English Courses in Canada

International Gateway Kelowna:
IGK is located in Kelowna, one of Canada’s premier resort destinations and blessed with one of the mildest climates in Canada. The city receives over 300 days of sunshine per year and is one of the fastest growing in Canada with a population of 150,000. The region is renowned for its white sand beaches, fabulous water sports, championship golf courses, award winning wineries and lush orchards. The nearby ski resorts of Big White and Silverstar Mountains are world class with ’champagne powder’ skiing from December to April.

Practical English as a Second Language (ESL)
The main emphases of the Practical ESL program are communication and functional English for daily life. Practical ESL programs begin weekly for ages 12 and up. The minimum class size is 4, the average is 6 and the maximum is 12. IGK guarantees a very personalized, fast paced and dynamic approach to language learning. Students can enroll in executive, full or part time programs from 1-50 weeks.

Executive - Full Time - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
30 hours per week
or
Full time - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.
25 hours per week
or
Part time - Monday-Friday 9:00 am 12:00 noon.
15 hours per week

AM
Five levels of Practical ESL are offered from Beginner to Advanced which focus on the combined skills of reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, listening and speaking. Headway and Canadian Concepts are the main textbooks.

PM
Students choose from a variety of afternoon electives depending on their level and interest. Conversation, Media, Pronunciation, Business English, Canadian Culture, IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC exam preparation are the most popular electives. Field trips are incorporated into some electives to reinforce 'real life' language practice.

Cambridge Exam Preparation
Cambridge BEC Vantage, PET, FCE and CAE exam preparation programs begin in September, January and March. Students can enroll for 10, 11 or 12 weeks depending on the exam and the session. Cambridge exams are the world's most popular certificates for learners of English. Each year they are taken by over 1.5 million people, in 135 countries. Students can use the certificates to gain entrance to a university or college, improve job prospects and measure progress in English. Most Canadian universities accept Cambridge results for entrance to degree programs. Students can expect 1-2 hours of homework daily.

TOEIC Exam Preparation
The TOEIC program begins weekly and students can enroll for 2-12 weeks. It includes a review of exam techniques, strategies and the study of sample exams. Teachers provide practice tests with feedback and error correction and diagnosis of weak points in English to help students improve their TOEIC scores.
Intermediate to Advanced level

High School Preparation
The High School Preparation program begins weekly for ages 11 to 18. Students enroll in Practical ESL at IGK for 12-50 weeks depending on their level. After completion of the Upper Intermediate level or upon passing the Cambridge FCE certificate students transfer to Vedanta Academy. Vedanta Academy is one of B.C.'s premier private schools and an IGK partner. Vedanta Academy accepts international students in September and January for grades 8 through 12. IGK provides comprehensive home stay, guardianship and support for unaccompanied students throughout the duration of their ESL and high school program. Grade 12 graduates from Vedanta Academy receive the BC Dogwood High School Diploma.
All levels

Homestay with a Teacher
The Homestay with a Teacher program features 15 hours per week of individualized, self paced learning in the relaxed and friendly environment of a teacher's home. The daily schedule is mutually agreed upon between the teacher and the student. The lessons are customized to fit each student's special requirements, level and requests. This program can easily be combined with full or part time Practical ESL classes for a very intensive immersion or it can be booked separately. Homestay with a Teacher is an excellent program for Working Holiday Visa students due to the flexibility in the study schedule and the business and job search skills that can be incorporated into the lessons.
All levels

Wine Certification Programs-1 day to 15 weeks
Wine and Spirit Education Trust® programs are offered semi annually in conjunction with Kelowna based Fine Vintage Ltd. This series of 5 qualifications consist of the Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced, Diploma and Professional Certificate in Spirits and are internationally recognized as the gold standard in wine education. WSET certificates are considered essential at certain levels to work in fine restaurants, hotels, resorts, wineries and on cruise ships. Full and part time ESL students can easily combine ESL with WSET programs.
Upper Intermediate to Advanced level or Cambridge FCE

Dog Grooming and Canine Cosmetology Certificate
Starting monthly, this 15 week program provides students with all the tools necessary to become a certified dog groomer. The course is integrated with Canadian students and combines theory with daily 'hands on' training. Many employment opportunities exist in Canada for certified groomers and skilled groomers can earn up to $50 per hour! !
Upper Intermediate to Advanced level or Cambridge FCE

IELTS General Training Program
This 4, 8 or 12 week program prepares students for the IELTS general training exam. Classes begin weekly from June-August. Intermediate to Advanced Level