New English language courses launched for online learners

While travel restrictions may be keeping many international students off campus, SFU’s English Language and Culture Program (ELC) has created new ways to keep students learning. Since 1995, ELC has welcomed learners from around the world to Vancouver for its full-time English immersion program. But in response to the pandemic, classes quickly moved online this spring to ensure students could continue their learning safely.

For 2021, ELC is expanding its offerings with individual online courses designed for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to hone their language skills with a leading Canadian university—whether they live in Vancouver or on the other side of the globe.

“We want to continue to respond to our learners’ needs,” explains ELC director Bertrand Lee. “Our interactive courses will allow students to work on specific skills, build their fluency and grow their confidence in using English at work, school and any other situations.”

Led by experienced certified instructors, classes will meet virtually in real time once or twice a week for eight weeks. All classes are scheduled in the evening (Pacific time) for the convenience of students attending from a variety of time zones.

Each course will focus on a different key area, such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, communicating in business settings or preparing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.

Registration is now open for 11 courses beginning in January, with future offerings to follow in March.