Trailblazing the Road to University After ESL

Text by: Phoebe Yu
Edited by: Thiago Silva
Published: December 9, 2012, Brazilian Vibe

Navigating the Canadian post-secondary educational system may prove to be challenging, but a lot of English as a second language (ESL) students decide to stay and pursue a post-secondary degree in Canada after their English studies. Here are some tips from students Rodrigo Palmeira and Lukas Vilar, as well as Ali Pahlavanlu, Student Advisor at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) English Language Institute (ELI). Palmeira is from Maceio and currently completing the Marketing Management Program at the British Columbia Intitute of Technology (BCIT). Vilar is also from Maceio and graduated from the International Studies Program at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in 2010.

Post-Secondary Application Process

Pahlavanlu says that the most important prerequisite to fulfill is the language requirement. He says students can take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or complete an English-level proficiency certificate.

However, Pahlavanlu cautions against cramming for the TOEFL or IELTS. He says many students receive good marks through cramming, but there are cases when students drop out of university after one year because they couldn’t handle the English environment.

From his experience, Vilar suggests ESL classes are a good foundation for students to develop their language skills. “However, studying at home and practicing English all the time is the best way to improve,” he says.

After the English requirement, Pahlavanlu says there is also the academic requirement — high school grades, which the university handles. Pahlavanlu believes that most post-secondary institutions would have similar requirements, but it’s best to check with the individual institutions.

Palmeira suggests researching schools, talking to people who are familiar with courses you might be interested in, and researching tuition fees and required documents before making a final decision on which school to go for.

Vilar says that applying for university in Canada is easy because all the information is online and easy to understand. “I find Canadian universities are well prepared to handle international students,” he says.

Aside from doing their own research, both students also sought the help of student advisors from the schools they were interested in applying to.

Once You Are Accepted

Palmeira says that compared to ESL, post-secondary education is more challenging. “The relationship between student and instructor is different…it’s another level,” he says.

Pahlavanlu encourages students to familiarize themselves with the Canadian university culture, and hone their study skills — doing homework and meeting deadlines.

For Vilar, studying at SFU was like a dream come true because he enjoyed his classes and making new friends, until the exams hit. “Language barriers, midterms, and final tests brought me back to reality,” he says.

Final Advice

Palmeira suggests that the most important thing is to ask yourself why you want to study in Canada. “Have clear ideas of why, as this decision will cost money and influence your life forever,” he says.

Similarly, Vilar says that the decision to study in Canada involves many aspects. He notes many students cannot handle being away from family and friends for four years. “A student has to be financially prepared and mentally prepared,” he says.