BCIT provides students with free English Language Support Services

At BCIT, 39% of students speak a language other than English at home. Transitioning to student life can be particularly tough when someone has English as an Additional Language (EAL) – often juggling between course materials and technology knowledge, as well as unfamiliar cultural norms and language barriers. BCIT English Language Support Services provide multidimensional language support to EAL students.

Language Support classes provides students with support to improve their English communication skills for success in their programs and in the workplace. Language Support is free and involves weekly classes in small groups taught by Communications instructors with EAL training. These classes cover many topics including learning strategies, study skills, and extra practice time.

Language Support classes are a big draw for international students when considering where to study. Over the past two years, more than 600 students have attended Language Support classes.

“I did a lot of research before I came to Canada and chose BCIT partly because of Language Support,” notes BCIT first-year student Duangtip, an international student from Thailand who is studying Marketing Management. “I know that English is not my first language and I still need to learn more.”

If you think Language Support classes are right for you, check online to see if your program offers Language Support or talk to your Communications instructor or Program Head.

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New English Language Support Services available

In addition to Language Support classes, the Language Success Team have recently expanded to offer four free English language support services. These include the English Language Success Hub, the English Lounge, Flexible Language Support, and Industry Partnership program.

Access the English Language Success Hub

The English Language Success Hub is accessible via every BCIT student’s Learning Hub dashboard. It contains free, online, asynchronous lessons, activities, and quizzes to help students with their English language – from reading, grammar, pronunciation, and more. Students can select topics that interest them and move through the materials at their own pace. Many of these materials are also business and technical communication-oriented to ensure students have the relevant language skills to be job-ready.

Drop-in at the English Lounge

The English Lounge is a conversation group for students to practice their speaking and listening skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. Every week features a new topic of discussion. The focus of English Lounge is on building speaking fluency, practicing listening skills, making new friends, and building confidence in your speaking. English Lounge runs every Wednesday from 2:45 to 3:45 pm in the Summit Center at the back of the main floor of the Burnaby campus library.

Get 1:1 help with Flexible Language Support

Flexible Language Support offers students individual consultation with a BCIT Communications instructor trained in EAL. During these sessions, students may receive English language support related to their course materials, grammar and writing, or get feedback and advice on resources. Any BCIT student who needs support with their English or course content may sign-up for Flexible Language Support here.

Be job-ready with Industry Partnership program

The BCIT Industry Partnership program partners eligible students with an industry partner to help them prepare for job applications and interviews in Canada. This helps demystify the hiring process while helping students gain confidence for their first real interviews. Read BCIT student Phu Doan’s success through participating in the Industry Partnership program.

Learn more about accessing available English Language Support services.