Making Language Come Alive

Every year, more than 2,000 international students enrol in U of T’s English Language Program, offered through the School of Continuing Studies. Language instruction is offered on both a full- and part-time basis, and many students get a credit from their home universities for the coursework they do at U of T. Students certified through the program are not required to take a language test to qualify for admission to U of T.

Since its launch in 1968, the program has attracted participants from dozens of countries. “Today we have children of our first graduating classes attending the school,” says program director Carolyn Coté (BA 1984 Woods,TESL 1986 Woods, MEd 2006 OISE). Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom, she adds. Students produce a newspaper, go canoeing, camping and skiing, and take in opera and theatre, among other activities. “We work English into our students’ everyday lives,” says Coté. “Our goal is to make the language come alive.” For more information, visit www.learn.utoronto.ca.