YMCA International College

The YMCA International College has been offering English language classes since 1978 and is one of Vancouver’s most respected language school. The college has two main programs: the English Language Certificate Program (15 or 24 hours per week) and the Core English Program (18 hours per week). Both offer the same curriculum and quality of instruction and are designed to help students develop all language skills. Students in the Certificate program also have access to the YMCA health, fitness and recreation centre and the Conversation Club. Sessions start every four weeks and courses are offered throughout the year.

Program options include preparation for TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge BCE, CAE and FCE, English for Academic Purposes, Professional Development for Teachers of English, and Cambridge CELTA.

The minimum age for acceptance is 19 years although Summer Programs are offered for children and youth from ages 9 and up: Summer and Winter English Activities Programs, ESL and Summer Camp, ESL and Dance.

There is a good variiety of countries represented in our school with students from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America. Canadian residents and newcomers are highly welcomed. We have a strict English-only policy and this is enforced at the school so that students speak English at all times in the school building. The YMCA International College is situated in downtown Vancouver — a beautiful, clean, safe, cosmopolitan city — near shops, restaurants, and many cultural, entertainment and recreational venues. We have qualified and experienced teachers, well-equipped facilities, small classes, a computer lab, and a student lounge.

In the YMCA fitness centre, students have opportunities to meet Canadians while they enjoy modern exercise equipment, fitness classes, gymnasiums, swimming pools and racquet courts. They can also meet Canadians in the Conversation Club where they have opportunities to improve their spoken English language skills.

Accommodation is available through homestay or at the YMCA Hotel / Residence which is located in the same building as the college. Homestay includes three meals a day and generally gives students more opportunity to learn about Canadians and experience a Canadian lifestyle. The YMCA Hotel, on the other hand, gives students more privacy but meals are not included. Please visit the YMCA web-site for more information: www.vanymca.org.
Language Schools