Intensive English Program

Pursuing your studies at Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT) requires a high level of English language skills as well as critical and analytical abilities. While CIT adheres to open access policies, an assessment test for freshmen at entry level helps specify a student’s level of English. Students who fail to meet the required level of English to attend a full academic program are classified into three Intensive English Programs, precisely Intensive English Program (IELP) I (A2/Pre-Intermediate Level), Intensive English Program (IELP) II (B1/Intermediate Level), and Intensive English Program (IELP) III (B2/Upper-Intermediate (Level).

Objectives

The goal of the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is to prepare students to read, write, speak and listen to English in order to succeed in their university courses. During the program, students familiarize themselves with academic and language activities normally encountered in university level studies. Activities include viewing and discussing sample lectures, listening and note-taking, academic writing, reading of academic texts, critical thinking, participating in discussions and seminars as well as improving library and research skills.

Placement

Prior to the first day of class, students are tested and placed into the level best suited to their needs. The assessment test determining a student’s level of English is based on an institutional Academic IELTS followed by a speaking test/interview conducted by a native and a local English instructor. For a better understanding of score ranges, please refer to the following table:

Academic IELTS

*This is only applied when a student is registered at least to one or two university courses IELP I and II help students develop their English language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing). To serve this purpose, students are guided through a variety of skill-building, integrated activities and exercises designed to improve speaking, listening, note taking and critical thinking skills. The focus of these courses is on authentic materials and real-life tasks so that students can become more comfortable using English in their everyday lives. Thus, students participate in pair and group discussions, interviews, seminars and panel discussions, and they practice formal and informal presentations. Special attention is also paid to improving pronunciation, stress and intonation. In addition to developing reading and comprehension, students practice taking notes from oral and written texts and evaluating texts critically. Throughout these two courses, materials are taken from a variety of sources, including textbooks, the media and other authentic sources. Students also practice summarizing and writing well-organized, coherent paragraphs and short essays. Strategies for improving writing are explored, including pre-writing techniques like brainstorming, and the techniques of drafting, revising, and editing. IELP III focuses mainly on academic language and critical thinking skills required in a university setting. Students listen to audio and video materials as well as practice a variety of speaking skills such as individual and group presentations, meetings, interviews and small talks. The focus in this course is on authentic materials and real-life tasks so that students can become more comfortable using English in their academic careers. In addition, students are exposed to course materials taken from a variety of sources, including textbooks, the media and other authentic sources. Depending on their English level, students enrolled in the Intensive English Program (IELP) are allowed to attend academic courses as follows: IELP I: No academic courses shall be attended IELP II: One Academic course IELP III: Two academic courses Students, who fail an IELP, shall repeat the course at a reduced fee. Special Features

• Each IELP is offered in a 15-week semester
• Each IELP is supplemented by individual and group tutorial as well as our Conversation Club
• Academic and cultural orientation is provided on regular basis.
• Small classes: average class size 10-15, maximum 16
• Full university facilities including libraries, book store, and computer laboratories
• Full-time International Student Advisor and Student Services