Finding the right ESL program in Canada starts with choosing a course that fits your English proficiency, academic or career goals, preferred study schedule, location, and budget. Whether you want to improve everyday communication, prepare for higher education, or enhance your professional English skills, we can help you explore ESL courses that offer structured learning, multiple proficiency levels, flexible start dates, and study options tailored to international students.
We, at VanWest College, offer English program in Canada at our Vancouver and Kelowna locations. Available options include General English, English for Academic Purposes, Van Express IELTS Preparation, English for Business, Speak Up, specialized electives and one-to-one lessons. Students can also choose between Core, Intensive and Optimum English based on how many lessons they want each week.
Optimum English
30 lessons per week*
Intensive English
25 lessons per week*
Core English
20 lessons per week*
*50 minutes per lesson
– Course offerings and schedules are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm availability prior to registration.
– Level progression is dependent on a number of considerations including weekly writing and speaking tasks, listening and reading tests, attitude, attendance, and completion of outside classroom course work. To progress to a new level, students must achieve an overall score of 75% or better.
Studying English in Canada allows international students to learn the language in class and practice it in daily life. Conversations, shopping, transportation, activities and social interaction all provide opportunities to use English outside the classroom.
Canada is a bilingual country and offers more than 190 accredited language programs. Students can choose General English, academic English, Business English, test preparation and other specialized language courses based on their needs.
The right ESL program depends on your English proficiency, learning goals, and how you plan to use your English skills in the future.
ESL stands for English as a Second Language. It is designed for students whose first language is not English.
Our ESL pathway supports students from beginner to advanced levels and teaches practical strategies for understanding and using English.
Choosing an English language school can be difficult when you do not know your exact level or which course supports your goals. We offer placement assessment, level-based progression, weekly start dates and several course pathways.
Many of our English courses start every Monday. When Monday is a holiday, classes generally begin on Tuesday.
This applies to courses such as General English, English for Academic Purposes, English for Business and Speak Up. Students should confirm availability before registering.
Students receive individual attention, personalised education plans and guidance from an assigned student advisor. Available course changes may also help students adjust their studies as their needs develop.
Our Vancouver and Kelowna locations offer ESL programs reviewed and approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). Both locations are also recognized as Designated Learning Institutions, with DLI number O19283891072 for Vancouver and O19395299852 for Kelowna.
The VanWest Vancouver location is located in the heart of downtown, placing students close to public transportation, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and many of the city’s best-known attractions. This central location makes it easy to explore Vancouver, meet people from around the world, and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle while improving your English. With a wide range of English programs and the city at your doorstep, the Vancouver location offers an engaging study experience both inside and outside the classroom.
Our VanWest Kelowna location is located in the scenic Okanagan Valley, within walking distance of the main bus station, the lake, shops, cafés, and local attractions. Students can enjoy a welcoming community, a relaxed pace of life, and easy access to outdoor activities while building their English skills. For those who want a supportive study environment in a smaller, more approachable city, Kelowna offers an ideal balance of academic focus, natural beauty, and everyday opportunities to connect with local life.
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Students who require one need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. A course lasting six months or less may qualify for an exemption in some circumstances.
Review the latest IRCC study permit guidance before applying.
Students enrolled only in an ESL or French-as-a-second-language program are not eligible to work off location under the standard international student work rules.
We offer courses for a range of English proficiency levels. Before enrolling in IELTS preparation, Business English, or specialized electives, review our entry requirements to find the right course for your current level.
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Languages Canada requires member schools to complete accreditation under its national quality-assurance framework. The standards review areas including curriculum, instructors, student services, administration, marketing and facilities.
Students can review the Languages Canada Quality Assurance Framework when comparing schools.
The best program matches your level and goals. Common choices include General English, EAP, IELTS preparation, Business English and speaking courses.
Compare course levels, location, schedules, tuition, accommodation, student support, DLI status and quality-assurance credentials. One thing many students forget to ask about is advisor support in their own language. At VanWest, every student is assigned a personal student advisor, and our advising team speaks several languages, so you can ask about your course, your schedule or your accommodation in the language you are most comfortable using. Not every school offers this.
At some schools, yes, but it is not standard. VanWest assigns each student a personal advisor and our advisors speak multiple languages, which means you can raise questions about your studies or homestay without struggling through them in English first. Ask any school you are considering which languages their support staff cover before you enrol.
Yes. we offer General English, EAP, IELTS preparation, Business English, Speak Up, electives and one-to-one lessons in Vancouver. Vancouver is also where our younger-learner programmes run: English for Kids for ages 7 to 11, English for Youth for ages 12 to 17, and High School Preparation for students 13 and over.
Yes. we offer General English, EAP, Speak Up, one-to-one lessons and selected electives at its Kelowna location. Kelowna also runs High School Preparation and the English & Volunteer Experience (YCC) programme, which combines classroom study with volunteer placements in the local community.
Yes. English for Kids is for ages 7 to 11 and runs in Vancouver, with 30 lessons a week built around active, project-based learning. English for Youth is for ages 12 to 17, also in Vancouver, and covers language skills alongside public speaking, digital media and leadership.
Yes. We run summer sessions for younger students from early July to mid-August, with a minimum stay of two weeks. English for Youth also has a winter session in January. Both include optional after-school and Saturday activities.
Our High School Preparation course is for students aged 13 and over and runs at both the Vancouver and Kelowna locations. It pairs English for Academic Purposes in the morning with an afternoon focus on the vocabulary, presentation skills and subject knowledge students need for Grade 10 BC courses.
General English develops everyday communication, while EAP focuses on academic reading, writing, vocabulary, lectures and presentations.
Speak Up is designed for students who understand English but need more conversation practice and confidence.
VanExpress IELTS Preparation is VanWest’s dedicated test-preparation option for students who meet its entry requirements.
The ideal period depends on your starting level and target. Some of our programs accept enrollment from two weeks, but substantial progress may require longer study.
Most foreign nationals require one, although courses lasting six months or less may be exempt in some situations. Always check current IRCC rules.
Requirements vary by course. Complete the placement test and review the individual program page before registering.