Oxford Language School offers a variety of classes, a flexible schedule, and a wonderful chance to get to know Canada and its culture. At our language school, you will be placed in classes perfect for your needs, but you can change your subject simply by discussing it with our counselors. Start your adventure here, and it will last a lifetime.

The Difference Between ESL And English Classes

Instructors: ESL instructors have advanced degrees and practical training in applied linguistics, language acquisition, and second language teaching. This means that your ESL instructors are familiar with and prepared to work with your special needs in learning a second language. All ESL instructors have studied foreign languages; many have lived abroad and, as part of their training, have been international students themselves at one point of their lives, so they can identify with many of your common language acquisition difficulties and are, therefore, in a better position to help you..

Course Content: Although the academic goals of ESL and English classes are similar, ESL teachers interpret these goals differently. Anticipating what your non-native reading, vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, and writing concerns are, ESL instructors will prepare the course materials so that they can help you build upon your native language proficiency more easily. What does this mean? – Reading and discussion materials appeal to your varied cultural experiences.

- Small group work on a daily basis that allows you necessary practice in speaking and listening skills
- Special language techniques designed for non-native speakers (cloze, dictation, dicto-comp, jigsaw reading)
- Special focus on grammar errors most frequently made by non-native speakers (verb tenses, modals, adjective clauses, articles, usage)
- Instruction in vocabulary items and culturally bound terms that native speakers would have no difficulty in identifying
- Preparation for American academics and exposure to information about American culture.

Class Composition and Atmosphere: ESL courses are made up of non-native speakers only. This gives you a greater chance to interact with students who share similar goals in adjusting to a new system academically, socially, and culturally. ESL students find they have a great deal in common with other students in their ESL classes. ESL students usually feel more “at home” in a shared atmosphere of language learning. It is usually easier for ESL students to voice their opinions or ask questions more freely in an environment where “having an accent” is not the exception but the rule!

Some Typical Comments About ESL Classes From Current ESL Students

"In ESL classes we study general language, literature, and culture. Most important, we learn to develop our thoughts in English. In English classes you take the class but already know the language. That makes a great difference between English and ESL."
"In ESL classes I really learn how to study and learn in my other classes. A native speaker's stance to English is very different from ours."
"ESL classes are designed to help non-native speakers, so they are more language intensive. In my opinion, English teachers correct errors that are good for American students but not always that helpful to non-natives. Because most foreign students don’t know certain things about this country, the ESL class gives us the chance to get important information about Canada."

ESL classes are a bridge to higher learning in Canada !

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