Academic Preparatory English
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Get the English speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities you need to be successful in a Canadian or US college or university, or in a career.
Classes
In the Academic Preparatory English program, professional language instructors guide you and your classmates through a variety of language-learning activities and projects. You learn language skills and useful cultural points about how to be successful in a Canadian college, university or workplace.
You work both individually and in groups with other students. All classrooms have DVD, Internet and data projectors and many classes take place in computer labs.
Instructors in this program have Master's Degrees and extensive teaching experience both in Canada and abroad.
After completing this program, many students move into an academic field like economics or psychology and complete degrees at Douglas College, Simon Fraser University or the University of British Columbia.
Classes are offered in all three semesters (Fall, Winter, and Summer) at both the New Westminster Campus and the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam.
Your commitment
Douglas College courses have high standards, which students have to meet to progress, so students in the Academic Preparatory English Program work hard. The assignments are challenging, but most students who attend regularly and do their work carefully are successful.
If you study full time, you will attend eight 2-hour classes per week (16 hours total) and do about 16 hours of study on your own.
Students also enjoy themselves, often making friends among their classmates. Instructors encourage students to get to know people from different countries to benefit from the rich cultural environment in the classes.
Levels of study
ESL courses at Douglas College are designed for all levels of English learners. Once you have reached an intermediate level in your English studies, you can apply for 100-level EASL courses. As part of the application process, you will have to take a language test to ensure you are placed in the correct class.
There are five levels in this program:
- Beginning (0030, 0040, 0050, 0060)
- Intermediate (0150, 0160)
- Upper Intermediate (0250, 0260)
- Advanced (0350, 0360, 0385)
- Academic Preparatory (0450, 0460)
Once you have completed the 300 level courses, you can take a variety of university-transferrable courses at Douglas College. Once you have completed the 400 level courses, you can take all classes with Canadian students at Douglas College.
How to apply
You can apply online or in person through Application and Registration Services.
Courses are offered in all three semesters -- Fall, Winter and Summer. It is recommended to apply and sign up for a placement test about three months before classes start, in June, October or February. Spaces are limited -- apply early!
Financial aid is available for Canadian citizens and immigrants.
For more information
See the Douglas College Calendar
Contact Douglas College ESL