English Course in Canada

University Of British Columbia English Language Institute:
Since 1969, the University of British Columbia English Language Institute in Vancouver has been providing the highest quality ESL training at one of Canada's top universities. The ELI building is in a central part of The University of British Columbia campus, close to many university amenities: – libraries, museum, bookstore, sports facilities, galleries, theatres, cafeterias & dorms. Our building has classrooms, a student lounge & Student Study Centre, 2 multi-media language labs, free internet and email access, and other resources for self-guided study.

Intensive English Program (16 or 8 weeks, full-time, offered throughout the year)
Language and Culture (3 or 4 weeks, full-time or part-time)
English for Business Communication (3 weeks, full-time)
English for the Global Citizen (3 weeks, full-time)
English for English Teachers (4 or 3 weeks, full-time)
Certificate in Advanced English Language Teaching (3 weeks full-time onsite, 24 weeks part-time online)

There is a lot happening every week at the UBC ELI! The Activity Calendar for each program gives details about the wide range of social events we have planned, as well as information about the cost, how to sign up, and where to meet. UBC ELI social activities are optional and extra-curricular - students participate only in those activities which interest them. Costs range from free to a few hundred dollars. There is something to suit every taste and budget.
Weekly Events

Weekly extra-curricular activities are provided free as part of the program at the UBC ELI. Check the current Activity Calendar to confirm days and times.
Class Rep Meetings

Once a week, class representatives from the Intensive English Program meet with UBC ELI staff to provide feedback about their classes, homestay, accommodation and activities. Student input helps us make every part of the UBC ELI experience even better.
Lunch with CAs
Lunch with CAs Pic

On Tuesdays the UBC ELI CAs sell pizza in the hallways of the UBC ELI during the lunch breaks. Students are encouraged to buy a slice (or bring their own lunch) and stop to talk to the CAs about anything at all, to play a game with the CAs and other students, and find out more about the upcoming activities. This is a great way to get a little extra conversation practice with native speakers!
Activity Sign-Ups

Ask CAs questions and get detailed information about the UBC ELI's upcoming activities, then sign up for any extra-curricular events you want to join! Check the Activity Calendar for details about upcoming activities and sign-up times.
Movie Wednesday

Each Wednesday, a UBC ELI classroom becomes a movie theatre! The CAs bring out the popcorn and show a recent movie hit. This is a great mid-week chance to relax with friends and CAs.
Sports Afternoon soccer picture
Sports Afternoon

Have fun and keep fit! Join the CAs in some physical activity at one of the many sports facilities on the UBC campus. Try soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, skating - something different every week.

Most UBC ELI programs include the following Special Events, organized by UBC ELI staff and CAs.
Welcome Mixer

Welcome signIn the first few days of every Intensive English Program (IEP), the UBC ELI hosts a free welcome party ("mixer") for students to meet and socialize with staff, teachers, CAs and each other. The type of party changes according to the season - in the summer, it might be a barbecue in the UBC ELI courtyard, in the winter we might take the students to the UBC ice rink for a skating party. Whatever the time of year, the Welcome Mixer provides a warm reception to new and continuing students at the UBC ELI.
Great RaceThe Great Race

The ultimate adventure for ELI students! Participants race around Vancouver for amazing prizes while having fun and making friends. Teams look for clues at designated stations in famous places throughout the city until they reach the finish line. This is a thrilling experience for everyone.
ELI Halloween Halloween Party

Celebrate with us this frightening date by disguising yourself. ELI students and CAs dress around a general theme such as superheroes or celebrities, which also inspires our venue decoration. The goal is to get in the spirit of Halloween while giving out candies, dancing and taking embarrassing pictures like the one right here.
Gastwon

Gastown, Vancouver
photo credit: Gilberto Losada
Downtown Tour

Get to know Vancouver on foot! In the first week of every program, UBC ELI CAs arrange a walking tour of downtown Vancouver. You will discover some of the best places for sightseeing, dining and recreation. You will also find out where UBC ELI students usually meet for social activities.
International Night

International Night-Summer 2004International Night is a chance for students to present something unique about their native country and culture - traditional costumes, special food, arts, crafts, music and dance. With more than 30 countries represented in every Intensive English Program, the event is a chance to discover the world all in one place, and to learn more about ourselves and each other.
Saint Valentine's Party

Valentine'sBring you sweetie pie and friends to this super special event where you will see cupid flying around shooting arrows of love. Get romantic with those you care about and show your moves to the rhythm of your heartbeat.
Farewell

We have a saying in English: all good things must come to an end. On the last day of each UBC ELI program, we hold a Farewell event, complete with refreshments, that often includes a slide show of favourite memories, speeches, skits or presentations. A time of laughter and tears, this event is an opportunity for those of us who will remain at the UBC ELI to say goodbye to students who are returning home or moving on to new adventures.
Trips
Every session, our CAs arrange trips to exciting destinations outside of Vancouver. The schedule and costs will vary with each trip, so check the Activity Calendar and ask the CAs for details.

What kind of accommodation do you want during your studies with us? The UBC ELI offers you several choices, and each choice has its own unique benefits:
Homestay

In homestay you live with a Vancouver family, short- or long-term. Practice English every day and find out more about daily life in Canada.
Pre-Homestay Campus Accommodation

If you choose homestay, you may also choose to stay in a dormitory on the UBC campus for your first few nights in Vancouver before you meet your host family.

Campus Stay

Stay in a campus dormitory (residence) at The University of British Columbia and meet other students at UBC (only available for our summer short programs).

Independant accomodation arrangements
Students may also choose to stay with relatives, in a hotel, or in their own apartment.

Homestay gives you the opportunity to live with a Canadian family and learn more about Canadians while improving your English. You may choose Homestay for your entire stay, or for only a short time (one month). Short-term Homestay is available if you need a place to live while you look for an apartment.
What's Included

You will have a furnished room (including a bed, bed linen and towels) and three meals a day. This includes a packed lunch on school days. You will have your own bedroom with a place for studying. You will be able to ride the bus to the UBC campus, in 30 minutes or less.
Host Families

Host families are interested in foreign students and are happy to include students in their daily family life. UBC ELI Homestay placement staff visit each host family and take special care to match students with families who have similar interests. Host families are selected carefully with students' safety and comfort in mind.

Canadian host families come from many different cultures. They may be from Canada, Europe, the Philippines, China, India, South America or any other part of the world. A “host family” may be a family with or without children, an older couple, a single parent, or even a single person. UBC ELI families may live in apartments, small houses or large houses. In Canada bedrooms may be on the first floor, second floor or in the basement. Families may or may not have a car. Many Canadian families keep dogs or cats as pets in their homes.
Homestay Placement Day

A Homestay Orientation and a Homestay Placement Day take place during the first week of each program. Usually, Homestay Placement Day is the first day of the program. On Homestay Placement Day, host families come to UBC to meet their students and take them to their new homes.