Since 1988, VanWest College has developed a solid reputation for providing high quality teachers and well-designed programs that challenge and enable students to achieve their academic, business, or personal goals. To enhance their studies, students are offered a wide variety of activities. After class, students can attend free conversation clubs, participate in the Book Club, or attend a guest speaker presentation. We arrange evening and weekend activities involving sports, the arts, sightseeing, and outdoor adventure. We are located in the downtown area and our modern facilities provide comfortable classrooms and a Computer/Language Lab equipped with free high speed Internet, the latest software programs in ESL, headsets, microphones, and Web cams. Wireless Internet is available as well. Our class sizes have an average of 10 to 12 students and a good mix of nationalities.

VanWest College specializes in General English (30, 27, 21, and 15 hours per week, TOEFL and TOEIC preparation, Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), University Access program, ESL/Travel & Tourism Diploma, Business English (BEC), Internship program, TSE, IELTS, and TEFL. VanWest is an official Cambridge Test Centre. Program standards are maintained in several ways: rigorous entrance and exit tests for each proficiency level; and clear criteria for the granting of certificates and diplomas, and complemented by strict enforcement of attendance and English only policies.

Staying with a Canadian family is the fastest way to improve your English. VanWest College has over ten years of experience in providing safe, comfortable and friendly host families. All families have been interviewed, evaluated and visited prior to placement and evaluated. Our Homestay Coordinator is available on-site to provide assistance to students.