General English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL) students are prepared for success in General English. Students are provided with introductory through intermediate level English language courses in the skill areas of reading, writing, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, and listening. The program curriculum includes classroom and technology-assisted ESL learning. ESL students explore Canadian and intercultural contexts through everyday situations.

While most students choose General ESL courses as a pathway to English for Academic Purposes (EAP), some graduates of the program may find employment in occupations requiring intermediate English language skills. Many graduates also transfer their acquired English language skills to career advancement and opportunities in other countries.

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to this program:

• OSS Curriculum: OSSD or equivalent

Admission details

All incoming students will be required to take a Georgian College English for Academic Purposes placement test during orientation to determine appropriate level of study. Students may also submit TOEIC (only public tests will be accepted), IELTS, or TOEFL results to be used to determine placement. These scores must be received by Georgian College before the start of the semester. See below for scores required for direct entry using IELTS or TOEFL.

Mandatory courses

• ESLG 0101 - Writing and Grammar 1 (Semester 1 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0102 - Speaking, Listening, and Pronunciation 1 (Semester 1 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0103 - Reading and Vocabulary 1 (Semester 1 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0104 - ESL Survival English (Semester 1 / 28 hours)
• Program Courses ~ Level 2 (Semester 1 / hours)
• ESLG 0201 - Writing and Grammar 2 (Semester 1 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0202 - Speaking, Listening, and Pronunciation 2 (Semester 1 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0203 - Reading and Vocabulary 2 (Semester 1 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0204 - ESL Social English (Semester 1 / 28 hours)
• ESLG 0301 - Writing and Grammar 3 (Semester 2 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0302 - Speaking, Listening, and Pronunciation 3 (Semester 2 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0303 - Reading and Vocabulary 3 (Semester 2 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0304 - ESL Canadian Culture (Semester 2 / 28 hours)
• Program Courses ~ Level 4 (Semester 2 / hours)
• ESLG 0401 - Writing and Grammar 4 (Semester 2 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0402 - Speaking, Listening, and Pronunciation 4 (Semester 2 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0403 - Reading and Vocabulary 4 (Semester 2 / 42 hours)
• ESLG 0404 - Introduction to Digital Media (Semester 2 / 28 hours)