Victoria: A Beautiful, Safe, and Exciting Place to Be
Located at the most southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria’s moderate climate and magnificent scenery attract visitors from around the world. Our short winter produces little or no snow, while summer temperatures average 27 degrees Celsius.
Victoria, known as "The Garden City", is famed internationally for its colourful hanging flower baskets which grace its downtown each summer. Even though Victoria is the second largest city in British Columbia, visitors are impressed with it's safe and friendly environment.
The beautiful and lively Inner Harbour, Victoria’s picturesque Scenic Drive, the unspoiled wilderness of the Gulf Islands, Goldstream Park, Long Beach and other breathtaking settings create a spectacular vacation destination that attracts visitors year-round. The snow-capped Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker in Washington, U.S.A., the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, these form an unbelievable backdrop for Victoria. It is no surprise that Victoria is considered one of the most delightful cities in the world.
Downtown is a wonderful place to explore. Stores of every size and shape offer something for everyone. The world-famous Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings, Eaton’s Centre, and Royal B.C. Museum, and exquisite sea walks are all within walking distance.
If you are interested in the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness -- it's just a short trip away. Within an hour, you can be hiking among giant trees, picnicking in a meadow of wildflowers, sailing beside a magnificent pod of killer whales. If skiing is your preference, Whistler Mountain, a world-class ski resort, is just a ferry trip and drive away.

English Communication Features...
small, international classes
superb teachers
interesting class topics
exciting field trips
computer labs

FREE INTERNET
PLUS...

electives programs
FREE Friday afternoon activities
TOEIC® Testing**

Our English Communication PLUS offers you our outstanding Intensive ESL program, plus an exciting selection of elective programs, extra conversation skills, FREE Friday afternoon activities 
If you are looking for an intensive English immersion program that offers you the flexibility to study a variety of additional topics, then English Communication PLUS is the best choice.
What are English Communication classes like? Challenging and fun. You'll do grammar exercises, speak in small groups and practice reading and writing. Our lesson topics are always interesting -- from dating and marriage to business to language for the phone. Every day is different. You might watch a video, role-play, give a presentation, listen to an aboriginal story-teller or go on a field trip.
When you arrive, we assess and place you in a class with similar students from different countries. Our teachers are professional but kind, ready to explain and answer all questions.
Our English Communication program is designed to help you rapidly build your vocabulary, understand idioms and perfect your grammar and pronunciation. In addition to Intensive ESL, you will have your choice of specialty programs every month
Classes go from 9:00 am to 15:00 Monday to Friday. A sample timetable is shown below:
Sample Timetable: English Communication PLUS

English Communication PLUS = Intensive ESL + Elective + Speaking Skills
Specialty Programs can also be added for a nominal fee
Our English Communication classes are dynamic and topics may change. Our most popular English Communication topics include:

The number of elective programs offered depends on enrollment. Our most popular elective programs include:

Elective programs can be taken separately, if desired.

TOEIC Preparation...
This course is intended to develop skills and strategies needed to excel in the TOEIC test, in addition to improving knowledge of English vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening in a business context. Students can expect vocabulary and homework exercises, frequent quizzes, listening reviews, computer based exercises, and full-length practice tests.

iBT TOEFL Preparation Program...
This program will focus on the language skills required for the TOEFL test ( listening, speaking, reading, writing) as well as test taking strategies. Students can expect quizzes, independent and group speaking assessments, vocabulary and homework exercises, frequent essay assignments, computer-based exercises and full length practice tests.

Academic Preparation

The Academic Preparation Program is designed for students who intended to study at a post-secondary level in Canada or the United States. This program is ideal for those students wishing to satisfy the English language requirements for registration in one of the UCW Academies’ fully accredited certificate and diploma programs or undergraduate and graduate level university programs. This program would also be appropriate for students hoping to enter institutions which require a TOEFL score.

Host Family Information

THE HOMESTAY PROGRAM
Many of our International students choose to live with Canadian families to further their language training and cultural experience. Host families are chosen for their willingness to share their home and family experiences, and to foster their interest in other cultures. Our expectation is that host families will accept students as a part of their family by including them in activities, introducing them to Canadian culture, and assisting them with school assignments. As with any new experience, flexibility and understanding will aid in making your students feel welcome.
Our host families represent the diverse character of Canadian society. Our program includes those of various racial, religious and cultural backgrounds. Two parents, single parent families, singles, seniors and couples without children have all successfully hosted our students.
HOST FAMILY OBLIGATIONS - Brief Outline
As a general outline, host families are expected to provide:
Liability insurance coverage.

• Criminal record check from the local police station for all adults ordinarily resident in the home.
• Transportation to and from the ferry or airport terminals upon arrival and departure.
• Private bedroom with bed, desk and chair, dresser, and mirror (unless otherwise arranged).
• Three meals per day, plus snacks.
• Laundry service or use of the facilities.
• Instruction in the use of BC Transit.
• A welcoming atmosphere for the student
• Inclusion of the student in family activities.
• Assistance with school assignments, if applicable
• Sharing of the home, family experiences and to introduce student to Canadian culture.
• Flexibility, understanding and an interest in other cultures

HOMESTAY SUPPORT
The Homestay Program Coordinator provides support to families and students to ensure a positive experience is had by all. The Coordinator provides on-going assistance during a student’s stay. Any concerns regarding homestay should be directed to the Coordinator. Both students and host families can arrange for appointments with the Coordinator.
OUR HOMESTAY STUDENTS
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and countries. At present, the majority of our students come from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Russia, and Mexico. The length of stay for each student depends on the program they are pursuing. These can range from short programs of 1 month to a year, or more. The average student stay in our ESL program is 3-6 months, although some students stay for several years.
Student ages range from high school age to mature students. Our host families are consulted on the age and gender of the students and length of stay that works best for them.
Some homes may host more than one student. It is University Canada West’s policy to have only students of the same sex in the same homestay. It is also our policy not to place students of the same nationality in the same homestay (with the exception of students that are part of the same study/tour group). Should you already have, or anticipate, a student from another school, please inform us so that we can determine whether or not there is a gender or nationality conflict.
Students are expected to regularly attend classes during the week days and complete all homework assignments. Your student may seek your assistance with assignments. We find our host families enjoy this opportunity for interaction. Students must notify the school before 9 AM if they are going to be absent. Attendance of at least 80% is required for students to receive certificates and/or diplomas. Poor attendance may result in expulsion.
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
Each student’s adjustment to our culture will vary depending on their previous experience of being away from home, their familiarity with our language and customs, and their own personality. You can greatly assist with this period of adjustment by learning about your student’s own culture and gently helping them to adapt to ours.
We find that most students will experience a predictable cycle of adjustment regardless of their length of stay.

• Honeymoon Period - The student reacts to everything with enthusiasm.
• Real Life - Life becomes routine and less novel.
• The Roses Fade - Characterized by homesickness & depression, often expressed by withdrawal. Your understanding is most critical at this time and the UCWAL will assist you in helping your student through.
• Become one of the Locals - Adjustment has taken place. The student may not want to return home.
• CRIMINAL CHECKS
• Host families are asked to provide a current criminal check from their local police station. Fees are approximately $50.00; however, this may vary among municipalities.

Activities
Parties, Field Trips, Sports
UCW Academy of Languages provides FREE activities every Friday afternoon. While the range of planned social activities provides a great way to make new friends, meet Canadians, explore Victoria and experience Canadian culture, the programs also provides valuable opportunities to use and practice English in realistic, fun situations. Full time students sign up for their free activity each week. Here is just a sample of some of the Friday Activities we offer at UCW Academy of Languages:

Other places:

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École de langues Immersion 
135, rue des Érables 
Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley 
Quebec (Canada) J0B 1W0 
Tel.: (819) 868-2656 Fax.: (819) 847-2216 
rbedard@immersion.qc.ca