The ELC will continue to offer fun, interactive programs in 2012, and we are very excited to announce our newest program, The new University Pathway Program for International Students! This one-year program allows students to meet the university's English language requirements while completing credit courses at the same time. Contact us to learn more.
Thank you to everyone who visited or studied at the ELC in 2011. We've had a wonderful year and look forward to welcoming new and returning students to our programs in 2012.
See you next year!
UVic representatives recently caught up with past ELC students during a 10-day trip to Brazil. Thank you to all students who have taken part in our programs over the years.
See you next time!
Open to all currently enrolled ELPI students, the Academic Writing program is a great addition to the 12-week program. It is a 2-week part-time program that focuses on developing good writing skills, which we all know are essential for academic success! Interested students should visit the ELC registration staff for more information.
This December, students can develop essential writing skills through our 2-week Academic Writing Program. Learn more about this exciting, specialized program or visit the registration office before November 10!
This weekend, ELC representatives in Mexico will be attending educational fairs in Puebla and Cuernavaca. It's the perfect chance to meet us and ask questions about our programs... we hope to see you there!
This September, ELC marketing staff will be attending Canadian Education Exhibition (CEE) student recruitment fairs in Seoul and Pusan. It's the perfect chance to meet us and ask questions about our programs... we hope to see you there!
Make the most of your weekend by signing up for a weekly IELTS preparation course! Offered from September 24 – November 26, this course is for students who want to spend extra time and effort improving their IELTS test-taking skills. See full details (PDF) or contact us for more information!
This summer, UVic Homestay hosts Tom and Jennifer Ferris hosted a very special event – the wedding of their former homestay student Jie and his wife, Serra. Jie came from China to attend the ELC's ELPI program in 2006, and later completed a business diploma. He lived with the Ferris family for 3 years and after his engagement to Serra, contacted his "Canadian parents" about having their wedding and reception at his "Canadian home" in Victoria. Read Full Story
It´s official – Dr. Jackie Prowse is the "new" Director of the ELC. Of course, Jackie isn´t new to the ELC at all – she has been Director of ELPI for many years but now will oversee all ELC programming, both long and short term. Congratulations, Jackie!
Each ELPI semester a morning and afternoon student are awarded a "Study Centre Scholarship" in the amount of $300, to go towards a future ELPI tuition. This award is in memory of study centre volunteers who have now passed away but were an important part of the Study Centre "community." As a fitting tribute to the dedication these volunteers showed to our study centre and students, the scholarship is awarded to 2 students who have also shown outstanding dedication to the Study Centre community by visiting frequently to practise English with local volunteer. Congratulations to Shohei Ueki and Ukrit Pornpatanapaisarakul - we look forward to seeing you back in ELPI (and at the Study Centre) in September!
A huge thank you and congratulations to ELPI class 490G, for their record-breaking charity bake sale in June! In 2 days, the class raised $1465 for Keep a Child Alive, an an organization which helps children affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and India.
There´s nothing quite like summertime in Victoria, when the weather is warm, the days are long and there´s so much to DO around town! The ELC´s summer programs have begun, and when students aren´t in classes, they´ll be enjoying favourite activities such as whale watching, Discover BC tours, fireworks at Butchart Gardens, sports, dances, visits to local festivals and more!
Nine students in the ELC´s "English Work Experience Program" have now completed the English classes part of their program and began working in Victoria this week! These students will spend the next 6 weeks working in hospitality, administrative and special event positions in Victoria – a "real world" test for the English they´ve been working so hard to improve over the last 3 months. We wish them all luck and know they´ll do a fabulous job.
Friday, July 1st was Canada's 144th birthday! The ELC (and the rest of Canada) celebrated with a long weekend. Have a look at some of the photos from the celebration! This week we're welcoming students to the ELC's Summer Language and Culture program which runs from July 4-26.
What are YOU doing this summer? The ELC has lots of short term program options to keep your English skills sharp AND get you involved in all the summer fun our beautiful city has to offer! Check out our upcoming dates and start making plans to stay, study and enjoy an unforgettable summer in Victoria.
Read the latest news and events from the ELC´s busy Homestay team!
Did you know that each year the UVic Homestay office places 1000 students (mainly international students in ELC programs) with local homestay families? It's true! And just one of the many reasons we're celebrating Homestay's 25th anniversary with special events for staff, homestay families and students this spring. Want to learn more about homestay? Watch our video on YouTube! Already know us and love us? Like us on Facebook!
On Friday, May 27, UVic will be hosting nearly 50 international visitors for a tour of our campus and introduction to our exchange, degree and English programs, before they attend the NAFSA international education conference in Vancouver. Our ELC staff is looking forward to meeting so many international partners during this visit, and a special thanks goes out to the many ELC students who are volunteering during this day-long event to help make it a success!
Make this an unforgettable summer by working in Victoria after your 12-week ELPI program! You´ll gain valuable work experience, meet Canadian friends AND take your language learning to the next level! During the height of Victoria´s busy tourist season, there are lots of exciting jobs available at special cultural events and in the hospitality industry. For more information please contact the Program Coordinator or visit the English Work Experience website.
Congratulations to ELPI class 491A, which raised $1175 for donation to the Canadian Landmine Foundation through a 2-day charity bake sale in early March. To learn about the Canadian Landmine Foundation's projects and to find out more about how the students organized this successful event, please read the bake sale report (PDF).
We are pleased to announced that we have added a January start date to the Canadian Experience Internship Program. Starting in January 2012, CEIP will offer 6 months of English classes, from January–July, and a professional, paid work term in Victoria from July–December. Registration in CEIP is limited, so please contact us for more information!
Would you like to spend some time this summer working with international students, showing them Victoria and helping them improve their English? Be a Cultural Assistant at UVic's English Language Centre! Read more about the positions (PDF).
We need qualified ESL teachers full time in our summer programs during July and August. Teach in ELC's summer programs at UVic's English Language Centre! Read more about the positions (PDF).
The news of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in the Sendai area of Japan has been a great cause of concern and sadness for the ELC. Japanese universities were some of the ELC´s first international partners and now over 600 Japanese students study in our programs each year. Japan has a very special place in our hearts here at the ELC, and we will continue to do our best to support the 170 Japanese students who are currently in Victoria, studying with us. Find more information concerning UVic's response to Japan.
The BC Council for International Education (BCCIE), in anticipation of the launch of its new "Study in BC" website later this spring, is holding "MyBC" photo and video contests for international students until APRIL 15th. Grab your cameras and show BCCIE how you study, play and have fun in British Columbia for a chance to win some great prizes. Contest Details here.
This February, the ELC attended student recruitment fairs in Mexico City, San Luis Potosí and Querétaro, Mexico. All visitors to our booth were entered in a draw to win a 4-week and a 12-week tuition. We are pleased to announce our lucky winners...
Thanks to everyone who visited us at the fairs! Congratulations to Sebastian and Sandra – we look forward to seeing you both soon at the ELC!
We've added over 20 short videos and testimonials to our Video Gallery. Now you can see even more student testimonials as well as videos about ELC classes, activities, arrival and more
This summer, students looking for an intensive academic program and path to UVic admission have a new option: The Summer Academic Intensive Program (ELAI). Students in academic classes of ELPI can take this program as a 'bridge' between the spring and fall terms, and if they pass a level in ELAI, they will go onto the next level in the fall ELPI semester. Registration begins in January 2011!
From February 17 – 24, ELC staff will be attending student recruitment fairs in Mexico, and we'd love to see you there! If you visit our stand, you'll be entered in a draw to win a 4-week tuition ($1600 value) or a 12-week tuition ($3700 value). This is a great opportunity to find out more about our programs directly from ELC staff, so please check out the fair dates and locations below. Contact us if you have any questions about these events!
Read the complete list of the amazing facts and figures we've gathered from the past year at the ELC.
Gain valuable job skills, meet Canadian friends and improve your "real life" English by working in Victoria for 6 weeks after January ELPI! There are still spaces available in our English Work Experience Program, so if you'd like more information, come out to one of the upcoming program meetings: January 14 and 21 at 1pm, CST 110.
Warm holiday wishes from your friends at the ELC! Check out our Year in Review and the Best of 2010 photo album for all the highlights of our amazing 40th anniversary year. Please note, our office will be closed from December 25 – January 3. We look forward to seeing you in 2011!
Photo: Staff singing favourite Christmas carols at the ELC.
In mid-November, students in 2 classes of the 12-week program held a charity bake sale to raise money for the Ryan's Well Foundation. After 2 days of selling cookies in 4 different UVic buildings, these classes raised a total of $1300! This money will go towards providing wells, sanitation facilities and hygiene education in many developing countries. Read the project report written by two ELC students to find out more about Ryan's Well and what went into organizing this fundraiser. Thanks to all the students who worked so hard to organize this event, and to everyone who made donations!
Congratulations to ELC Monthly English students Yukari Yamada and Hiroshi Nakayama! This young couple will marry in Japan in the spring and are treating themselves to an early honeymoon by studying English in Victoria this November and December. Thanks for choosing to spend this special time with us, Yukari and Hiroshi! Your classmates and the ELC staff wish you all the best!
Photo: Yukari and Hiroshi accept a gift from ELC Teacher, Darlene Fletcher (left) and Director, Avril Taylor (right)
Starting in January 2011! This series of workshops is offered to ELPI students as an excellent way to prepare for work in Canada (for those with a working holiday visa) or for students who would like to develop job-readiness skills in English. Participants receive job search assistance from the program coordinator and attend 6 workshops during the 12-week ELPI program:
Space is limited to 15 students per session. For information and registration details, contact the program coordinator!
Cultural Exchange! Language Learning! International Friendships! These are just some of the things the English Language Centre celebrates every week! The ELC is a hub of international activity at UVic, and there are so many ways to get involved in our community — as a Homestay Host, a Study Centre Volunteer, or of course, as an ELC Student!
This week, ELC students will be sharing the International Education spirit with the rest of UVic by handing out cookies at the University Centre on November 17. ELC students are also invited to enjoy some cake in the ELC foyer on Nov. 18 to celebrate with friends and staff.
This session, ELPI students are holding a fundraiser bake sale to support the Ryan's Well Foundation. This charity was started by a 7-year-old Canadian boy named Ryan Hreljac who learned that people in many parts of the world were dying without access to clean water and basic sanitation. His first fundraising project raised money to build one well in Uganda in 1999. Since then, his projects have grown into a non-profit organization that raises money to provide wells, sanitation facilities and hygiene education in many developing countries. Come out to support these projects and our ELC students, by buying some cookies and coffee at their upcoming bake sale:
On Friday, October 15th, the ELC invited friends, business partners and neighbours from UVic and the greater community to join staff and students to celebrate the ELC´s 40th anniversary. Cultural presentations by students, live music and international cuisine made it an unforgettable party. Thanks to all who joined in the fun! See photos on Flickr and Facebook!
Over the next 2 weeks, ELC staff and alumni will be attending education fairs in Asia. This is a great opportunity to find out more about our programs directly from ELC staff, so please take note of the fair dates and locations. Contact us if you have any questions about these events!
Education Fair in SEOUL, KOREA
Date: October 31
Time: 13:00 – 18:30pm
Location: Lotte Hotel, 36th floor
Address: 1, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Study in Canada Fair in TOKYO, JAPAN
Date: November 2
Time: 16:00 – 19:00pm
Location: The Embassy of Canada
Address: 7-3-38 Akasaka; Minato-ku, Tokyo
Study in Canada Fair in OSAKA, JAPAN
Date: November 7
Time: 11:00am – 17:00pm
Location: The Umeda Centre Building 16F
Address: 2-4-12, Nakazaki Nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0015
OCSC International Education Expo in BANGKOK, THAILAND
Dates: November 6 and 7
Time: 10:30am to 18:00pm
Location: Royal Paragon Hall
Address: 991 Siam Paragon Shopping Center, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok
Improve your writing skills during a part-time program from December 7-17. In this 27-hour program, you will focus on writing paragraphs for better essays and reports. In-class writing activities will allow you to work on sentence structure, variety and coherence while also improving your reading skills.
Classes take place from 9am-12pm, Monday to Friday, and the tuition is $600. For more information or to register, see our staff on the 2nd floor of the ELC! The registration deadline is NOVEMBER 8!
Upcoming Host Workshop
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 7:00pm, UVic Homestay will be offering another workshop to hosts entitled Meet Your Intuition with Trish Bishop. An invitation with details will be sent to host families in mid October.
Win a Gift certificate toward tuition!
One of the many ways UVic Homestay is celebrating the ELC's 40th Anniversary, is by
providing a gift certificate of $100 toward tuition in any UVic Continuing Studies course. To enter to win this gift certificate, please send your name to Regan indicating that you would like to be included in the 40th Anniversary draw. Winners will be drawn at the Host Workshop in November.
Studio 30 Fall Art Show and Sale
Monday, October 11, 2010 – Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hillside Centre (Centre hours)
Public Markets
Tuesday: Fernwood Community Market in Fernwood Square, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Saturday : Moss Street Market, 401 Moss Street, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
For listings of events year-round in Victoria, visit
Victoria.ca or HelloBC.com
For upcoming events and activities for students on campus visit events.uvic.ca
Congratulations to Plinio Ruiz, from Panama (left), and Germán Póo-Caamaño, from Chile (right)! Plinio and Germán each won a "40th Anniversary Scholarship" for achieving the highest grades in the University Admissions Preparation and Canadian Studies Program in August. The $500 award that each student received from the ELC will go towards the degree studies at UVic which they started this September.
On Friday, October 15, the ELC is inviting ELC staff, community and university partners to attend an "Open House," to celebrate 40 years of language learning, international friendship and community connections at UVic. As part of this event, student volunteers will be creating cultural displays in some of the ELC classrooms. This is a great opportunity to work with ELPI students and practise your English with Canadians, as you share your culture with them during this afternoon event.
To find out more about this event and participating as a student volunteer, please attend the information session this Friday, October 1 at 2pm at the CST. Just follow the signs!
At the student recruitment fairs the ELC attended in Mexico this September, all visitors to our booth were entered in a draw to win 4-week and a 12-week tuition. We are pleased to announce our lucky winners...
Thanks to everyone who visited us in Mexico City and Puebla. Congratulations to Teresa and Evelin – we look forward to seeing you both soon at the ELC!
A HUGE thank you to ALL the past and present ELC students who sent in pictures for our "Summer Celebration" photo contest. We received over 300 fabulous photo entries, and you can see the Winners and Honourable Mentions on Facebook and Flickr.
It's going to be a busy fall! With over 500 students registered in the 12-week program (ELPI) and 60 registered in the September Monthly Language and Culture program, there will be about 600 ELC students in our September programs! If you are thinking of coming back to study sometime soon, or if any of your friends or family would like to come to the ELC, please note that registration for ELPI is now closed, but there is still space in the monthly programs. For full details on 2011 dates and prices check our website.
Beginning this September we are offering a 1-year program, the Canadian Experience Internship, that combines 6 months of English classes and 6 months of paid work in Victoria. In this program, you'll practice your English every day, meet lots of Canadians, gain professional skills AND earn a fair wage while working in a customer service position in Victoria. Spaces are limited, so contact us for more details!
On Friday, August 13th, the ELC hosted the largest EVER student barbecue, with about 700 students and staff attending! WHY? Our 40th Anniversary, of course! It was an evening of great food, live music and prizes. See BBQ pictures!!
Check out this list of activities and events happening around Victoria this summer!
On Friday, August 13, the ELC will be hosting an Anniversary barbecue – the largest ever in our history with about 700 students and staff attending! It will be an evening of great food, live music by Kumbia and prizes to mark 40 fantastic years!
This summer, one of the participants of the ELC´s English Work Experience Program is completing her summer internship at the ELC as a part-time Marketing Intern. Hye-Seon (Sarah) Kim is helping the ELC´s Marketing team with various projects this summer, including organizing our Summer Celebration Photo Contest and Anniversary Barbecue. We are so happy (and lucky!) to have Sarah working with us for the next 2 months! A warm welcome from all of your ELC co-workers!
As part of last week’s celebrations for 400 students completing their 12-week program at the ELPI Final Dinner, ELC staff recognized the winners of our Spring photo contest, along with this term’s UAP 40th Anniversary Scholarships recipients. Shown here: Photo Contest winner Su Jin Jeon receiving her grand prize of a Netbook computer from ELPI Activities Coordinator Alana McArthur and ELPI Director Jackie Prowse.
Congratulations to Gulzar Khudra, GRAND PRIZE winner of the ELC’s “UVic Is...” video contest. Gulzar is a longtime UVic Homestay host, and her short video, called “UVic is a Home Away From Home” captures special moments and memories shared with her homestay students. She makes video/photo souvenirs for all of her homestay students, so we know that the video camera she won as the grand prize for this contest will go to great use! You can see her video on Facebook. Thanks again Gulzar!
Our Homestay team has just published their Spring Newsletter (PDF) with the latest news from our busy hosts and staff. Enjoy!
Over 300 Fun! Amazing! Creative! Beautiful! photos were submitted in the ELC’s “We’re Celebrating” Photo Contest! The winning pictures and honourable mentions are now posted on Facebook and Flickr.
Students and Alumni are invited to enter their best photos in the ELC’s “We’re Celebrating!” Photo Contest and their most creative short videos in our “UVic is...” Video Contest for a chance to win some great prizes! Photos can be sent to the ELC or our Flickr Group. Videos can be uploaded directly to English Language Centre at UVic on Facebook. Please read the Contest Details and Entry Form (Word document) for full details.
All entries are due by June 15. Good luck!
The University of Victoria has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability by the editors of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. UVic’s “reasons for selection” include the university’s support for sustainable transportation (like cycling and subsidized bus passes), new green buildings, a unique plumbing system in new buildings that recirculates treated waste water, a campus program to use green cleaning products, creation of native plant demonstration gardens, food waste composting, recreation programs and facilities, and a “green” vehicle fleet that includes electric, hybrid and biodiesel-fueled vehicles as well as bicycles. The Canada's Greenest Employers competition is now in its third year.
For more details on UVic’s selection, visit http://www.eluta.ca/green-at-university-of-victoria
Check out this list of activities and events (PDF) happening around Victoria during the month of May!
Gain work experience, meet Canadian friends AND take your language learning to the next level by working in Victoria after ELPI! Take note of the upcoming deadlines to get involved in the community through 2 different programs:
For more information about either of these programs, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Congratulations to Hassan Alnasser and Shijie (Corry) Jiang, winners of the ELC’s first “40th Anniversary Scholarships” of 2010. This $500 award is given to the 2 University Admission Preparation students who achieve the highest grades and are going on to UVic degree programs.
In March, the ELC attended fairs in Caracas and Bogota, and students who visited our booth were entered in a draw to win 4-week tuitions and a 12-week tuition. We are pleased to announce our lucky winners...
Thanks to everyone who visited these fairs in Colombia and Venezuela. Congratulations to Christina, Dessy and Nicolás. See you soon – at the ELC!
At the end of last term, ELC students donated over 40 bags of clothing to the Salvation Army – just in time for Christmas! Let’s see if we can set a new record this term! Boxes will be set up at the entrance of the CST until the end of ELPI, and all donations will be sent to Street Link, an organization which offers emergency services to homeless people in Victoria.
One of the ELC’s Directors will soon be attending the Akare fairs (a2) in 4 Turkish cities, so this is your chance to have all your questions about ESL and UVic degree programs answered directly by our staff. See event details below, and contact us if you have any questions.
The ELC began offering English programs at UVic in 1970, so this year marks our 40th anniversary! It will be a year of celebration at the ELC – with scholarships, contests, parties and more! Stay tuned for more information on 2010’s exciting anniversary events!
It’s an exciting time to be at the ELC! 10 lucky students in our 12-week program will be going to an Olympic Women’s Hockey Game in mid-February, and with Vancouver only a ferry ride away, lots more will be exploring the Cultural Olympiad events until the end of March.
Each semester, students in the GAP level (highest non-academic class) of the 12-week program host a series of Student Symposiums to discuss thought-provoking social issues with other ELC students and staff. These are always great “round table” discussions – so get in on this opportunity to exchange ideas! This term’s topics include: Global Warming, The Olympics, Intercultural Marriage, Guide Dogs and Multiculturalism. The symposiums will take place on March 25, at 10:45 and 11:45. Come prepared to talk... and listen!
During our recent trip to Mexico, the ELC collected the names of students who visited our booth at fairs in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey and Puebla. These students were entered in a draw for a full tuition for a 4-week ELC program – a value of $1600! We are pleased to announce our lucky winners...
Thanks to everyone who visited our fairs in Mexico. Congratulations to Gilberto, Alejandro, Daniela and Victoria. See you soon – at UVic!
Music and dance lovers take note! UVic’s African Partnership Network is hosting a performance you won’t want to miss:
UBUNTU: Celebrate Africa & the Human Spirit on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the SUB Vertigo room. The evening, celebrating two years of the African Partnership Network at UVic, starts with a welcome at 5pm, followed by a night of incredible music and dance featuring one of Vancouver’s top African beats DJs – DJ Aguibo Diallo. Admission by donation
The ELC Marketing Director, Christina Gambrell, will be attending the “Oh Study” fair in Taipei and all interested students and ELC alumni are invited to come! The fair will take place at the Taipei World Trade Center, Hall #2 on March 13 and 14, starting at 12pm. We hope to see you there, and please contact us if you have any questions.
The One World concert is an annual highlight on Victoria’s cultural calendar, where you can enjoy an amazing variety of music and dance from around the world. The show is at the Royal Theatre on Broughton St, and tickets cost $21. This show always sells out, so get your tickets soon at www.rmts.bc.ca One World !
Students from Mexico, take note! The ELC will be attending fairs in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Puebla and Monterrey in mid-February, and we’d love to see you there! If you would like to learn more about the ELC’s programs and living in Victoria directly from ELC staff and representatives, this is a great opportunity! See event details below, and contact us if you have any questions. Hasta pronto!
Starting in 2010, students in our Monthly English and 12-Week programs will have some great new options to get involved in the community as volunteers. Monthly English students can sign up for a weekly volunteer placement during their 4-week program, and ELPI students can sign up to volunteer for 2 weeks after completing their 12-week program. Volunteering is a unique opportunity to meet Canadians, learn new skills and put your English to work while you’re in Victoria. Contact the program coordinator for more information.
Since mid-December, English Work Experience Student, Shoko Kamano, has been working on campus at the Office of Indigenous Affairs. Shoko’s employers have really enjoyed working with her and report that she has become part of a positive and energetic group in the office. Shoko had the opportunity to write about her experience working at the Office of Indigenous Affairs in their most recent newsletter. Check out what Shoko has to say in their Newsletter.
UVic continues to monitor the 2009 Influenza A H1N1 situation, working closely with local health officials and following their direction. Please check the UVic website regularly for updates. Students who are feeling ill should contact Health Services.
The ELC staff agrees that 2009 has been an incredible year. But don’t take our word for it... check out our list of ELC Fun Facts 2009 to see what we mean!
Gain work experience, meet Canadian friends AND take your language learning to the next level by working in Victoria after ELPI! An information session with details about the English Work Experience Program will be held on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, from 12-1. In the meantime, you can find out more information through the program website or contact the program coordinator.
At the end of the fall session, ELPI students once again went through their closets and brought bags of unwanted clothing to the ELC to donate to the Salvation Army in Victoria. A total of 40 bags of clothing were collected – the most EVER by students in one session of ELPI. Thanks to everyone who made donations and to our fabulous ELPI socio-cultural staff for organizing the collection!
Students who visited the ELC’s booth at the recent OCSC fair in Bangkok, Thailand were entered in a draw to win one of 2 free tuitions for a 4-week intensive English program at the ELC. These prizes have a $1600 value, and the lucky winners are:
Congratulation to Nitikern and Nasawan, and we look forward to seeing you soon at the ELC!
During our recent trip to Colombia, the ELC collected the names of students who visited our booth at the Expo-Estudiante fairs in Medellin and Bogota. These students were entered in a draw to win a full tuition for either a 12-week or a 4-week ELC program. We drew the names on Nov 5, and the lucky winners are...
Thanks to everyone who visited our fairs in Colombia and Congratulation to Jhon and Oscar! See you soon – at UVic!
Each semester, students in the 12-week program’s GAP class host group discussion sessions on a variety of contemporary social and cultural issues. GAP students research a topic and facilitate these discussion “symposiums” with other ELPI students and ELC staff. There are 2 sessions for each topic, from 10:45 – 11:35 and 11:45 – 12:35, and this semester’s topics include:
ELC Staff are invited to enjoy some thought-provoking discussion and debate with our GAP classes! Coffee and cookies included!
Not sure what to do in December, after ELPI? Connect with the community as a volunteer in the ELC’s 2-week “English & Volunteering” program! There will be an information session about this unique opportunity to practise your English while helping others on November 20, from 2-3pm in CST 110. If you can’t attend this meeting but would like more information, contact the program coordinator to set up a personal appointment.
During our recent trip to Colombia, the ELC collected the names of students who visited our booth at the Expo-Estudiante fairs in Medellin and Bogota. These students were entered in a draw to win a full tuition for either a 12-week or a 4-week ELC program. We drew the names on Nov 5, and the lucky winners are...
Thanks to everyone who visited our fairs in Colombia and Congratulation to Jhon and Oscar! See you soon – at UVic!
It’s that time again! Each term, ELC students in the 12-week program organize and host a bake sale to raise money for a charity of their choice. This term, students from Kal’s class will be raising money for Keep a Child Alive, an organization that is “dedicated to providing life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, care and services for children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV & AIDS in Africa and India.” The bake sale will take place on Thursday and Friday, November 5 & 6, from 10:30am – 2pm in several buildings on campus: the SUB, CST, Clearihue and the Study Centre (Thursday only). Support our students and a very important cause by baking and buying some cookies this week!
Before the launch of the ELC’s new website, some students from the English Work Experience Program volunteered their time to test some new features on the site. The names of these students were entered in a draw for a $50 UVic Bookstore gift certificate or one of two $10 Starbucks Cards. The winners are....
UVic’s campus will be one of the first destinations for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay on Friday, October 30. The torch is expected to arrive on campus via McGill Road between 5 and 5:20 p.m. It will continue around Ring Road to Henderson Road and then exit campus. To celebrate the torch’s arrival, UVic is hosting “Olympic Torch Day,” a celebration of UVic’s tradition of excellence in athletics, health and wellness initiatives. The festivities will be held in the Centennial Stadium parking lot (parking lot 4) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join! This community event will feature a barbecue, lots of current and former UVic athletes and Olympians to meet and exhibits about UVic sports clubs and recreational opportunities.
If you are interested in an intensive business program at UVic, come out to one of the information sessions on this Thursday, October 22 at 11:30am (CST 114) or 1pm (CST Lab A) and learn more about the “Fast Track” Certificate in Business Administration. This 12-week program is very popular with advanced ELC students, as it offers a broad foundation in 8 different business subjects and includes an internship option. Can’t make these meetings? Contact the program coordinator to set up a personal appointment.
Students from South America, take note! The ELC will be attending fairs in Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia in mid-October, 2009, and we’d love to see you there! If you would like to learn more about the ELC’s programs and living in Victoria directly from ELC staff and agent representatives, this is a great opportunity! See event details below, and contact us if you have any questions. Hasta pronto!
Studying is important, but so is staying healthy and active! ELC students can buy a 4-month gym membership for $116, giving them access to UVic’s recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, squash courts, gyms, weight rooms and more! For more information about our recreational activities and facilities, visit Vikes Recreation.
Victoria is a very special place – and we’re not the only ones who think so! Over the years our city has been recognized as a top tourist destination for many of its amazing qualities and attractions. Most recently, Victoria was named the “Best City for Young Professionals to Live and Work”, “8th Best City in the US and Canada” and one of Canada’s “Most Walkable” cities. Check out the LONG list of awards that Victoria has received in 2009 to find out a few more reasons to celebrate this fabulous city!
Watch out for a very TALL Canadian, and lots of flashing cameras on campus in September! One of Canada’s most famous athletes, Steve Nash, an NBA basketball player and recipient of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award will accept an Honorary “Doctor of Laws” degree from the University of Victoria at a special convocation ceremony on Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m. in the University Centre auditorium.
“I’m so honoured to be receiving this degree from the University of Victoria,” says Nash, who was raised in Victoria. “UVic has played a big role in who I am as an athlete. Growing up in a university town gave me access to a whole new realm of experience that enriched and broadened my view.”
You can watch this event live on the web at www.uvic.ca/visitors/event.
During Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko’s visit to Victoria, a few lucky members of the ELC staff had the great honour of meeting and shaking hands with the royal couple after their audience with the Premier at the BC Legislature. This was certainly a “once in a lifetime” opportunity and will be a treasured memory for our staff for years to come!
Mexicans travelling to Canada now require a visa to enter the country. In light of this news, and the inconvenience it presents to our Mexican students and partners, the English Language Centre is doing everything it can to offer its support. For students planning to take the 4-week August program, or the 12-week program in September, we recommend contacting the Canadian Embassy in Mexico about Emergency Visa Processing. More information and resources about visa requirements are also available.
The Workplace Preparation option is open to current Program 4 students, in intermediate to advanced-level classes. This program is designed for students who want a greater understanding of the North American workplace. It includes 5 workshops, covering professional topics such as resume development, cover letter writing, and interview skills. Two “WorldHost” workshops will cover customer service skills and Canadian work culture. Participants will receive an official WorldHost certificate and pin. There is limited space so register soon! For more information, contact the Program Coordinator.
This week, 8 teachers began the “English for Teachers” program that is offered at the ELC each summer. This year’s participants have come from Brazil, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Spain to attend advanced English language classes each morning and a variety of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and cultural activities in the afternoon. Learn more about this innovative program.
The charity bake sale hosted by ELC class 490G in early June raised a grand total of $1375 for the charity Operation Eyesight! This money will be used to prevent eye diseases and infections, and in some cases, to restore eyesight, in the developing world. A huge thank you from teacher Gerry Luton goes out to all those students who worked so hard to organize this event and to all members of the ELC and UVic community who donated to this worthy cause.
From June 17-19, the British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) will be hosting a conference at UVic for over 150 professionals working in the field of international education throughout our province. When the conference organizers asked the ELC for assistance with the event, of course, many of our students volunteered to help out! Catalina Estrada, a Colombian student who has been studying with us since January, will be part of a student panel during the “Opportunities in Latin America” seminar. Several other ELC volunteers will also be assisting with registration and tech support, way finding and lots of other things to help ensure that attendees are comfortable and that the conference is a success!
From July 10-12, Japanese Emperor Akihito and his wife, Empress Michiko will be visiting Victoria during a tour of Canada recognizing the 80th anniversary of relations between our countries. The Imperial couple’s visit is a great honour for our city and of course, an exciting event for the many Japanese students who will be studying with us this summer!
Support ELC students from class 490G by buying a snack or coffee at their Charity Bake sale on June 3 and 4. Students will be selling baked goods from 12-2pm in the CST, SUB and Clearihue buildings to raise money for Operation Eyesight, an organization which works to prevent blindness in the developing world by improving nutrition, education and sanitation. For more information on how your donation makes a difference, check out these online videos. SEE you at the sale!
Monday, May 25, 2009 marks the beginning of our “Summer Language & Culture” program season! This program follows a different format than Monthly English, with classes in the morning, activities in the afternoon and students living in dormitories on campus! Our NEXT program starts on July 6, see sample calendar.
If you are interested in an intensive business program at UVic, come out to one of the information sessions this Thursday, May 14 at 11:30am (CST 114) or 1pm (CST Lab A) and learn more about the “Fast Track” Certificate in Business Administration. This 12-week program is very popular with advanced ELC students, as it offers a broad foundation in 8 different business subjects and includes an internship option. Can’t make these meetings? Contact the program coordinator to set up a personal appointment.
MoneySense magazine has ranked Victoria the #1 Place to Live in Canada for 2009! Listen to the podcast or check out the official rankings list to find out why.
Today preparation began for the new “artificial turf” sports fields that will soon be in the ELC’s back yard. Construction will continue over the next month or so and we are hoping that these new fields will be ready in time for our summer programs. If not, there are lots of other fields at UVic for baseball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, etc, so don’t forget your running shoes!
36 ELPI student volunteers got up early on Sunday morning to cheer on and serve snacks to over 13,000 local runners participating in the Times-Colonist 10K run. It was a great chance to meet lots of Canadians while being a part of an exciting spring event! Thanks to everyone who helped out, and watch the ELPI news board in the ELC to find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities!
There are still a few spaces left for ELPI students who are interested in doing an internship in Victoria this summer through our English Work Experience Program. The deadline to register is May 1 – for more information, come to the ELC registration area, or contact the program coordinator.
This Friday marks the end of the April Monthly English program. Students in this program have studied for 4 weeks in an intensive, full-time class format and will celebrate the end of their hard work with teachers and classmates at a Final Lunch. Best of luck to everyone and for some of you - see you on Monday, for the first day of our May Monthly English program!
For students who are looking for an exciting weekend – you’ve found it! Purchase your $140 ticket for a weekend trip to Vancouver on May 9-10. Cost includes a chartered bus, ferry, hotel and CA escort. A great chance to shop, sight-see and explore this beautiful city. Purchase tickets at the CST registration area by April 29!
Take your language learning to the next level by working in Victoria after ELPI! 2 information sessions with all the details will be held on MONDAY, APRIL 21, from 11:30-12 for afternoon students and 1-1:30 for morning students. In the meantime, you can find out more information through the program website.
Meet new ELPI friends and celebrate the beginning of your program (only 10 more weeks to go!) at the ELPI Welcome Party this Friday, from 1:30 – 3:30 at Vertigo, in the SUB.
Students who would like extra support to improve their English pronunciation and reduce their accents should sign up to work with a Pronunciation Clinic teacher. Space is limited, so sign up at the ELC registration area on Thursday, April 9! For more information on the Pronunciation Clinic, visit their blog.
On Monday, 405 new and returning students began the spring session of our 12-week intensive program (“ELPI”). During the next few days, these students will complete placement tests, attend orientation sessions, and go on campus and downtown tours before beginning classes on Thursday. See a sample ELPI schedule.
To make packing their suitcases a little easier for students preparing to leave Victoria, the ELC is collecting unwanted clothing for donation to Streetlink Emergency Shelter, an organization which offers services to homeless people in downtown Victoria. We’ll be collecting donations for the rest of this week –bring any items to the 2nd floor reception!
Monday, March 30 marks the beginning of another Monthly English program! This session, 20 students from 7 different countries will study in ME’s intensive, full-time program format. See a sample ME schedule.
Congratulations to the 400 ELPI students and who successfully completed their 12-week programs at the ELC on Friday! They’ll be celebrating with ELC Teachers, Cultural Assistants and friends at the Final Dinner downtown on Tuesday night.
At the ELC’s Study Centre, students meet with community volunteers for conversation practice, help with homework, and to make Canadian friends! The Study Centre hosted a thank-you lunch for these amazing people on Friday, and the whole ELC would like to say its own thank-you for their contribution to our students’ experience at the ELC.
Stay on a west coast farm in the forest (1 hour from UVIC) with Veronica Armstrong, UVic ELC teacher 1996-2006. ELC discounts! More information
Our next Monthly English program begins on March 30, 2009, and the next 12-Week Intensive program begins on April 6. Register now!
Our ELC Marketing Manager will soon be attending recruitment fairs in Taiwan! Visit the ELC booth on March 14 & 15 in Taipei, March 16, 2009 in Taichung and March 17 in Kaohsiung.
Contact us for time and location details!
In order to perform security updates on the UVic servers, there will be intermittent outages this Thursday, February 16 from 6:30-8:30 am (Pacific Time). You may not be able to log in to your courses during this time.
If you experience any problems logging in after 8:30 am on Thursday, February 16, please contact the Onlinehelp Desk at 250-721-8476 (toll-free 1-888-721-8476 in North America) or by email at dehelp@uvic.ca.