{tab=ABOUT ESL & TOEFL} {slide=Who studies English at VIU?} VIU’s student body represents 50 different countries. Some students know very little English, others are at higher levels. The students come from all walks of life – young and old, college students and professionals. Everyone is welcome! {/slide} {slide=What types of courses can I take?} VIU’s ESL program offers courses in reading & writing, listening & speaking, grammar, pronunciation, TOEFL preparation, business English, American culture, vocabulary, and more. {/slide} {slide=What is the average class size in the ESL program?} The average class size in the ESL program is 15 students. Elementary-level classes are usually much smaller, with about 5 students per class. {/slide} {slide=Do I need to take a placement test before enrolling in the ESL program? } Yes. All new students are required to take a three-part English proficiency test to determine the most appropriate level of ESL instruction. Click here for more information about the placement test. {/slide} {slide=Is it possible for me to skip a level? } Yes. Students who have demonstrated outstanding progress over the course of a semester may request permission from the program director to take the placement test at the end of the term. If a student achieves scores that are in the appropriate range of the level they wish to move to, and the instructors recommend that the student is ready to move forward, permission may be granted to skip a level. {/slide} {slide=Do you offer TOEFL courses? } Yes, VIU does offer TOEFL preparation courses. We also offer courses in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at all levels of instruction to help students prepare for the TOEFL examination. {/slide} {slide=May I join the ESL program at any time?} There are four sessions annually that a student may join the ESL Program at VIU. The fall semester classes begin in late August and extend through December. The spring semester courses begin in mid-January and end in early May; the summer semester is made up of two short sessions that usually begin in May and July. Please review our application guidelines for specific dates and deadlines. {/slide} {slide=Does VIU offer ESL courses during the summer? } Yes, we offer two ESL sessions during the summer. The first session runs from May to July and the second session begins in July and extends through August. {/slide} {slide=Do you offer evening classes?} Yes, non-intensive ESL classes as well as TOEFL preparation courses are offered in the evenings. {/slide} {tab=About TESOL}

Do I need an undergraduate degree in English in order to be accepted into the TESOL program?
No. Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must, however, provide evidence of sufficient proficiency in English in order to be accepted into the program.

May I join the program at any time?
There are four sessions annually that a student may join the TESOL program at VIU. The fall semester classes begin in late August and extend through December. The spring semester courses begin in mid-January and end in early May; the summer semester is made up of two short sessions that usually begin in May and July. Please review our application guidelines for specific dates and deadlines.

How long does it take to complete the program?
For students enrolled in the TESOL graduate certificate, it takes two semesters of full-time study to complete the program. An MA degree in TESOL will typically require four semesters. All international students must be enrolled full-time. If a student opts to enroll in summer sessions, the programs can be completed at a faster rate.

Can an international student work?
Yes. Students with F-1 visas are permitted to work on the VIU campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and for up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. Additionally, second-year students can apply for and accept internships that are relevant to their field of study while enrolled at VIU.

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