Due to COVID-19, the world is experiencing a number of unique challenges and we recognize that there is a lot of uncertainty. The safety and wellbeing of our students, instructors, and staff remain our most important priority.
As services, businesses, and campuses begin to re-open and travel restrictions are being lifted, we have made the decision to offer the Fall 2021 term of the English for Academic Success (EFAS) program in person for those who are able to arrive to Waterloo, and virtually through an online format for those who either cannot travel, or choose to remain in their home country.
The English Language Institute at Renison University College remains committed to providing students with quality English language instruction through a vibrant in-person and/or virtual learning experience. It remains our goal to work with you and help you achieve your English language goals.
Fall 2021 EFAS Dates:
- Online Orientation: September 7 – 10, 2021
- Classes begin: September 13, 2021
- Classes end: December 13, 2021
In-person Fall 2021 term EFAS program features:
You can expect:
- a language diagnostic to determine appropriate level of study
- 20 hours/week of interactive English language programming (accredited by Languages Canada) delivered through a combination of 10 hours of in-person instruction and 10 hours of online instruction
- in-person participation in enriched programming which includes supplementary language development
- an opportunity to meet with instructors during office hours
- the ability to work with other students in small groups on course material
- access to library, cafeteria, and other services and/or amenities as available based on scheduled hours
- opportunities for participants to interact with English-speaking University of Waterloo students
- a mix of in-person and virtual participation in co-curricular events and activities specifically designed to enhance language learning and develop communicative and socio-cultural competence. Examples of co-curricular events include: Conversation Hang-out, Speed Friending, Canadian trivia events, and a virtual cross-Canada tour.
- check-in meetings with our Student Experience team
- in-person workshops that will help develop skills needed to be successful in an academic environment.
- a final English language assessment
- an achievement report (transcript) and a certificate of program participation at the end of the term
Online course structure:
You can expect:
- a language diagnostic to determine appropriate level of study
- total of 20 hours/week of interactive English language programming (accredited by Languages Canada) delivered through real-time, screen to screen instruction with instructors in a virtual classroom setting. Courses will be real-time classes scheduled in 1.5 hours blocks for a total of 7 hours/week of synchronous instruction. Remaining program content will be asynchronous.
- pre-recorded instructional videos to help work through course content
- online instructional activities to help support and engage learning
- an opportunity to meet with instructors during office hours
- individual feedback sessions with instructors during regularly scheduled sessions
- guided instruction to enable students to work through content at their own pace, in their own time during asynchronous study
- check-in meetings with our Student Experience team
- virtual student engagement opportunities, including online social activities specifically designed to practice conversational English with enthusiastic peer leaders. Examples of virtual co-curricular events include: Conversation Hang-out, Speed Friending, Canadian trivia events, and a virtual cross-Canada tour
- virtual workshops that will help develop skills needed to be successful in an academic environment.
- a final English language assessment
- an achievement report (transcript) and a certificate of program participation at the end of the term
Register to attend
We welcome you to learn more about our English For Academic Success program. Students are invited to complete our online registration form.
Questions?
Do you have more questions? We welcome you to email us at eli@uwaterloo.ca or visit our Contact Us page to access us through social media.