Focus is on intercultural communication and academic English language skills
A new English Foundation Program (EFP) will be offered this September at UBC’s Okanagan campus. The program is dedicated to providing university access and support to students who meet academic requirements necessary for admission, yet do not meet its English language admission standards.
The program is designed for international students whose academic credentials would otherwise be suitable for admission, aside from a lack of English proficiency. EFP will allow students to develop language proficiency skills that will foster their overall success in a degree program at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
“The creation of an English Foundation Program is another example of UBC’s commitment to building an inclusive, diverse learning community,” says Ian Cull, Associate Vice President, Students at the Okanagan campus. “By increasing accessibility to a university education in this way, we are helping provide the leaders of tomorrow with more opportunity to fulfil their ambitions.”
The EFP is a project coordinated by the Office of the Associate Vice President, Students in collaboration with the Faculty of Education. This approach incorporates academic reading, writing, listening and speaking with intercultural communication and campus life skills.
“This innovative, accredited program combines intensive English language studies with academic content courses while engaging students in campus life,” says Leah Sanford, manager of International Programs and Services.
“The program aims to prepare students not only for academic studies in a variety of disciplines at a research intensive university, but it also supports the inclusion of EFP students in their programs of study as productive and contributing members of the campus community,” adds Scott Douglas, assistant professor in the Faculty of Education.
Students eligible for EFP are those who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in arts, sciences, applied science or management. Students may also enrol in one or two academic courses. Successful completion guarantees full admission to UBC’s Okanagan campus.
The EFP is offered in September, January and May.
More information: http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/efp/welcome.html
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