TESL CANADA

English - Programs and Schedules at VIA

1. English as a Second Language - ESL Communication is the most popular program at VIA. Our small class sizes allow students to speak much more than in other schools with bigger classes. A combination o grammar, idioms, phrasal verbs, and pronunciation help our students improve their speaking skills quickly and effectively. Lessons are based on interesting topics (Click here to see a sample course outline), and class discussions and projects support learning natural communication skills. VIA has two certificate systems: 1 - Level Certificate courses are 3 months; 2 - Regular certificates are based on the number of classroom hours.

2. TOEFLR Test Preparation Program is the test used for academic purposes. It is used by schools, universities, and colleges to assess international student English language ability. The VIA TOEFLR Test Preparation Program will teach you all the key areas of the TOEFLR test and prepare you for either the paper or computer-based test (CBT). VIA has a fully equipped TOEFLR CBT lab.
(Click here for the TOEFLR page)

3. TOEICR Test Preparation Program is used by companies to assess employees' and applicants' English abilities. Due to it's professional purpose, the focus is on business topics and related areas, such as travel and entertainment. We help students become familiar with all areas of the TOEICR test and become comfortable with the test format.
(Click here for the TOEICR page)

4. Business Skills Certificate Program is 6 weeks and the Diploma Program is 12 weeks. These programs include all basic areas of business, including such topics as Human Resources, and Marketing
(Click here to see the course outlines). Students who graduate from these programs will understand the differences between the Internet, intranet, and extranet, what supply chain management is, and how to negotiate favourable terms. In addition, the courses include business grammar, and writing. English for Tourism is also included as it relates to business topics.

Victoria International Academy's ESL program is more than a "communicative course in English". It is a program based on the principle that communication is not simply an outcome of language study, but instead is the very process through which an additional language is acquired. Based on this premise, Victoria International Academy's ESL program has three objectives:

To provide motivating materials that teach students to function in real-life situations,

To teach only authentic English that stimulates natural conversation both inside and outside the classroom, and,

To give students a feeling of success and achievement as they learn. VicIA's graded syllabus guides students toward the use of correct grammatical structures by incorporating a variety of strategies that practice fundamental linguistic and communicative functions.

  Beginner Levels

A logically-structured syllabus provides a solid foundation for communication.

Key vocabulary is clearly presented, practiced, and applied so beginners can begin communicating immediately.

Thematic lessons stress productive practice through real communication.

Communicative activities maximize practice time and provide ample opportunities for personalization.

Realistic, communicative speaking, listening, reading and writing activities reinforce grammar and vocabulary.

  Intermediate Levels

Feature a thematic syllabus in which authentic content provides both a framework for meaningful language exchange and a foundation for the exploration of motivating adult topics.

The presentation and practice of new language in a topical context focuses on the meaning and usage of target structures.

Thematic lessons stress productive practice through real communication.

All four skills are efficiently practiced throughout the text giving students numerous opportunities to recycle previously studied language structures and vocabulary.

Meaningful, communicative activities allow students to utilize their own opinions, knowledge and experiences.

  Advanced Levels

Follow a thematic syllabus with authentic content that generates student interest and curiosity. Topics give students an opportunity and a reason to share their own ideas, experiences, and opinions.

New language is presented and practiced within the framework of the theme.

An in-depth treatment of the topic allows many opportunities for students to recycle and revise previously learned language.

All four skills are systematically practiced throughout, giving students numerous opportunities to recycle previously studied language structures and vocabulary.