Simon Fraser University English Language and Culture Program
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 program.
Who are our participants?
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 business people 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.
Who are our instructors?
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.
Where are the classes held?
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.