Conversational English Program

The Conversational English program is conversation-based which is less formal than our Academic Preparation program. Our program will help you gain confidence in your speaking abilities.

The Conversational English program focuses on:

  • Developing accuracy and fluency in speaking
  • Improving your grammar and pronunciation in conversation
  • Increasing your vocabulary
  • Learning to use common English idioms and everyday expressions
  • Speaking effectively on a wide variety of topics

The program features:

  • Seven starts per year: January, March, May, July, August, September and November
  • Each session is eight weeks long
  • 25 hours of classes per week (20 hours in July and August)
  • Classes at the intermediate and advanced levels

English for Academic Preparation (EAP)

Our EAP program focuses on preparing you to study in post-secondary academic settings. This is an intensive English language program designed to help you guild the skills you need to be successful in your future studies and career. Successful completion of advanced level of the EAP program with a 70% enables you to enter regular college programs at Niagara College - with no additional proficiency tests needed.

Niagara College's English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program is designed to improve all areas of your English Language skills, so you can continue in one of our undergraduate or post-graduate programs, or return home and be able to use English in your career. Our program has been offered for over 20 years, and has approximately 100 - 150 students each term from about 25 different countries. 

The English for Academic preparation program has

  • Three starts per year: January, May and September
  • Each session is 15 weeks long
  • 25 hours of classes per week
  • Classes at 5 levels, beginner through advanced
  • College credit courses for advanced level students
  • Canadian conversation partner program (Global Connections)
  • no TOEFL score required to enter
  • a certificate is presented upon successful completion of each term
  • weekly organized activities

Your courses will include:

  • Academic Writing and Grammar
  • Reading and Vocabulary Development
  • Speaking, Pronunciation and Presentation Skills
  • Listening and Note-taking Skills
  • Research Skills for Academic Study

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Both Programs Feature

  • A welcome and orientation program
  • Small class sizes - average of 13 students/class
  • Friendly, supportive staff
  • Individual academic counselling
  • Use of all college services and facilities
  • State-of-the-art digital languages labs
  • Qualified, experienced teachers
  • Individual testing and assessment

Both programs are taught at the Welland Campus. This large campus is ideally located in a residential area, close to restaurants, shops and nice, single family homes. Many of these homes are part of our Homestay program allowing our homestay students to live within walking distance of the school.

Welland is a small, safe and friendly city. The Welland Campus sits on over 100 acres of land and has about 3000 students studying there every year.  (Gallery)

Orientation

The first days of the term are set aside for orientation. This gives all ESL students and their teachers the opportunity to get to know each other. It also allows you to become familiar with Niagara College and the services and facilities we offer.   You will also have your English level tested and you will be placed in the proper level.

ESL Orientation Page

Welcome to Niagara College - International

Global Connections

Formerly known as Conversation Partners, this popular, free feature of our ESL program involves you and a Canadian student being matched as partners.  We will match you with a Global Connections Partner and you will meet weekly while studying in the English program to practise your speaking skills.  This can result in a lasting friendship between you and your Canadian partner.  This program is offered from September to April only, and is available to high-intermediate and advanced level students.

Social Events

Social events are organized weekly. There are about 2 to 3 events per week designed to get students active and show many of the wonderful things to do on campus and in our cities. Most events are free and participation is optional. Some of the activities include: sports, trips to Toronto, skiing, skating, camping, going to a movie, tobogganing, hiking, going to the beach, going to a local disco, and much more. We also organize parties to celebrate special days, such as Halloween, Christmas, Lunar New Year, Canada Day, end of term, etc.

Many students play college-sponsored (inter-mural) sports as outlined in the athletics section. As a result, they have the opportunity to make friends with Canadian students and join them in their daily activities

Our Teachers

Teacher Profiles

All our teachers have their TESL degree and many have their Masters in Teaching English. As well, many have also taught overseas. We believe that your teachers play a very important part of your learning and we are careful to select only top quality, experienced, caring teachers.

International Student Advisor

Talk to Us

Our student advisor helps students with adjusting to Canada and Niagara College, immigration, medical insurance and other common assistance as needed.  The role of the student advisor is to ensure that students do not worry about their stay in Canada and can focus on their studies.  

International Housing Coordinator

Talk to Us

At Niagara College, we believe that your Homestay family is as important to your stay in Canada as your English classes.  The International Housing Coordinator carefully selects each family.  Each family is interviewed and screened before they become a Homestay family.  The Housing Coordinator can also help students with dormitory, apartments and temporary accommodations.