Courses

ESL Okanagan

The YWAM English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in Canada are designed to keep students immersed in the language while they also enjoy the fellowship of other students and the surrounding natural environment. The program is for those who wish to learn English by studying with others who have common goals.

This ESL program is structured into four levels with each level representing increasingly complex study materials. In addition to the coursework there are a number of field trips arranged where students can enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful Okanagan Valley location or visit local attractions and places of interest. This enables students to become completely immersed in the English language while also practicing newly developed skills in actual situations.

The ESL program teaches English language in a way that develops natural grammar in order to insure communication skills are fully developed. Unlike some programs, we do not focus on just learning the mechanics but also teach practical and situational usage with understandable speech patterns and pronunciations. The levels cover the following.

• Reading
• Writing
• Speech patterns and word pronunciations
• Listening skills
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Critical thinking

Course Outline

Students will spend at least 16 hours of instruction each week at each level. A typical course includes worship, intercession, study groups, reading, and pronunciation. Students will participate in field trips, outreach days, and community events on Fridays as scheduled.

Level 1
In level 1 students are taught the foundations of the English language. Covered in this course is sentence structure, basic writing skills, situation language and vocabulary. In addition, simple present, past and future grammar tenses are used to develop a functional vocabulary. Homework is assigned and students are encouraged to take advantage of the community meeting place to work together after classes.

Level 2
In level 2 students build upon the material learned in level 1 by working on more complex grammar rules and increasing vocabulary. The course elements include both oral and written presentations in addition to homework. Only English is allowed to be used beginning with level 2.

Level 3
Level 3 expands reading, speaking, and writing skills by teaching English idioms and the many unique rules peculiar to the language. This level focuses on developing English fluency and a high degree of proficiency. Complex grammar is taught. Students are also taught how to take notes from lectures, movies, and books.

Level 4
Level 4 uses the “Breakthroughs” curriculum which is composed of theme based units. This course focuses on developing critical thinking skills including analysis, synthesis and evaluation. At this level students will be writing essays, continuing the study of complex grammar and verbal communication, making oral presentations and participating in discussions and debates.

ESL Course Materials

The fees include any textbooks and workbooks used in the course. Students also receive an introduction kit to ESL which provides the beginning orientation for study. Textbook costs are approximately $50 – $70.

Each student will be responsible for bringing their own NIV Bible.

Field Trips

Field trips are an important component of the ESL program at all levels. Each month there are 4 to 8 hours of activities planned for students. They include hiking, skiing, biking, visiting museums, touring wineries and touring local businesses.

The mild winters and hot summers attract many visitors and students will enjoy the outings. But the field trips serve an important function also. They are intended to give students an opportunity to practice their English in real world situations and settings. This is the ideal way to learn conversational and understandable English.

Class Size

Classes are kept small so that each student is given personalized attention during their studies. There are only 3 to 8 students per class.

Class Terms

ESL programs are offered twice a year.

• First week of September (18 weeks)
• Second week of March

To obtain the specific starting dates, students should contact ESL Okanagan for informational packets and applications.