An unforgettable ESL experience: the UBC English Language Institute takes language training beyond the classroom

Since its inception in 1969, the UBC English Language Institute (ELI) has been a leader in language education by providing a comprehensive ESL program to international and national students. For the past 40 years, the strength of the ELI program has come from the belief that a complete ESL education must integrate a robust social activities program into a demanding academic environment. The purpose of ELI’s Socio-Cultural Program (SC Program) is to extend the educational experience far beyond the classroom doors by enabling students to engage the wider UBC and Vancouver community.

The core component of the ELI’s SC Program is the Cultural Assistant (CA). CAs are UBC students that assist ELI students in adjusting to a new culture and in learning a new language by organizing activities/events and encouraging students to participate in them. As UBC students, CAs offer students ample opportunities to interact with and practice their English with their UBC peers. In addition, CAs provide ELI students with a constant link to UBC, to Vancouver and to Canadian society.

The ELI offers an abundance of social activities. First, students can participate in a variety of clubs. For example, the Volunteer Club gives students opportunities to contribute to the local community. Volunteer activities can vary greatly. It can range from working with the homeless in a soup kitchen to volunteering at a local cultural festival. Second, students can join UBC intramural sports. Currently, the ELI fields a soccer and a volleyball team which compete against different UBC student groups and faculties. Third, students can join a number of special events. For instance, at International Night, students showcase their respective cultures and countries by presenting a cultural performance or by serving delicious food! And last, students can also enjoy day trips and weekend excursions to exciting locations in and around Vancouver. Examples include day trips to Capilano Suspension Bridge and weekend excursions to Whistler or Victoria. On all activities, students are accompanied by knowledgeable CAs, and an English only policy is used to foster a more inclusive English learning environment.

The ELI believes that although an ESL education must start with great classroom instruction, it surely cannot end there. The English skills learned in class must be practiced out of class in real situations with real people and in an environment that is both fun and challenging.

For more information on the social activities offered at the ELI, please visit: http://eli.ubc.ca/elica/index.html