ASPIRE
Direct your hopes and ambitions to a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Three different ASPIRE programs
ASPIRE programs use the Content and Language Integrated Learning approach where students learn English through contemporary topics and themes and reflect on UBC core values, such as Climate Action, Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence, and Digital Literacy, including Generative AI. Students’ individual interests and English levels are prioritized, ensuring course topics connect to personal experiences, everyday life and directly integrate with ASPIRE’s linguistic objectives.
Advance your understanding of social justice and sustainability while improving your English fluency and accuracy
Students are supported and encouraged to communicate, self-reflect and think critically on topic areas of personal, academic or professional interest. Classes are active with maximum student engagement, classroom interaction and instructor feedback.
With the ASPIRE Intensive program, you can:
- enhance skills, knowledge and confidence in English communication with an emphasis on speaking and listening
- enhance vocabulary knowledge, pronunciation skills and spoken grammar for real world communication and everyday situations
- develop communication awareness to engage in respectful and inclusive interactions
- explore contemporary topics related to social justice such as climate action, digital literacy (AI), inclusive communities, working life, global trends while developing your language ability
- study and make friends with people from around the world
- enjoy flexibility in learning and a variety of activities: group discussions, mini-presentations, role-plays, contact assignments, guest speakers, and game-based learning
Who it’s For
ASPIRE Intensive is designed for students who want to immerse themselves in an English language environment that explores themes of social justice and sustainability. Students actively engage in many different contemporary issues that shape our world today. ASPIRE provides a dynamic learning experience that, not only advances communication skills, but also cultivates a deep understanding of today’s global challenges and opportunities.
Many students choose to start their studies at ELI in this program before moving into English for Academic Purposes or DISCOVER programs.
Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate.
Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am-12:30pm | Morning class | Morning class | Morning class | Morning class | Morning class |
| 12:30pm-1:30pm | Lunch break | Lunch break | Lunch break | Lunch break | 1:30pm-3:45pm | Afternoon class | Afternoon class | Afternoon class | Afternoon class |
Integrated skills morning classes are complemented by project-based learning classes in the afternoon.
Dates & Fees
See Program Dates & Fees.
How to Apply
You must be at least 18 years old and have an upper-elementary (CEFR A2) understanding of English.
Please review our How to Apply page and ELI Policies before applying.
Advance your understanding of social justice and sustainability while improving your English fluency and accuracy
Students are supported and encouraged to communicate, self-reflect and think critically on topics areas of personal, academic or professional interest. Classes are active with maximum student engagement, classroom interaction and instructor feedback.
With the ASPIRE program, you can:
- enhance skills, knowledge and confidence in English communication with an emphasis on speaking and listening
- enhance vocabulary knowledge, pronunciation skills and spoken grammar for real world communication and everyday situations
- develop communication awareness to engage in respectful and inclusive interactions
- explore contemporary topics related to social justice such as climate action, digital literacy (AI), inclusive communities, working life, global trends while developing your language ability
- study and make friends with people from around the world
- enjoy flexibility in learning and a variety of activities: group discussions, mini-presentations, role-plays, contact assignments, guest speakers, and game-based learning
Who it’s For
ASPIRE is designed for students who want to immerse themselves in an English language environment which explores themes of social justice and sustainability. Students actively engage in many different contemporary issues that shape our world today, ASPIRE provides a dynamic learning experience that, not only advances communication skills, but also cultivates a deep understanding of today’s global challenges and opportunities.
Many students choose to start their studies at ELI in this program before moving into English for Academic Purposes or DISCOVER programs.
Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate.
Schedule
| Time | Days |
|---|---|
| 9:00am-12:30pm | Monday - Friday |
ASPIRE Schedule also includes 2.5 hours of Directed Independent Study (e.g. monitored contact assignment, research, online discussion board/journal entry, online assignment)
Dates & Fees
See Program Dates & Fees.
How to Apply
You must be at least 18 years old and have an upper-elementary (CEFR A2) understanding of English.
Please review our How to Apply page and ELI Policies before applying.
Advance your understanding of social justice and sustainability while improving your English fluency and accuracy
Students are supported and encouraged to communicate, self-reflect and think critically on topics areas of personal, academic or professional interest. Classes are active with maximum student engagement, classroom interaction and instructor feedback.
With the ASPIRE Online program, you can:
- enhance skills, knowledge and confidence in English communication with an emphasis on speaking and listening
- enhance vocabulary knowledge, pronunciation skills and spoken grammar for real world communication and everyday situations
- develop communication awareness to engage in respectful and inclusive interactions
- explore contemporary topics related to social justice such as climate action, digital literacy (AI), inclusive communities, working life, global trends while developing your language ability
- study and make friends with people from around the world
- enjoy flexibility in learning and a variety of activities: group discussions, mini-presentations, role-plays, contact assignments, guest speakers, and game-based learning
In this online program, you can:
- practice English in interactive zoom classes
- work in pairs and groups with your classmates as well as guest speakers from different countries and cultures
- participate in class lessons: discussions, assignments, as well as engaging
e-learning tools - join the engaging online socio-cultural programming
Who it’s For
ASPIRE is designed for students who want to immerse themselves in an English language environment that explores themes of social justice and sustainability. Students actively engage in many different contemporary issues that shape our world today, ASPIRE provides a dynamic learning experience that, not only advances communication skills, but also cultivates a deep understanding of today’s global challenges and opportunities.
Many students choose to start their studies at ELI in this program before moving into English for Academic Purposes or DISCOVER programs.
Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate.
Schedule
| Time | Days |
|---|---|
| 4:00pm-7:45pm | Monday - Thursday |
Dates & Fees
See Program Dates & Fees.
How to Apply
You must be at least 16 years old and have an upper-elementary (CEFR A2) understanding of English.
Please review our How to Apply page and ELI Policies before applying.
Is ASPIRE available online?
Yes, on the same dates as the previous GCE program online (February, August and July), C$1,950 for 4 weeks (2024).
What are the fees for the 3-week ASPIRE and 3-week ASPIRE Intensive?
ASPIRE Intensive: $2,100
ASPIRE: $1,650
What other fees should I pay?
The application fee: $150
Medical insurance fee: $100
Do you provide accommodation?
For more information about accommodation, please visit https://eli.ubc.ca/future-students/housing/
Do I get a transcript and/or a certificate?
You will get a certificate of participation. If you need a transcript, you will be able to request it by paying a fee.
When will you provide details of ASPIRE High School?
We expect details to be finalized shortly.
