debates.Van

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PM2 ElectivesClass Name Levels Description

Listening Tactics 1

1-3

This course breaks down the selective listening process into understandable parts

where participants are taught how to control distractions, concentrate on the message

and interpret messages as they listen.

Power Speaking 1

1-3

Learners are guided through various types of practice as they participate in short

conversation on familiar topics. Students will practice simple phrases used in everyday

English social situations, and sentences containing new and familiar vocabulary. For

example, students will learn and practice how to give responses to yes/no and wh-

questions in familiar contexts, give oral descriptions of routine activities, objects, people

and places, and learn strategies to check for comprehension.

Pronunciation 1 1-3

Individuals will study and practice the essential aspects of pronunciation. The first

level focuses on sound production and correction. The students will learn to form and

contrast vowel sounds such as /iy/ and /e/, and to distinguish the sounds of consonants

such as /p/ and /b/ and /t/ and /d/.

Upon successful completion of this course the learner will be able to distinguish, form,

and recognize the different English vowel and consonant sounds.

Pronunciation 2 4-5

A substantial amount of time is spent on oral practice with linking, contractions, stress

and intonation and rhythm patterns being the foundation of the program. Students will

practice stress patterns in multi-syllable words and learn to identify content words in

sentences and interrogative words in questions. Learners will be taught to recognize

intonation patterns in greetings, statements, questions, and in counting and listening.

Power Speaking 2

4-5

Building on Power Speaking 1, students continue to learn the situational use of English

language. Focus is on integrating grammar and vocabulary lessons for realistic

purposes, such as language that helps a person express feelings, make requests, make

suggestions, or give directions.

Listening Tactics 2

4-5

Participants will learn strategies to increase listening comprehension. Students are

presented with relevant content in everyday speech and taught strategies to decode

language structures that are sometimes difficult to understand, such as reduced forms,

homonyms, and sentence stress.

Listening Tactics 3

6+

This course emphasizes strategies to develop listening skills at an advanced level.

Students, listening to a range of subject materials varying in length and complexity,

will learn how to predict before listening, and how to identify main ideas in lectures

and presentations. Learners will be taught how to take effective notes while listening

for particular details. Recognizing and understanding common discourse markers,

determining the relationships of ideas, and inference are some of the topics studied.

Students will have the opportunity to practice various styles of listening tests.


“ Through this class, I was able to correct

grammatical mistakes that I was making everyday!

I was given feedback from the teachers when I was

wrong and right, so that I can improve more. The

straightforward and structured class gave me clear

weekly goals, which gave me the chance to track my

progress.! ”

Juliana Molano (Colombia)

Subject: FCE

Exam Preparation Courses


IELTS PreparationThe International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a

universally recognized English proficiency qualification that is accepted

by most English-speaking universities in the world. Students who are

planning to take an under-graduate or graduate program at a Canadian

university, or immigrate to Canada, will likely have to take the IELTS exam.

• Start dates: every Monday

• Average class size: 8 to 10 students

• One-to-one packages can be added

• Result oriented

• Providing weekly skill tests and monthly pre-IELTS tests

Intro IELTS

(PM 1electives)

Advanced IELTS

(AM Core Class)

English levelIELTS 3.5 - 4.5 or

VanWest Level 4, 5IELTS 5.0 or

VanWest Level 6 or higher

Lengths 4 - 8 weeks 8 - 12 weeks

Hours per week 25 or 29 15, 25, or 29

Program packageAM Core English +

PM1 Intro IELTSAM IELTS + PM1 Writing

and PM2 Communication

First Certificate in English: FCEA pass on the FCE examination indicates sufficient proficiency in English

to be of practical use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs in many

industries, in particular tourism, where contact with English speakers is

required.

Cambridge Exam PreparationUniversity of Cambridge certificates are among the most widely

recognized English language examinations in the world. In addition to

PET, VanWest offers Cambridge FCE and CAE. Arrangements can be

made for students to take the official exam at the end of their preparation

course if they wish. VanWest has an exceptional pass rate for FCE and

CAE candidates.

• Start dates: every Month

• Lengths: 4 to 12 weeks

• Hours per week: 25 or 29

• Average class size: 8 to 10 students

• Highest exam pass rate

• Weekly tests for monitoring academic progress


8:45 am – 11:45 am Cambridge (FCE / CAE)



Cambridge Advanced English: CAECAE is an advanced level course of study. Students who pass the

examination are able to show high-level qualifications in English for

professional or academic purposes. CAE is widely recognized by

universities for admission. CAE graduates have the confidence to use

English fluently and with ease.

VanWest College is an authorized BULATS testing centre approved by Cambridge ESOL to vend

the online BULATS tests to customers. In this role, VanWest Collge makes sure Cambridge ESOL

guidelines and standards are upheld at all times. Moreover, VanWest College ensures efficient

operations when delivering BULATS, whilst providing excellent customer service.

VanWest College offers the following Exam preparation courses:

• IELTS (intermediate and advanced) – Official Testing Centre, Kelowna

• BULATS (intermediate and advanced) – Official Testing Centre, Kelowna & Vancouver

• PET • FCE • CAE

“ The BULATS course helped me reach the next

level of English because we focused on practical

English in class. We were able to practice our

writing by using real life examples and current

events and news. Through the BULATS speaking

course, I was able to develop my conversation

skills and really put the vocabulary that I learned

in class to practical use. I was able to use my

improved English and communication skills to

learn how to do business in many different cultural

context. Overall, I would highly recommend this

course to anyone who would like to learn about

business in English or to anyone who wants a

legitimate challenge in improving their overall

English level! ”

Joao G. Lima (Brazil)

Subject: BULATS

Intermediate BULATS • Start dates: every Monday

• Lengths: 8 weeks

• Hours per week: 29

• Level: 5 or 6

• Prerequisite: Diploma in Business English

• Introduction to business terminology and conceptual learning about

essential communication skills

• Understanding the local and global business communication skills



12:30 pm – 2:20 pm Intermediate BULATS

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Advanced BULATS• Start dates: every Monday

• Lengths: 12 weeks

• Hours per week: 29

• Level: 7 or higher

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate BULATS

• Tests communication skills that are needed in real workplace

situations

• Assessment of the effectiveness of business English for real life

business situations

• Recognized by companies world-wide as a high quality assessment

of professional English proficiency


8:45 am – 11:45 am BULATS

12:30 pm – 2:20 pm Writing for Exam Prep

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Presentation Dynamics

English for Business and Workplace What is BULATS?VanWest’s Diploma in Business English/BULATS is an excellent choice for motivated,

focused business professionals who use English at an advanced level. BULATS (The

Business Language Testing Service) is designed to measure the ability of non-native

speakers to implement English in everyday working situations. BULATS is a widely

recognized language test, and is a reliable way of assessing the language ability of

employees or trainees. Our instructors are highly experienced, with strong academic

English and business backgrounds. Students in BULATS will have monthly pre-tests

available to them, as well as the Official BULATS Test, taken at VanWest College, every

8 weeks. Over 12,500organizations worldwide trust the Cambridge English range of

Exams.

Accepted CompaniesFRANCE - Accenture, Johnson & Johnson, Airbus, Carrefour, Societe’, generale,

Nestle’ / UAE - Emirates / GERMANY - KPMG, Adidas, Siemens / SPAIN - Iberia,

Telefonica / BRAZIL - Banco do brazil / SOUTH KOREA - Hyundai Group, Group SK

/ JAPAN - Hitachi / SWITZERLAND - Swiss Post / HONG KONG - HSBC

* For more information, please visit www.bulats.org


“ I heavily recommend this program because it is

very results orientated. We are taught many English

skills but most importantly, we are taught how to use

our skills in a practical setting and situation. I feel

very comfortable in this class because I know that I

am getting better on a daily basis! With the Pathway

program, I have a clear end goal and because of this

I can concentrate on my studies and improving my

English to get ready for university.! ”

Maan (Saudi Arabia)

Subject: University Pathway

University Pathwaywww.vanwest.com 20 | 21

Yukon CollegeEstablished in 1983, Yukon College is a community college located in the

Yukon Territory in Canada. Yukon College offers certificates, diplomas

and degrees through 5 academic areas - the School of Access, School of

Science, Trades and Technology, School of Health, Education and Human

Services, School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Management, Tourism

and Hospitality. The college also provides the first two years of university

transfer and is a respected member of the BC Council on Admissions

and Transfer. Yukon College is an integral part of the community, social,

cultural, and economic life of Yukon.

Okanagan CollegeOkanagan College is a public, post-secondary institution with 4

year degrees, 2 year diplomas, over 120 certificates and programs

including Apprenticeship & Pre-apprenticeship Trades programs. It has

4 campuses located in Kelowna, Vernon Salmon Arm and Penticton.

All cities are located in British Columbia, Canada and are a one hour

flight from Vancouver or Seattle. Established more than forty years ago,

Okanagan College has since grown to be the largest college in British

Columbia outside the Lower Mainland and Victoria with over 8,500

full-time students on four regional campuses. Over 400 international

students from over fifty countries currently study at Okanagan College.

Justice Institute of British Columbia

The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is an internationally

recognized leader in public safety and justice education. Established

in 1978 with a provincial mandate under the College & Institute Act,

JIBC now delivers leading edge public safety and justice education and

training in BC, Canada and internationally. Every year, 27,000 students

from over 20 countries take our programs and courses.

Many of the programs have international certifications and lead to

certificates, diplomas and degrees in:

• policing • fire and safety

• corrections and youth justice

• paramedicine and pre-hospital health care

• victims’ services

• emergency response and emergency preparedness

For more information, please visit www.jibc.ca

University of ReginaThe University of Regina is one of the top 10 comprehensive universities

in Canada as is a leading public research facility. Located in Saskatchewan,

Canada, students will be eligible to enter ESL 050 or the undergraduate

program with an overall average of 80% at the end of the program.

Fairleigh Dickinson University – VancouverFounded in 1942, FDU is New Jersey's largest private University, with

nearly 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students, including more

than 1,000 international students from around the world. The University's

two U.S. campuses are in northern New Jersey. FDU-Vancouver, opened

in 2007, offers undergraduate students one of the few opportunities

to earn an American college degree while studying in Canada. FDU-

Vancouver welcomes students from around the world to create a

culturally diverse learning environment.

INTO PathwayOregon State University:

Founded in 1868, OSU is located in Corvallis, Oregon, a classic American

college town that is ranked top 5 smartest cities by Forbes.

Colorado State University:

Colorado State University is ranked #3 in the USA and #9 globally in

international students' overall satisfaction with their educational. It is

located in the Fort Collins in Colorado.

University of South Florida

University of South Florida has 25 graduate programs in the Top 100, is

ranked top 40 for "best buy college" for affordability. It is located in the

vibrant city of Tampa, Florida of over 4 million people.

Marshall University

Founded in 1837, Marshall University is #16 Top Public Regional

University in the South. It is located in the safe and affordable city of

Huntington, West Virginia at the foothills of the beautiful Appalachian

Mountains.

English Language Co-op Program

PROGRAM OBJECTIVESThe following course objectives define the desired learning outcomes of

the English Language Co-op Program. Upon completion of the Program,

the students will:

• Have improved their overall English language competency.

• Have a greater understanding of Canadian business culture and

practices.

• Be familiar with oral and written business communication skills for

various industries.

• Have developed their business skills in order to foster a more

professional rapport with native English speaking colleagues.

• Have developed a personal career portfolio incorporating application

forms, cover letters, resumes and proficiency in English interview

skills.

• Have created a positive impact on their employment opportunities

upon returning to their native country.

• Have improved their work performance by attaining a higher standard

of proficiency and confidence in the use of English.

STUDENT CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION1. In order to apply for an internship, students must: complete a VanWest

College Internship application, submit a current resume, write a

placement test and complete a telephone/Skype interview with the

VanWest College Internship Coordinator.

2. After the resume is submitted and the test and interview are completed

and evaluated, a VanWest College representative will contact the

student, or the agent, to inform them of the results. Students must

pass the telephone/Skype interview in order to gain acceptance into

the internship program.

3. The student must fully satisfy VanWest’s admission criteria, based on

the fact that he/she has adequate intent to succeed and complete the

English Study and Work Program. As per Citizenship and Immigration

Canada (CIC) guidelines, all internship students need a valid work

visa,Working Holiday Visa, SWAP or Study and Work Permit (C30

Exemption), for the entire period of their internship.

4. Medical insurance must be valid for the whole period of the stay.

5. The student must satisfy VanWest that he/she has the true intent to

return to their country of origin immediately after completion of the

English Language Co-op Program, and that he/she will not remain in

Canada and/or at the Host Employer site illegally.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONVanWest English Language Co-op Program provides an exceptional

opportunity for international students to combine Business English

(BULATS) in the classroom with work experience in the Canadian

work environment. The paid or unpaid cooperative English Language

Internship Program allows students to apply their overall English

communication skills into “real-life” workplace situations with native

Canadian English speakers. This opportunity enhances a student’s

language abilities and expands their career options. This program

consists of 50% academic studies and 50% paid or unpaid internship.


WORK PRACTICUM OPTIONSGeneral Language Practicum

(Paid Customer Service & Hospitality Work Experience)

The General Language Practicum Program is an excellent way

for students to practice and apply their English skills in a practical

environment. Students are placed in unskilled/entry level positions

in service industries. Students gain work experience in an English-

speaking environment and have an opportunity to interact with local

Canadians. Pay rate for this option is BC minimum wage of $10.50 per

hour or a by a predetermined stipend amount.

Service and hospitality internships provide an excellent opportunity for

students to improve their English skills while learning different aspects

of how Canadian companies manage operations in retail, the food and

beverage industry, hotel and retail guest services, and recreation.

Possible fields of work include:

• Sports & Recreation

• Hair & Cosmetics

• Coffee Shop, Bakery shop

• Hotels & Vacation Resorts

• Retail Outlets

Specialized Language Practicum

(Unpaid Professional Internship)

The purpose of the Specialized Language Practicum is to enable

students to continue to learn and practice English in a practical

professional work environment related to their career field of interest.

Students are able to use their Workplace English communication

skills and integrate career-related skills through a supervised work

experience in a professional Canadian work field. Potential employers

are encouraged to allow job shadowing as part of the unpaid internship,

which in turn gives the student a more global understanding of the

business.

Possible fields of work include:

• Sales and Marketing

• Accounting/Financing

• Geology

• Fine Arts

• Computer IT

• Operational Assistant

• Graphic Design

• Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical)

• Non-profit /Social Programs

• Travel & Tourism

• Import &Export

MONITORING AND REPORTINGThe VanWest Internship Coordinator screens all employers before

students are placed with them. Students doing the Self-Placement must

get approval of their placement and schedule from VanWest College

before they can begin their internship. While on placement, students are

required to submit a report to the VanWest Internship Coordinator (via

e-mail) every four weeks. This report gives students the opportunity to

raise any issues and ask any questions they may have.

The VanWest Internship Coordinator is readily available to give support

to the students via phone calls, face-to-face meetings and/or a dedicated

email account.

The VanWest Internship Coordinator also follows up once a month with

the employers to discuss the students’ performance, attendance, and

any other issues that may have arisen. On-site visits are scheduled as

possible.

STUDENT CRITERIA FOR COMPLETIONIn order to graduate from this program and receive a VanWest English

Work and Study Certificate, all students must meet the following criteria:

The standards of the VanWest English and Work Study Certificate are

stringent. To progress to the Internship component of the Program, it

is mandatory that student’s first maintain 80% attendance, participate

readily in class, and successfully complete assignments, projects or

exams in the English study component with minimum grade of 70%.

Failure to meet the criteria is grounds to exit the student from the

program.

Students must complete the assigned work practicum and get a

performance evaluation from their supervisor that indicates their

performance was satisfactory or above.

Students must submit all monthly reports during the work practicum

period in a timely fashion.

Students must submit a completed Employee Evaluation Form signed

by their work practicum supervisor.

Specialized Programs

One-to-OneIndividual focus and customized to your needs, One-to-One lessons

pinpoint a student’s individual needs and help them focus their studies

even further! Each session is 50 minutes long, providing a tailor made

program to vastly improve the weaknesses in your English skills. One-

to-One lessons are designed for the students and by the students.

Personalized attention, guidance and feedback from our experienced

and friendly teachers will help the students reach their English goals.

Students with limited time to study English will find this program ideal in

enhancing their English skills.

Accelerated English ProgramThe Accelerated English Program consists of our Intensive English

program combined with 4 hours of personalized, One-to-One lessons.

This program is designed to maximize the student’s academic and

English skill to enable them to reach their educational goals during the

time of their stay. During the group lessons, students will interact with

other students while developing fully integrated skills. During One-to-

One sessions, students will focus on their specific needs. Students may

choose the 29 or 33 hours per week program.

• Fast way to enhance your level

• Focus on weaknesses with your teachers

• Systematic teaching methodology to maximize your learning capacity

Accelerated 29 Program

VanWest’s Accelerated 29 English Program consists of 15 hours of

morning Core English instruction, 10 hours of an academically focused

skills classes and 4 hours of personalized One-to-One lessons.



12:30 pm – 2:20 pm PM 1 Elective

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm One-to-One

Accelerated 33 Program

VanWest’s Accelerated 33 English Program consists of 15 hours of

morning Core English instruction, 14 hours of academically focused

skills classes and 4 hours of personalized One-to-One lessons.





3:30 pm – 4:30 pm One-to-One

Group Study TourWe know groups have different needs, so we can design a Study Tour

specific to your needs and budget. We can accommodate groups of

children, youth, seniors or professionals. Examples of study tours include:

• One-day intensive Canadian culture and language program for

professionals

• Off campus group intensive English program with residence-style

accommodations and real-life English experiences and field trips

• English and golf experience for seniors

• English and the Arts

• English and Sports (baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball)

Contact us directly to discuss your ideas and we will put together a

custom program for you. Program needs will determine whether we can

offer the program in Vancouver or Kelowna.

Time Fri Sat

8:45 am – 11:45 am Core English Tour / Excursion all day12:30 pm – 2:20 pm Afternoon Study Tour

Ji Eun Kim(South Korea)

Subject: Accelerated English Program

“ The private attention of a one-to-one session

meant that the class followed me instead of me

following the class. I could stop the lesson at

anytime to ask questions and I got the answer

right away. My teacher prepared lessons that

were customized just for my needs. I didn’t

learn just about course work. I was able to study

more in-depth than in regular classes. What I

really liked was having the chance to learn real-

world English, not just text book English. Over

the course of our time together, we got to know

eachother, exchanged cultures and built a very

strong relationship.! ”

Youth ProgramsThese programs are for young students who want to study English and

experience life in Canada through a wide selection of group activities.

Based on the season and the minimum enrollment requirement;

VanWest College will be able to provide custom made programs for your

students.

• Ages : 12 to 17

• Accommodation : Homestay

• Start Date: July - August

• Program Duration: 2-8 weeks

Program Features:

• English class combined with recreational and sports activities, tours

and excursions

• Theme-based English language instruction

• Regular homework-including a daily journal assignment

• A dynamic classroom mixture of nationalities and cultures

• Theme-based projects in order to perform specific tasks

• Qualified teachers

Time Fri Sat

8:45 am – 11:45 am Core English Tour / Excursion all day12:30 pm – 2:20 pm Afternoon Study Tour


Hear our stories & Join us on facebook!

Memorable ActivitiesVancouver / Kelowna Campus

VanWest College


HomestayStaying with a Canadian family is the fastest ways to improve your English.

VanWest College will ensure safe, comfortable and friendly host families.

We offer homestays at both of our campuses, Kelowna and Vancouver. Our

homestay families have worked with us for more than 10 years! Homestays

are a wonderful way to experience Canadian culture and allow students to

get to know, and learn about, the surrounding area, as part of a Canadian

family. Our homestay coordinator will make sure to find the best fit for each

individual student, as per the homestay application.

Students who choose to live with a host family will have the following options:

• Single Room • Shared bathroom

• Laundry facilities • 3 meals per day

Residence - YWCADowntown Vancouver’s YWCA is the safe, comfortable and affordable family-

friendly alternative for all travellers – rooms range from single to quint.

Conveniently located, the hotel is near to BC Place, Rogers Arena and Queen

Elizabeth and Playhouse Theatres. It is only a short stroll away from Robson

Street, the city’s popular shopping mecca and one block from Stadium

SkyTrain for convenient public transportation.

Furnished ApartmentsStudents who are independent and prefer to live alone will find this option

suitable. These Furnished Apartments are trusted and safe accommodations

options for our students and are generally located in the downtown area.

Since the rates may vary season by season, students must email homestay@

vanwest.com for any enquiry at least two to three months before the intended

start date.

Accommodation

FeesCourse Fees

Weeks 15 hrs / wk 25 hrs / wk 29 hrs / wk

1 - 11 $250 / wk $320 / wk $360 / wk

12 - 23 $200 / wk $310 / wk $350 / wk

24 - 35 $200 / wk $300 / wk $340 / wk

36 - 47 $200 / wk $290 / wk $330 / wk

48 + $190 / wk $270 / wk $310 / wk

1~11 Weeks 12 Weeks and Over

Accelerated 29 program $560 / wk $550 / wk

Accelerated 33 program $600 / wk $590 / wk

1-24 Lessons Over 25 Lessons

One-to-One Lesson (55 minutes) $65 / lesson $60 / lesson

Language Co-op Program FeesLanguage Co-op Application Fee (non-refundable) $250

Self-Placement $350

General Placement / Specialized Placement $1,200

Combined Internship (General + Specialized) $1,800

Vancouver Kelowna

Homestay Fee per Session (28 nights) $840 $750

Extra night (3 meals/day) $31 $28

18 years old and under Homestay Fee per Session (28 nights) $950 $860

Extra night (3 meals/day) for 18 years and under $34 $31

Other FeesVancouver Kelowna

Application Fee $110 (non-refundable) $110 (non-refundable)

Homestay Placement Fee $210 (non-refundable) $210 (non-refundable)

Material Fee $10 per week $10 per week

Medical Insurance $15 per week $15 per week

Airport Transfer Fee $100 (one way) $80 (one way)

Legal Custodianship Fee $250 $250

Cambridge ESOL BULATS Exam Fee $250 $250


Rules & PoliciesAttendance PolicyIf a student is more than five minutes late for their classes, the student

may not enter the class until the break time. If a student is late after

a break, they will not be allowed into class. Advancement is based on

attendance and performance on weekly evaluations. A student must

achieve at least 75~80% in all skill areas to advance to the next level.

Certificates will be awarded based on attendance, participation and

progress. Students who are going to be absent must email VanWest by

8:30 am to [email protected] with an explanation of why they will

be absent. Excused absences should be accompanied by a doctor’s

note. Excused absences without a doctor’s note are at the discretion of

Vanwest staff.

Penalties:

a) After 2 absences in a one week period, a student will receive a verbal

reminder of the Vanwest attendance policy from their teacher.

b) Students with an attendance record below 80% in a 4 weeks period

will receive a formal written warning.

c) Students with an attendance record below 80% in a 4 week period

for the second time will not receive a certificate.

d) Students with an attendance record below 80% in a 4 week period

for the third time will be expelled from Vanwest College and will

receive no refund.

Tuition Refund PolicyTo apply for a refund, a student must submit written notice of withdrawal

to VanWest College.

If cancellation is received before the program start date:

a) If a visa is denied, the student will be refunded all fees except the

registration fee and the homestay placement fee.

b) Less than 7 days after registration, the student will be refunded 75%

of the total fees.

c) 30 calendar days or more before start of class, the student will be

refunded 75 % of the total fees.

d) Less than 30 days before the start of class, the student will

be refunded 60% of the total fees.

If cancellation is received after the program start date:

a) Up to 10% of the program’s duration time, the student will be

refunded 50% of the total fees.

b) Between 10% and 30% of the program, the student will be refunded

30% of the total fees.

c) After 30% of the program is finished, there is no refund.

Amendments to the study program after the start date

Students may apply for a reduction to their study hours after starting

their program; however, there will be no cash refund for these changes.

Reductions may only be made from 29 hour to 25 hour programs;

reductions from 25 hours to 15 hours are not permitted. Eligible time

will be credited based on current prices and promotions.

Homestay RefundsIf a student cancels Homestay within three weeks of the course start

date, he/she will be required to pay 25% of the first month’s homestay

fees.

Students who book shorter homestay periods must be prepared to find

their own accommodation after the confirmed homestay period ends.

Holiday/Vacation PolicyIf students want to apply for a Holiday, and for their time to be credited,

they must request for the Vacation Request Form at the reception. All

requests need to be made at least a week prior to the vacation request

date. Students may apply for a holiday from their study program. Please

refer to the table below for eligible holiday length.

Program Length Eligible Holiday Length

4~12 wks 1 wk

13~23 wks 2 wks

24~35 wks 3 wks

36+ wks 4 wks

* Holiday time will be credited back to the student’s program; however, there will not

be any cash refunds for holiday time.


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VanWest College 2014 Calendar

VanWest College 2015 Calendar

VanWest CollegeVancouver | Kelowna B.C. Canada

EST. 1988

Vancouver Campus200 - 1016 Nelson Street

Vancouver, B.C.

V6E 1H8 Canada

Phone: (604) 731-5256

Fax: (604) 739-0913

[email protected]

Kelowna Campus104-532 Leon Avenue

Kelowna, B.C.

V1Y 6J6 Canada

Phone: (250) 762-5256

Fax: (250) 762-5221

[email protected]

http://www.vanwest.com

Follow us @vanwestcollege

facebook.com/vanwestcollege

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Documents

Vanwest college brochure