English Language and Culture
Frequently Asked Questions

There are many things you can do to improve your English:

• Find a living arrangement where you can practice English at home
• Volunteer at an organization where you can meet new people and practice English
• Join clubs or sports at community centers where you can meet new friends
• Join ELC's Friday activities to meet other students from different class groups
• Listen to the radio and watch TV and movies in English
• Ask your instructors for suggestions

Visit our Facebook page for current updates on activities and seminars at ELC.

Please check the university website to find out about admission requirements, programs, costs, and more. ELC staff is available to help you find the resources you need.

To extend a visa, you will need an extension kit. You can get one through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office, which is located at 1148 Hornby Street in Vancouver. Check their website for more information and to download the form.

Visit www.sfu.ca/ielts for more information. To register for the IELTS exam, go to the Information and Registration Desk located on the main floor at SFU, across from the Security office.

Go to www.govolunteer.ca for available volunteer positions around the city. You can talk to the Student Support Assistant for suggestions and feedback.

It is optional for you to obtain a student ID card, which you will also use as a library card, during the first week of school. The cost is $20. If you would like to purchase a card, talk to ELC's student support assistant as soon as possible. You can also request a free temporary library card to take out books from the Belzberg Library, which is located on the main floor of Harbour Centre.

Students in the 12- and eight-week programs will receive a computing ID, which they can use for wireless access. Students in short-term programs can receive wireless access by special request.

Yes! It is located in room 3410. You will receive more information during your group orientation in your first week. There are also several open spaces available around the campus that you can use to study or eat your lunch. Keep in mind that classes are in session throughout the day, so please be respectful of others.

For suggestions on Vancouver tourist destinations, visit Tourism Vancouver's website.

For events around Vancouver, visit the Georgia Straight website.

Check these websites for available apartment rental listings:

apartmentguide.ca
www.canadianresidentialrentals.com
vancouver.en.craigslist.ca

Be careful when you look for a new apartment. Bring a friend with you, ask lots of questions, and know your rights as a tenant.

ELC works with First Choice International Placement to provide homestay services for international students. Visit First Choice International Placement for further information. You can contact them by phone at 604-984-0868 or email.

You need medical insurance for the entire duration of your studies at ELC.

For more information, please refer to our Links and Resources page.

You can go to the Health and Counselling Office located in room 300 on the upper mall level outside of the ELC reception area. Office hours are from Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed from 1 to 2 pm). You can also visit the walk-in Care Point Medical Centre on West Pender and Granville Street (711 West Pender Street, Vancouver). Remember to bring your medical insurance card or CareCard.

1. Go the bank in person.
2. Bring two government-issued pieces of identification (passport and study permit).
3. Ask for details about all the possible fees that the bank might charge you (for example, monthly service, withdrawing/depositing money, using debit cards, online banking, using ATMs at other banks, and more).