An Inside Look at Mount Royal's English Language Program

Recent LEAP grad shares his experience learning English with MRU.

If you want to study or work in Canada, it's important to feel confident in your English language skills. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University offers a Language Education for Academic Purposes (LEAP) program to help students develop the English language skills necessary for success in academic and career settings.

LEAP: Language Education for Academic Purposes

LEAP has four different levels taught by Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certified instructors, and focuses on a range of language skills, including:

• speaking
• reading
• listening
• writing
• grammar
• fluency
• pronunciation

Sebastian Beltran, a registered nurse from Colombia, graduated from the highest level of the program (LEAP 4) earlier this year. We spoke with Sebastian to learn more about his LEAP experience and how it helped him with his future goals. Enjoy this short interview with Sebastian!

Hi Sebastian! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am Sebastian Beltran. I was born in Colombia. I worked as a registered nurse for about nine years in different services such as the emergency room, intensive care unit, and pediatrics. I also have nursing administration experience for about four years. I decided to move to Canada because I wanted to know more about new cultures and have better opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Why did you choose to apply to Mount Royal's LEAP program?

My interest in studying at MRU arose from the need to learn English in a recognized place, with high quality standards in education. I heard about the LEAP program from a friend who took it some years ago and recommended it to build academic English knowledge. Additionally, completing the LEAP program would allow me to continue my education here in Canada.

Any standout moments/highlights you want to share from your time with LEAP?

The LEAP program was amazing. I learned a lot from my teachers and classmates. I greatly noticed the improvement of my English skills from the beginning to the end of the program. This program has excellent teachers. I would like to mention that reading a whole novel in LEAP 4 makes me feel very proud of myself because it was my first time reading a book in English.

Did the program help you feel more confident in your English language skills?

LEAP helped me tremendously to improve my English skills and feel more confident in different settings. This program definitely prepared me to continue my studies in Canada.

Would you recommend LEAP to other students who want to improve their English language skills?

I recommend this program without doubt. The program is well structured; the instructors and administrative staff are excellent and helpful. In this program, students have the opportunity to improve their English skills not only from the teachers, but also from their peers. All the strategies, facilities and educational materials are adequate to acquire the best English knowledge.

What are your educational and/or career goals now that you have completed LEAP?

After finishing the LEAP program I applied and was admitted into the Master of Health Services Management program at the University of Lethbridge. I am so proud of myself for this opportunity. I am very committed to my studies and hope to get a great job after graduation in this field.

Thanks Sebastian, for sharing your thoughts on LEAP. Interested in learning English in an English-speaking country? Check out LEAP at Mount Royal University.