English as a Second Language
Department of English Language
English as a Second Language
Okanagan College offers English as a Second Language (ESL) education that is internationally recognized. Students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to Canadian Language Benchmarks Levels 8 and 9 and prepare to enter university-level courses.
Domestic students
Domestic students can find English Language skills options on the domestic student page.
Meet an instructor
Instructor Madjid Mohammadzadeh's passion for other cultures and countries was the inspiration behind taking education studies.
Meet one of our students
Katia Aguila de Marroquin needed to validate her doctorate in dental surgery in Canada, and turned to OC for help with her English.
Which program is right for you?
English Language Certificate
English Language program is for students with an existing grasp of English, considered at the "High Beginner" level. New students are assessed through the English Language Assessment to determine placement in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Students learn in class for 20 hours per week. Classes begin in January, May, July and September. This may be different depending on the campus closest to you.
Please note: applicants must be 18 years of age, or turn 18 during their first semester at Okanagan College. Students who have completed the equivalent of B.C. Grade 12 are also eligible for the program.
Admission requirements
English Language studies require you to complete either a Duolingo, IELTS or TOEFL test. Your scores will determine what level you will study.
| DUOLINGO | IELTS | TOEFL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 45 and below | 3.5 and below | Not applicable |
| Level 2 | 45-50 | 3.5 | Not applicable |
| Level 3 | 55-60 | 4.0 | Not applicable |
| Level 4 | 65-70 | 4.5 |
52-59 |
Explore our programs
- Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
- Credential
- International students
English for Academic Purposes Certificate
- Kelowna
- Certificate
- International students
English Language Certificate
- Kelowna
- Certificate
- International students
Get started
If you are interested in applying to the English Language Program or would like more information, please contact Vivian Albrecht at valbrecht@okanagan.bc.ca.
Instructors
Learn English from instructors in Canada. Learn more about the instructors for the English Language programs here.