ESL for Canadian Students

How do I apply for daytime ESL for Academic Purposes classes at OC?

Apply for ESL classes at the registration office in the Student Services building at the Kelowna Campus.

• Complete an application form.
• Put ESL in the blank that says Program Name.
• Pay a $30.00 application processing fee.
• Provide Landed Immigrant status, Refugee status or Canadian citizenship papers.

How much are the fees for ESL classes?

ESL for Academic Purposes classes are tuition free. There will be some costs for student association fees, textbooks, and school supplies. The additional fees of up to $100 must be paid at the time of registration.

Financial Assistance

Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP) is available to eligible students in financial need.. To apply for the grant complete an ABESAP application and submit it to the Financial Awards Office. ABESAP will cover the cost of the OC application fee, registration fees such as the student activity and student association fees as well as $45.00 of student supplies.

What different classes are offered?

OC has English as a Second Language classes in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Pronunciation, Grammar, and a general communications class called English Essentials

What levels of classes does OC offer?

OC has six levels of classes

• Level 1 and 2 are beginner.
• Level 3 and 4 are intermediate.
• Level 5 and 6 are advanced.

What level of classes should I take?

All ESL students must write a placement test called the OCELA (Okanagan College English Language Assessment). This test is the week before classes begin.

Once you have applied to take ESL classes, the registration office will send a letter giving you the date and time of the OCELA test.

Where are the classes offered?

The ESL Academic Prep classes are offered at the KLO campus.

When are the classes offered?

OC has 4 ESL semesters.

• September to December
• January to April
• May – June
• July – August

Most classes are Monday to Friday from 8:30 – 5:00. The ESL Timetable will tell you the time your class will begin and end. You may choose part time or full time classes.

Registering in ESL Classes

How do I register for classes?

After the OCELA test, make an appointment with an Education Counselor in the OC International office, Room H121. She will give you your OCELA results.

Once you have chosen courses with the help of the ESL Education Counselor, go to the registration office to register in these courses.

How do I know the time and classroom number for my courses?

Your registration form will give you this information.

The ESL timetable also gives this information. Timetables are available in the OC International Office.

For further information contact the ESL Department Chair:

Brian Rhodes
C275 - 1000 K.L.O Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8
E-mail: bwrhodes@okanagan.bc.c
Phone: 762-5445 ext. 4362