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Learning a foreign language is very difficult. Understanding
jokes, jargon, or slang in that language is even more difficult. But Simon
Fraser University’s English Language and Canadian Culture program helps its
participants to do all these difficult things.
We recognize that language and culture cannot be separated. We know that
effective language learning must, at some point, take account of the importance
of culture in understanding and using a language. We realize that words are only
a small part of language and that successful speakers need to read all the
contextual clues that must be taken into account, together with the words, for
comprehension.
English Language and Canadian Culture is a unique and remarkably effective
program. We give our participants the opportunity to develop communication
skills as they develop a working knowledge of the Canadian cultural context. Our
participants learn to understand Canadian attitudes and values and they learn to
use their understanding of the Canadian context to decipher jokes, jargon, and
slang as well as to communicate their thoughts and wishes effectively. And they
learn how to continue to improve their English skills even after they leave our
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Who are our participants?
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 We accept participants at levels from low intermediate to very
highly advanced, but most come to us after they have studied English in
traditional ways for at least two years. They come because they have become
frustrated by their inability to be understood or to understand a speaker’s
meaning even when they know all the words.
Our participants come from all walks of life. They are high school graduates who
need to prepare for college or university; they are university graduates who
need to prepare for graduate programs; they are businesspeople who need to
establish themselves in the Canadian business community; they are professionals
who need to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
Our participants are not satisfied with functioning in “EFL” classrooms, and
they want more than vocabulary lists and English grammar rules. They want to
perform confidently in college and university courses designed for native
English speakers. They want to succeed in their chosen careers. They want to
live comfortably in this community. |
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Who are our instructors?
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English Language and Canadian Culture instructors are very
carefully selected and trained in the philosophy and methodology of this unique
program. Most of them have at least a Masters degree in an academic discipline
(such as anthropology, English, history, linguistics, etc.), teaching experience
in an academic department of a recognized university, and demonstrated interest
in cross-cultural issues and concerns. They have extensive experience in dealing
with international people who are trying to become comfortable in a foreign
environment. They are able to respond sensitively to the stress of transition as
well as to a wide range of backgrounds and levels of proficiency with English.
And all of them are committed to interactive, participant-centred learning.
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Where are classes held?
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 Classes are held at Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Harbour Centre campus not only offers excellent facilities, but is centrally located for field trips to various Vancouver institutions and corporations. Also, within a few blocks of the campus are the Vancouver Public Library, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the city's major theatres, concert halls, and sports stadiums as well as a multitude of shops in Pacific Centre and on Robson Street.
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