
Practical English as a Second Language (ESL)
The main emphases of the Practical ESL program are communication and functional English for daily life. Practical ESL programs begin weekly for ages 12 and up.
The minimum class size is 4, the average is 6 and the maximum is 12.
IGK guarantees a very personalized, fast paced and dynamic approach to language learning.
Students can enroll in executive, full or part time programs from 1-50 weeks.
Executive - Full Time - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m.
30 hours per week
or
Full time - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.
25 hours per week
or
Part time - Monday-Friday 9:00 am 12:00 noon.
15 hours per week
AM
Five levels of Practical ESL are offered from Beginner to Advanced which focus on the combined skills of reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, listening and speaking. Headway and Canadian Concepts are the main textbooks.
PM
Students choose from a variety of afternoon electives depending on their level and interest. Conversation, Media, Pronunciation, Business English, Canadian Culture, TOEFL-iBT and TOEIC exam preparation are the most popular electives. Field trips are incorporated into some electives to reinforce 'real life' language practice.
Note - Each student will be given a placement test on the first day of class to determine their level. Homework requirements vary with the level and with the elective but students can expect 30 minutes–1 hour of homework each day. There are weekly quizzes and tests. Not all electives or levels may be offered at one time. Please ask for a current selection.
Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday
9:00-10:15 Practical English
(Listening, Speaking,
Reading, Writing, Grammar)
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-12:00 Practical English
(Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing,
Grammar)
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-2:00 Elective
2:00-2:10 Break
2:10-2:55 Elective
3:00-4:00 Executive private tutoring
Cambridge Exam Preparation
Cambridge BEC, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE exam preparation programs begin in September, January and March. Students can enroll for 10, 11 or 12 weeks depending on the exam and the session. Cambridge exams are the world's most popular certificates for learners of English. Each year they are taken by over 1.5 million people, in 135 countries. Students can use the certificates to gain entrance to a university or college, improve job prospects and measure progress in English. Most Canadian universities accept Cambridge results for entrance to degree programs. Students can expect 1-2 hours of homework daily.
Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)
- Lower Intermediate to Intermediate level
First Certificate Exam (FCE)
- Upper Intermediate level
Cambridge BEC Vantage
- Upper Intermediate level
Cambridge Advanced Exam (CAE)
- Advanced level
Cambridge Proficiency Exam (CPE)
- Upper Advanced level
International Gateway Kelowna is an official
Cambridge ESOL testing centre.

TOEFL®-iBT Exam Preparation
The TOEFL-iBT program begins weekly and students can enroll for 2-12 weeks. It includes a review of exam techniques, strategies and the study of sample exams. If you are planning to enter a university or college or just want to improve your TOEFL® score this program will assist you with building the skills you require to achieve your goals.
Upper Intermediate to Advanced level
TOEIC® Exam Preparation
The TOEIC program begins weekly and students can enroll for 2-12 weeks. It includes a review of exam techniques, strategies and the study of sample exams. Teachers provide practice tests with feedback and error correction and diagnosis of weak points in English to help students improve their TOEIC® scores.
Intermediate to Advanced level
High School Preparation
The High School Preparation program begins weekly for ages 11 to 18. Students enroll in Practical ESL at IGK for 12-50 weeks depending on their level. After completion of the Upper Intermediate level or upon passing the Cambridge FCE certificate students transfer to Vedanta Academy. Vedanta Academy is one of B.C.'s premier private schools and an IGK partner. Vedanta Academy accepts international students in September and January for grades 8 through 12. IGK provides comprehensive home stay, guardianship and support for unaccompanied students throughout the duration of their ESL and high school program. Grade 12 graduates from Vedanta Academy receive the BC Dogwood High School Diploma.
All levels
Homestay with a Teacher
The Homestay with a Teacher program features 15 hours per week of individualized, self paced learning in the relaxed and friendly environment of a teacher's home. The daily schedule is mutually agreed upon between the teacher and the student. The lessons are customized to fit each student's special requirements, level and requests. This program can easily be combined with full or part time Practical ESL classes for a very intensive immersion or it can be booked separately. Homestay with a Teacher is an excellent program for Working Holiday Visa students due to the flexibility in the study schedule and the business and job search skills that can be incorporated into the lessons.
All levels
Private Tutoring
International Gateway Kelowna can arrange private tutoring for Ages 8 to adult in English, Spanish, French, German and Computer Training as well as Mathematics, Science and Social Studies for high school students.
All levels
Wine Certification Programs-1 day to 15 weeks
Wine and Spirit Education Trust® programs are offered semi annually in conjunction with Kelowna based Fine Vintage Ltd. This series of 5 qualifications consist of the Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced, Diploma and Professional Certificate in Spirits and are internationally recognized as the gold standard in wine education. WSET certificates are considered essential at certain levels to work in fine restaurants, hotels, resorts, wineries and on cruise ships. Full and part time ESL students can easily combine ESL with WSET programs.
Upper Intermediate to Advanced level or Cambridge FCE
Dog Grooming and Canine Cosmetology Certificate
Starting monthly, this 15 week program provides students with all the tools necessary to become a certified dog groomer. The course is integrated with Canadian students and combines theory with daily 'hands on' training. Many employment opportunities exist in Canada for certified groomers and skilled groomers can earn up to $50 per hour! !
Upper Intermediate to Advanced level or Cambridge FCE