The University of Waterloo's Faculty of Science and Renison University College present Exploring Science: a three-week program combining English instruction and exploration of science.
What is Exploring Science?
Exploring Science is a 3-week program that provides language practice to improve participants' English language proficiency while learning about physics, biology, chemistry, and Canadian culture.
What does the program include?
Exploring Science includes 75 hours of programming focusing on science labs, workshops and lectures at the University of Waterloo as well as English language instruction to support Science content and sharpen students' presentation skills in English.
Science Programming
Students have the opportunity to attend lectures during the program. Examples of topics that may be covered include:
- Quantum Physics
- Biophysics
- Nanomaterials
- Astronomical Observation
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Mechanics
- Earth Science
Students will also have additional hours each week of engaging language and academic skills classes focused on developing science vocabulary and enhancing science communication and presentation skills.
Recreation and excursions
The program includes a variety of social, recreational and touristic activities on evenings and weekends. Each activity presents an opportunity to explore Canadian culture and traditions as well as to practice English.
Activities will include
- a day-trip to Niagara Falls
- a day-trip to Toronto
- local excursions, including Waterloo Park, Earth Sciences observatory, St. Jacobs Farmers' Market and more
- team-building and leadership activities
Who is the program designed for?
Exploring Science is designed for:
- Undergraduate university students with an interest in science
- Students 18 years of age or older
- Students with a minimum B1 CEFR level (low intermediate) with an interest in improving their speaking/presentation skills
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Listening Skills | Science Programming (Astronomical Observations) | Listening Skills | Listening Skills | Presentation Skills |
| 9:00 AM | |||||
| 9:30 AM | |||||
| 10:00 AM | |||||
| 10:30 AM | Science Programming (Physics lecture) | Science Programming (Quantum Materials) | Science Programming (Lecture) | Science Programming (Lecture) | Science Programming (Lecture) |
| 11:00 AM | |||||
| 11:30 AM | |||||
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | ||||
| 12:30 PM | |||||
| 1:00 PM | |||||
| 1:30 PM | Science Programming (Astronomical Observations) | Presentation Skills | Science Programming (Workshop) | Science Programming (Workshop) | Science Programming (Lab) |
| 2:00 PM | |||||
| 2:30 PM | |||||
| 3:00 PM | Presentation Skills | ||||
| 3:30 PM | |||||
| 4:00 PM | |||||
| 4:30 PM | |||||
Dates, fees, and registration
| Dates | Fees in CAD |
|---|---|
|
July 27 – August 16, 2025 Registration deadline: May 9, 2025 |
$4,350 includes program registration, tuition, on-campus residence (double room accommodation) and meal plan, UHIP health insurance, program activities/excursions, certificate of completion, and round-trip group airport transportation* *Conditions apply, see NOTES below for details |
NOTES: Residence accommodation includes arrival on July 26 and departure on August 17. Group airport transportation includes transfer between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Renison University College for groups of 5 or more students on July 26 and on August 17. We must receive flight information by June 15, 2025 in order to make group transfer arrangements.
After this date, students are responsible for arranging their own transportation at their own expense. No program fees will be refundable in this case. For transportation options, please visit: Travelling to Canada | English Language Institute Orientation | University of Waterloo
For individual registrations (students registering themselves in Exploring Science)
-
Complete the online registration form.
-
You will be required to pay a $375 non-refundable administrative fee to register. This is part of the program fees. Information about paying this fee will be emailed to you after you submit the online registration form.
REMINDER: please do not use Chinese characters when completing the online registration form (Pinyin only).
For group registrations through partner institutions
-
Contact eli@uwaterloo.ca.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to 5 business days prior to the program start date are eligible for a refund of fees less a $375 non-refundable administrative fee and any applicable banking fees.
After this, cancellations up until the Friday of the first week of classes are eligible for a refund of 90% of fees (not including the $375 non-refundable administrative fee and any applicable banking fees). After this date, refunds will not be issued. Notification of cancellation shall be done in writing (please email eli@uwaterloo.ca).
The English Language Institute reserves the right to cancel any program because of insufficient registration. You will be refunded fees paid for a cancelled program.
More information
If you have any questions regarding Exploring Science, please email jane.kay@uwaterloo.ca.