International Gateway Kelowna

Practical ESL

The main emphases of the Practical ESL program are communication and functional English for daily life. Practical ESL programs begin weekly year round. The minimum class size is 6, the average is 8 and the maximum is 12. IGK guarantees a very personalized, fast paced and dynamic approach to language learning with an innovative digital curriculum (www.off2class.com). The majority of students achieve fluency in 24 weeks or less depending on their entry level. Students can enroll in executive, full or part time programs. Students receive full 60 minute lessons at IGK. This is an important fact to check when comparing schools as many schools advertise the number of ‘lessons’ offered per week (which could range anywhere from 30-60 minutes) and not the number of actual in class hours.

Ages 15 and up

Full time (the most popular program at IGK)

Monday-Friday 9:00am – 2:55pm – 25 hours per week – Enroll from 1 to 24 weeks

Part time

Monday-Friday 9:00am – 12:00noon – 15 hours per week – Enroll from 1 to 24 weeks

Part time

Monday-Friday 12:45pm – 2:55pm – 10 hours per week – Enroll from 1 to 24 weeks

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. Students are placed according to their placement test scores on the first day of class. Students typically move up to the next level in 6 to 8 weeks. The maximum length of each level is 12 weeks. IGK uses a digitally enhanced curriculum. Students need to provide their own laptop computer, tablet or smart phone to access this curriculum. A pretest can be sent to determine your level before you enroll. In order to receive the pretest link IGK must receive the $125 application fee before arrival.

PM Students are placed in afternoon Conversation/Canadian Culture programs according to their placement test scores. Field trips, presentations and group projects are incorporated into these programs to reinforce ‘real life’ language practice. IELTS exam preparation is offered on select dates in March and September for 4 or 8 weeks and a variety of other electives such as TOEIC, Cambridge FCE/CAE and Business Communications are offered from time to time based on student interest.

Notes Homework requirements vary with the level but students can expect 30 minutes to 1 hour of homework each day. There are weekly quizzes and tests to measure progress. A minimum of 6 students are required to run any given elective or level. Contact IGK for a current selection. Ages 8-14 can enroll in morning Practical ESL classes from June to August only.

Youth Vacation Program

IGK’s most popular camp combines morning English as a Second Language lessons with dynamic afternoon activities in Canada’s #1 summer destination! In past years IGK has hosted students from Japan, Mexico, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Korea, Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Iran, Italy, Spain, Canada, Russia, Austria, Brazil and China. This program starts weekly in June, July and August for individuals and groups. Also, starting weekly in September, October, November, March, April and May for groups of 8 or more. Maximum class size is 12 and the average is 8. All levels. Ages 8-18

ESL+Agriculture and Wine Tour

Kelowna is surrounded by bountiful orchards and award winning, world class wineries. Wine and Agri-tourism are the fastest growing tourism sectors in Canada according to the Canadian Tourism Commission. This program combines morning Practical ESL study with afternoon and weekend agricultural and wine tours. This course appeals to executive clients, office workers, corporate groups, seniors and anyone interested in wine. The best time to enroll is during the world famous Okanagan Wine Festivals in May and October www.thewinefestivals.com. Starting on select dates in April, May, June, September and October for individuals and weekly from April to October for groups of 8 or more. Open to all levels. Ages 19+

ESL+Customer Service Skills+Guaranteed Job Placement

This 8 week program improves students English ability and customer service skills and allows for an easy transition to practice these skills in 6 month paid positions at a world famous resort in the Okanagan Valley. Open to Working Holiday/Experience Canada and Work Permit visa holders. Ask for details.

TESOL Certificate Program

This 120 hour (2 week ) certificate program prepares participants to teach ESL to both adults and children. The program is composed of 50 hours of pre class assignments, 50 hours in class time and 20 hours of homework and assignments during class time. A 25 hour optional practicum is also available at IGK upon completion of the program. This program is open to both international students and Canadians. Starting on January 8, May 7 and September 10, 2018 for individuals. Groups of 6 or more can start any Monday from April to September; perfect for current teachers wanting to upgrade their skills during vacation periods! Intermediate to Advanced level required. Ages 19+