As a GEAR student, you will learn more about Canada and Canadian culture through local visits. Your GEAR instructors connect your experiences from these visits to your course content, giving you the chance to use English in real-world contexts.
In GEAR, you will participate in events led by our peer leaders, who are upper-year University of Waterloo students. These events include speed friending, carnival nights, meet and greet events, and conversation lunches - a fantastic opportunity to practice your English, gain invaluable social skills, and have fun!
In GEAR, you will benefit from:
- 25 hours (approximately) of intensive English language programming per week
- multiple levels from high beginner to advanced (if student numbers permit)
- placement test on the first day of the program to determine a student’s language level
- orientation session and campus tour on the first day of the program
- opportunities to meet with instructors during office hours
- optional trips and activities to help you practice your English and experience Canada, as well as free time to explore Waterloo with your new friends
- opportunities to meet University of Waterloo students during your studies, enhancing your cultural immersion experience
- continuous assessment and final achievement report (transcript)
- certificate from Renison University College at the University of Waterloo
The GEAR program is recommended for students with a CEFR level ranging from A2 to C1 (high-beginner to advanced).