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 Friday activities to meet other students from different class groups;
• Listen to the radio and watch TV/movies in English;
• Ask your instructors for suggestions!

Visit our Facebook page or our blog for current updates on activities and seminars at ELC. The Student Support Assistant will also visit your classroom every Tuesday to talk about upcoming activities/seminars.

Please check the university website to find out about admission requirements, programs, cost etc. The Student Support Assistant is available to help you find the resources you need.

To extend a visa, you will need an extension kit. This can be obtained through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office located on 1148 Hornby Street in Vancouver. Check their website for more information and to download the form.

Visit http://www.sfu.ca/ielts/ for more information. To register for the IELTS exam, go to the Information and Registration Desk located in the main concourse (across from the Security kiosk).

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

It is optional for students to obtain a student ID card within the first week of school. This ID card is also used as a library card. The cost is $20. If you would like to purchase a card, see the Student Support Assistant as soon as possible. You can also request a free temporary library card to take out books from the Belzberg Library located on the main floor of Harbour Centre.

Students in the 12 and 8-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 there is! 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 which 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, click here.

For events around Vancouver, click here.

Check these websites for available apartment rental listings:

• http://apartmentguide.ca
• http://www.canadianresidentialrentals.com/vancouver.html
• http://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 must have medical insurance for the entire duration of your studies at ELC.

For more information, please refer to our Student Information 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 9:30am to 4:30pm (closed 1:00-2:00pm). 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 + study permit)
3. Ask details about all the possible fees that might apply (ex: monthly service, withdrawing/depositing money, using debit cards, online banking, using ATMs at other banks etc.)