The Gulf Islands International Education Program is very proud of our English as Second Language (ESL) Program. One of the teachers responsible for the ESL assessment in one of the larger Greater Vancouver School Districts recently observed that our students seem to be progressing at twice the rate of the students in his program.

The English as Second Language (ESL) Program is designed specifically for one term, one semester or one year international students whose primary goal is to improve their English skills.

Like the Graduation Program students who require ESL support, the English as Second Language (ESL) Program students participate in ESL assessments during their Orientation weekend to determine the level of ESL that they require.

The Gulf Islands International Program has adopted a four level ESL program from the larger Greater Vancouver School District named above. Beginner and Lower Intermediate students can expect an ESL program with up to two ESL classes per semester at Gulf Islands Secondary School and a rotating block of ESL and supplementary ESL activities for students attending the Saltspring Island Middle School program.

Depending on their academic and language abilities, students at the high school can also enroll in academic courses, such as Math or Science, and elective courses, including Physical Education, Art, Chef Training or Drama. The English as Second Language (ESL) Program students are encouraged to take elective courses where they can practice their developing English skills. Students at the middle school will be enrolled in a fully integrated program.

The Gulf Islands International Program also offers our international students free online access to the top rated Rosetta Stone language development program and the unique Cultural Mosaic Canadian Studies program at no extra charge.

The English as Second Language (ESL) Program can be adapted to meet the English Immersion needs of school groups, as well the ESL needs of the individual international students.

For more information on the content of each of the four ESL levels please of the Gulf Islands international Education Program.

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