Historical record
The original text is preserved below.
English for Academic Purposes:
The curriculum at CultureWorks prepares students for university, as well as career advancement. We also welcome students who wish only to improve their English for a short-term stay (three months), and return home. Even if you do not wish to study at a Canadian university, you can be assured that the quality of our program can help you meet your future needs.
Course work is culturally significant, and includes the renowned Canadian Studies program. Divided into distinct units, the course covers some of the most critical themes for students requiring a background about Canadian life. The units are chosen by the instructional team, with feedback provided by the university faculty. These units may include: Multiculturalism, Academic Culture, Government/Politics, Nature and the Environment, History, Canadian Identity, Geography/Demographics, Industry/Economy, and Life Skills.
Each unit spans three weeks, and involves two days of independent study or student group work, as well as a culminating instructor-led excursion. This structure uniquely prepares students for higher academic or professional situations.
The ESL program is divided into four levels. Each level requires twelve weeks to complete and corresponds to the Canadian Language Benchmarks as follows:
Intermediate Level Benchmarks 5-6
High-Intermediate Level Benchmarks 7-8
Advanced Level Benchmarks 9-10
High-Advanced Level Benchmarks 11-12+
Progression to the next level is based on achieving an academic score of over 80%, and meeting 80% of the non-academic requirements for each level.
At this time we do not offer a beginner course.
Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. and finish at 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Periods last fifty minutes, as per the university schedule.
Services:
As members of the university community, students at CultureWorks have access to all facilities and services at the University of Western Ontario, including the free shuttle service, access to the bookstores, libraries, tanning salon, travel agency, and computer stores.
Students are also able to obtain a campus recreation membership for approximately $8.00 per month. With this pass, students may utilize the swimming pool, aerobics classes, weight-lifting room, cardio room, tennis and racquetball courts. Intramural sports teams with Canadian students can also be joined.
Each student has access to the on-campus computer lab, with complimentary email and internet services Monday to Friday.
ESL Orientation:
To help welcome you to your new surroundings, all CultureWorks students take part in an ESL orientation day held the first day of a new session. Students begin the day with a speaking, listening, and writing test. Each student then receives an orientation booklet, containing information on: the UWO campus, CultureWorks policies, London transit, banking, things to do in London, city of London emergency numbers, travel contacts, community multicultural resources, multi-lingual doctors in London, walk-in clinics, sports facilities, visa requirement checklists, and more!
Following the orientation session, students are given the appropriate class schedules and textbooks. The group is then bused downtown by an ESL co-ordinator who will assist in making appointments to open accounts at the bank, purchase bus passes, and give general information on how to get home from downtown.
Community:
Some of our students participate in after school volunteer programs to practice their English. Both Brescia and King’s have resources available for students who are interested in volunteering in the London community.
Free Trial Day
CultureWorks offers all students currently in Canada a free trial day on campus prior to any commitment. Interested students should contact the Registrar at cultureworks@uwo.ca at least twenty-four hours in advance to arrange the day.
Fees and intake dates can be found on our website at www.culture-works.com.