Work and Study Canada
Course Overview

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a non-credit course that caters to students who don’t have English as their first language & would like to improve their written & spoken command of the language. Students will practice communication skills in everyday situations and build a larger vocabulary through listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar activities.

MAJOR GOALS AND PURPOSES OF THE COURSE:

The ESL course is designed to help adult students acquire the skills they need to meet their personal, vocational, academic, community and employment goals. The course is conducted at three levels: foundation, intermediate, proficiency. Each level develops skills in speaking, listening, reading & writing and includes teacher-led courses in the computerized language lab. Building confidence in communication skills is one of the key priorities.

As well as developing the language skills, students are also studying Business English as part of the program, which explores both the general context of work in Canada (expectations, modes of employment, culture...) and specifics (networking, job ads, telephoning, interviews, resumes...).

PROGRAM TYPES:

• Life skills or general ESL classes

Focus on developing ESL skills in the context of topics or functions of daily life on campus that may include:

• renting accommodation
• using public transportation
• banking & shopping
• using telephones
• health or medical care
• travel
• making friends
• education

This ESL program has been designed to improve the following skills:

• listening comprehension
• reading comprehension
• pronunciation & intonation
• oral fluency
• writing & composition
• grammar & vocabulary

Intermediate & proficiency level classes will focus on improving fluency and correctness in English, and providing transitional support for those wishing to go on to further training or educational opportunities.

International students often plan to return to their own countries but expect to use English for personal development, to complement studies in their home countries or for business and commerce.

• Business English

The Business English program includes safety English, industry-specific terminology & jargon for use in day-to-day work, company-specific terminology & jargon, writing skills (form, memos, reports), oral communication/pronunciation, asking questions, giving/receiving directions, clarifying, understanding work procedures, conflict resolution, team work, problem solving negotiation, expressing opinions, expressing safety concepts, and presentation of products to develop essential skills for service, sales, and marketing.

• Workshop

This component is an essential and integral part of the Work and Study Canada program designed specifically to help trainees practice their English, learn about new culture, prepare for work in particular types of workplaces or occupations. Classes are taught on campus. Field trips (to banks, grocery stores, shopping malls, cultural & job sites), guest speakers help students develop their employability skills.

• Internship

The off campus supervised internship gives participants the opportunity to practice English at work. Career related vocabulary will develop more naturally when applied to daily tasks in the workplace. The combined benefit of English skills, international experience and exposure to other business cultures can give participants the edge that needs to further their careers at home.