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Amber McLeod
English Foundation Program Coordinator
250.807.9323
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
Amber McLeod
English Foundation Program Coordinator
250.807.9323
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
The Okanagan School of Education’s English Foundation Program (EFP) is a credit-bearing English language development pathway providing university admission to students who have not met UBC’s English language proficiency requirements but who do meet the academic requirements for a wide range of degree programs.
The EFP combines intensive English as an additional language teaching and learning with academic courses while engaging students in campus life—a perfect blend of strong academics, collaborative activities, cultural discovery, and experiential education on UBC’s Okanagan campus.
Our English for academic purposes (EAP) courses combine weekly face-to-face classes with quality online teaching and learning experiences.
Our instructors are qualified English as an additional language teachers with experience providing high quality face-to-face and web-based education.
Instructors and assistants hold weekly office hours to meet with students in person or online if necessary.
UBC uses a powerful learning management system (Canvas) that supports students’ educational goals. In addition to 12 hours a week of face-to-face classes, students attend three hours a week of in-person experiential English as an additional language learning labs, engage with three hours a week of asynchronous online activities, and benefit from two hours a week of personalized tutorials. Additional support is also available through UBC’s Student Learning Hub.
Everything students need to achieve their English language learning goals is available through the UBCO bookstore and the online learning management system (Canvas).
The EFP helps students live well in the Okanagan while developing their English as an additional language (EAL) skills at UBC. Students also develop their general knowledge, learning strategies, intercultural understanding, wellbeing, sense of place, community engagement, and awareness of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives.
The EFP is a very active educational experience. As such, many different language teaching methods are used. Student activities include a variety of individual tasks, peer collaboration, and group work. The focus is on creating a cooperative learning environment. Students are encouraged to ask questions, find their own answers, and develop their own conclusions to the issues covered in class.
The EFP uses a variety of assessment approaches to support students’ learning. For example, students complete the program with a capstone project that celebrates and documents their new learning and English language skills.
Instructors and assistants provide valuable feedback to students to help them reach their English as an additional language learning goals.
The EFP classes are taught with intention following the First Peoples Principles of Learning, such as:
The English Foundation Program is offered in September and January.
There are two levels for EFP: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 103 and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 104.
EAP 103 (3 credits)
Accepted EAP 103 applicants commit to 20 hours per week for one 12-week session. During this session, students are permitted to enrol in one academic course (see Academic Course Options below). Students progress to EAP 104 after successful completion of EAP 103 (68%).
EAP 104 (3 credits)
There are two ways an applicant can enrol in EAP 104: successful completion of EAP 103 or meeting the required English scores. EAP 104 applicants commit to 20 hours per week for one 12-week session and may enrol in up to two academic courses (see Academic Course Options below). Successful completion of EAP 104 (68%) guarantees students eligibility for full academic programming.
In the classroom, students engage in activities designed to increase their skills in English and support academic study, intercultural communication, and integration to university life. Within the context of themes and units relevant to their programs of study, students focus on building their vocabulary and grammar skills while increasing their proficiency in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Unit topics include sustainability, innovation, design, media, technology, diversity, language, global trends, and many others. Students have the opportunity to explore and discuss a range of inquiry questions with people both in the EFP as well as from across campus.
Through the development of language, critical thinking and collaboration skills, students are encouraged to find their unique voices in this new environment so that they can engage with the community in meaningful ways.
Cultural immersion activities
Students have many opportunities to get involved on campus and become active members of the UBC community. These opportunities include sports, art and culture exhibits, guest speakers, student clubs, and volunteering. Additionally, students are invited to take part in social outings and cultural celebrations. Participating in these types of events and more lead to developing English language skills, making new friends, and feeling connected to the campus and local community.
English as an Additional Language Learning Labs
Weekly labs involve students in experiential learning activities lead by undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants who are also studying on UBC’s Okanagan campus. For example, students have the opportunity make use of the on campus maker space, participate in a B.A.R.K. session, and take part in facilitated debates. In addition, the language learning labs include field trips, such as to Mission Creek Regional Park to see the kokanee salmon run, Kelowna Flightcraft Aerospace to learn about local technological advances, and visits to local tourist service providers to learn about the key management processes.
Weekly Tutorials
Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one as well as in groups with undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants to maximize their understanding of the concepts covered both in their EFP classes as well as in other classes they are taking on campus. They have extra time to ask questions or get clarification on class material. They also have access to extra support to developing their English language skills. Students may also work in partnership with EFP instructors and teaching assistants to develop personal learning plans to reach their English language learning goals.
Academic courses
EFP students are fully integrated into the campus community and may enrol in academic courses with other first-year students while developing their English language skills. With the assistance of an academic and career advisor, students enrol in academic courses related to their degree programs: Bachelor of Science, Applied Science, Arts, Management, Human Kinetics, Bachelor of Media Studies, or Fine Arts. By studying academic courses simultaneously, EFP students are able to be a part of their faculty cohort, earn credit toward their degree programs, complete a program of studies in a timely manner, and develop their English language skills in relation to their areas of study.
Requirements:
The English Foundation Program offers admission to high school graduates and to those students who have previously attended any post-secondary institution.
Eligibility
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Please refer to UBC’s Okanagan Academic Calendar for the English language proficiency requirements for entry into the EFP.
Depending on the English language proficiency scores students have on admission to the EFP, students either complete one or two terms of in this program. One term of EFP includes one three-credit English for academic purposes (EAP) course. Tuition fees for this course differ whether students are international students or domestic students. The tuition fee includes 36 hours of instruction. In addition, there is a program fee for both types of students. The program fee includes an additional 144 hours of instruction, 36 hours of EAL learning labs, and 24 hours of tutorials.
International student tuition and program fee (one term):
EAP 104 (3 credits): $4,280.25 (depending on faculty)
Program Fee: $5,921.50
Total: $10,201.75
Domestic student tuition and program fee (one term):
EAP 104 (3 credits): $572.91 (depending on faculty)
Program Fee: $5,921.50
Total: $6,494.41
In addition to the tuition fees and program fees, applicable student fees and tuition for three to six credits of concurrent courses, and living expenses are not included.
In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. Fees, including tuition, program, course, special, and study society fees, are approved by the Board of Governors following consultation with students and are subject to change.
For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at The University of British Columbia.
Please note: For domestic students enrolled in the EFP program and receiving government student loan funding, the EFP program fee will not be covered. In addition, credit restrictions may limit student loan funding options. For further information please contact Student Records and Financial Services.
UBCO applicants are automatically evaluated for the EFP if they meet the university’s admission requirements and the minimum EFP entry scores, but still need to demonstrate the minimum required English language competency.
For assistance with the application process or course planning and selection, please contact:
Amber McLeod
EAL Programs Coordinator
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250-807-9901
Please Note: Once students accept an offer of admission to a degree program via the English Foundation Program, students cannot submit results from other English language proficiency tests to gain full admission to their degree program.
Students entering EFP through EAP 103 can complete up to 18 to 24 credits in the first year. With summer courses in Years 2 and 3, students may be able to complete an undergraduate program of studies in four years.
Students entering EFP through EAP 104 can complete up to 30 credits in the first year. With 30 credits completed in the first year, students may be able to complete an undergraduate program of studies in four years.
Students must consult with an Academic Advisor prior to registering in any academic course. Academic courses cannot interfere with the EAP schedule. EFP students can only take the courses listed on this page.
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
* EAP 104 students only
** Math 125 cannot be taken as credit toward Bachelor of Media Studies, Bachelor of Art or Bachelor of Science degree
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
* EAP 104 students only
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
* EAP 104 students only
Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.
Entering EAP 103 | Entering EAP 104 | |
Winter
Term 1 |
EAP 103 (3 credits)
1 academic course option (3 credits) |
EAP 104 (3 credits)
1 or 2 academic course options (3 or 6 credits) |
Winter
Term 2 |
EAP 104 (3 credits)
1 academic course option (3 credits) |
Student is eligible for full academic course load (typically 15 credits) |
Summer
Terms 1 & 2 |
Summer term academic course options (typically 6 credits) | Summer term academic course options (typically 6 credits) |
Possible 18 credits after Year 1 | Possible 30 credits after Year 1 |
Students entering most undergraduate programs through the EFP pathway are able to complete an undergraduate degree within four years, including some summer terms of study.
Students should consult with an academic and career advisor to determine the timeline and academic requirements for their particular university programs.
EFP students can combine EAP 103 and EAP 104 with the degree-specific academic courses listed below, with 3 credits granted for each academic and EAP course. Upon successful completion of EAP 104 (68% passing grade), students are granted regular admission and are eligible for full academic programming.
The following are examples of how students can combine academic courses with EFP requirements.
Academic course options: CHEM 121, 123; COSC 111; ECON 101, 102; MATH 100, 101; PHYS 111
Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) | Sample pathway (entering EAP 104) | |
Term 1 | EAP 103 MATH 100 |
EAP 104 MATH 100 PHYS 102 |
Term 2 | EAP 104 MATH 101 |
Academic course options: ECON 101, 102; MATH 100, 116; MGMT 100; PSYO 111; STAT 121, 124
Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) | Sample pathway (entering EAP 104) | |
Term 1 | EAP 103 MATH 100 |
EAP 104 MATH 100 MGMT 100 |
Term 2 | EAP 104 MGMT 100 |
Academic course options: ASTER 111, 120, 121; BIOL 116; CHEM 111, 121, 123; COSC 111, 121, 123; EESC 111, 121; MATH 100, 101; PHYS 111, 112, 122; PSYO 111
Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) | Sample pathway (entering EAP 104) | |
Term 1 | EAP 103 CHEM 111 |
EAP 104 PHYS 111 MATH 100 |
Term 2 | EAP 104 PHYS 111 |
Academic course options: ASTR 111, 120, 121; BIOL 116, 117, 122; CHEM 111, 121, 123; COSC 111, 121, 122, 123; ECON 101, 102; EESC 111, 121; FREN 102, 103, 104, 115, 122; GEOG 129; GERM 100, 200; JPST 100, 101; MATH 100, 101, 111, 116; PSYO 111; SPAN 101, 201, 251; STAT 121; THTR 101, 102, 103, 111; VISA 102, 104, 106, 137
Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) | Sample pathway (entering EAP 104) | |
Term 1 | EAP 103 MATH 100 |
EAP 104 MATH 100 STAT 121 |
Term 2 | EAP 104 ECON 101 |
Amber McLeod
English Foundation Program, Coordinator
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250 807 9323
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The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the English Foundation Program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.
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