EXPLORE – ON CAMPUS
Improve Your English Fluency & Accuracy
EXPLORE is a full-time 5-week program that focuses on speaking fluency and accuracy. Classes provide you with language instruction and practice along with opportunities to explore global topics through collaborative group work, facilitated discussion, and interaction with guest speakers.
Who it’s For
Canadian students who have received a bursary from the Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC).
International or Canadian students who have an elementary level of English and want to improve their English skills alongside both international and Canadian students.
Program Details
Through EXPLORE, you can:
- Improve speaking and listening skills
- Enhance fluency, accuracy and pronunciation
- Increase vocabulary
- Develop academic writing skills and grammar
- Build critical reading skills
- Gain confidence in communicating in English
EXPLORE is a full-time, 5-week integrated skills program (reading, writing, speaking and listening), with classes, workshops and language-based activities.
Learn from experienced language instructors, who guide your language studies and provide opportunities for you to explore global topics through learner-centered activities.
The program can accommodate students with elementary level English to advanced level (CEFR A1 – C1). Students take the ELI Placement Test online before the start of the program.
Course assessment is based on attendance, participation and achievement.
The registration fee and deposit are non-refundable should you cancel your registration. The ELI may exercise discretion in some extenuating circumstances.
Student Life
What takes place in the classroom is just the beginning of the learning experience at EXPLORE. Our sociocultural activities program is just one of the special features that make the ELI an exceptional place to learn English.
You will meet UBC students, known as cultural assistants (CAs), who will help you adjust to campus life and introduce you to Vancouver through fun and interesting activities and events. To find out what's going on or to read up on your CAs, visit our Student Life page.
Student Accommodation
The ELI will arrange your accommodation at the Place Vanier Student Residence at UBC for the duration of the program. Students are required to stay in accommodation arranged by UBC for the duration of the program.
Style of Accommodation
UBC residences offer single-size beds in single and shared bedrooms. Please be aware that you might have a roommate. Bed linens are provided, but you need to bring your own towels. There is a shared TV lounge, bathrooms and a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and sink. Please note that eating and cooking utensils are not provided.
The residences are on the UBC campus, a few blocks from the buildings where classes are held. The residences are a 10-minute hike from the beach and a 20-minute walk from the nearest grocery store. The Student Union Building (known as the Nest), has a number of food outlets and is about a 10-minute walk from the residences.
Cooking Facilities
There are no cooking facilities in residence but residence has a cafeteria that serves meals. There is one small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and sink on each floor of the residence. It is possible to heat leftovers or keep food in the fridge, but the fridge gets very full quickly. Rooms don’t have hotplates, stoves or ovens, and for safety reasons, you are not allowed to bring your own appliances. You may wish to bring your own kettle to keep in your room. You can also bring one set of silverware and a couple of microwave-safe dishes.
There are grocery stores, restaurants and cafes on and near the UBC campus.
Early Arrival
If you wish to arrive before the program starts, you can book directly with UBC Accommodations. More information about this option will be available in your pre-departure handbook.
Extended Stay After Completion of UBC EXPLORE Program
You have the opportunity to make arrangements for an extended stay while attending the program. You may have to move to another residence if you decide to stay more than a couple of days. You can book directly with the Pacific Spirit Hostel.
There is a special rate per night offered to EXPLORE students for a few days before the program and a few days immediately following it.
Visitors
Overnight visitors are not permitted, and having a guest stay overnight may be cause for dismissal from the program. Visitors are not allowed to stay in the program's residences on their own (i.e., when students are in class or participating in activities), and they must leave the residence by 1am. However, visitors are welcome to stay on campus in their own rooms.
Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am-12:15pm | Morning class | Morning class | Morning class | Morning class | Morning class |
| 12:15pm-1:15pm | Lunch break | Lunch break | Lunch break | Lunch break | |
| 1:15pm-3:15pm | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Afternoon class |
Morning classes are dedicated to speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Afternoon workshops focus on experiential learning.
Dates & Fees
See Program Dates & Fees.
EXPLORE Program Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to the EXPLORE Program Guide page.
How to Apply
- You must be at least 19 years old to apply for this program.
- You must first apply for a bursary with the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).
- Once approved for a bursary, you will receive an email from the ELI to offer you a place in the program. You must confirm your participation in the program by the deadline indicated in the email.
- Information on how to register and pay the deposit will be sent to you in an email. You will also receive a document with Frequently Asked Questions. Later, when you have accepted your offer, you will receive further information about the program.
