The Value of English for Academic Purposes (EAP): How VGC’s University Preparation Program Opens Doors to Canadian Universities
One of the best ways for students to set themselves up for continued success in English is to incorporate English for Academic Purposes (EAP) into their studies, especially throughout our University Preparation Program.
So, what exactly is EAP? In short, its purpose is to prepare students for the specific and challenging demands of higher education. It does this by focusing on academic skills such as research, critical thinking, reading comprehension of complex texts, and academic writing. In contrast to General English programs, which focus more on grammar and fluency, EAP offers students who already have a decent grasp on the English language a stepping stone towards their future goals. This kind of academic English preparation is especially valuable for international students planning to study in Canada.
How University Preparation Builds Academic Success
One of the best ways for students to work on their academic skills at VGC is through our University Preparation program! The program sets students up for academic success through focusing on the skills needed most for post-secondary studies. This focus is mainly around academic writing- primarily essay writing, researching, and proper citation, and academic reading- with a major focus on challenging vocabulary and overall comprehension. However, our UP students also become well-practiced in presentations, listening to lectures, effective note taking, and discussion practice. All of this skill-practice results in students who are prepared to take on the academic world! For students, the greatest benefit isn’t just mastering academic English – it’s the confidence of knowing they can walk into a Canadian classroom and thrive. In fact, a recent study in Canada found international students attending post-secondary school who also studied EAP had better academic results than their counterparts who did not do the same.
Pathways to Canadian Universities (Without IELTS/TOEFL)
Not to mention, our UP students also have the opportunity to get assistance beyond the classroom. VGC has many pathway partner schools which successful UP students can apply to with their UP score as the English requirement, eliminating the need for IELTS or TOEFL, providing a trusted alternative recognized by our Canadian pathway partners. In addition, our University Pathways Coordinator can help students with their school and program selection, act as a liaison between them and the pathway partner of their choice, and importantly, assist with the application process.
Beyond the Classroom: Skills for Work, Tests, and Everyday Life
However, EAP also has benefits beyond the world of academia. Whether students are studying academic English for the purpose of furthering their education in a post-secondary environment, to hone their skills for the workplace, to successfully get a desired score in an English proficiency test such as CELPIP or IELTS, or simply to reinforce the quality of their everyday English, academic-focused courses can help them reach their goals. And VGC is here to help along the way.
That being said, in addition to our UP program, we also offer a handful of academic options in both our Elective and Plus classes, such as Advanced Academic Reading and Vocabulary, and Academic Preparation Courses for both lower-intermediate and advanced levels. We also offer an IELTS Preparation program which allows students to focus primarily on the skills and practice needed for IELTS test success. These options allow students to make the choice to either dive fully into the world of EAP, to supplement their general English studies with a little bit of the academic world, or to focus specifically on the IELTS test.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to strengthen your academic English and prepare for success in Canada, our University Preparation Program is the place to start. Whether your goal is entering one of our Canadian university partners without IELTS, improving your study skills, or simply feeling confident in academic settings, VGC will guide you every step of the way. Let us help you reinforce your English and reach your language goals! Contact us today to learn more about our program options and pathways.
by Stacey Marcoux