English language skills
English as a Second Language (ESOL) Language School
If you are a non-native English speaker with little formal education, there are many ESOL programmes available in Wellington where you can gain English language skills in order to bridge into a University Preparation Programme.
See your local telephone directory for more information.
English Proficiency Programme (EPP)
Susana
"EPP is not the 'typical' English course... You will develop important skills that are required in a global world."
If your first language is not English and you have an intermediate or advanced knowledge of English, this intensive English language study programme may be suitable for you.
This twelve-week programme of intensive English language study aims to develop writing, reading, listening and speaking skills for academic study.
Susana - Student Profile
Be confident that you can do it!
I left my auditing job in Spain to be part of the EPP course at Victoria. I can now write with greater accuracy, speak more fluently and express my opinions on controversial subjects! Also, EPP taught me the essential tools for effective communication. Now, I am confident to work in an international environment.
EPP is not the 'typical' English course, here you can learn how make a presentation, how to follow a lecture and how to write and read formal documentation in a foreign language. You will develop important skills that are required in a global world.
The English Proficiency Programme improves your performance in:
- reading and listening to complex information
- taking an active part in discussions
- expressing complex ideas and facts through speech and writing
- becoming an independent learner of English
Eid - Student Profile
University in New Zealand isn’t the same as university in my home country, Saudi Arabia, where I have my undergraduate degree from. Even how an essay is written is different. Arabic sentences are far longer than English ones.
The EPP programme gave me a safe place to learn the differences and to get used to how fast New Zealanders speak! I was given enough time to concentrate on my weaknesses. Everyone in the EPP class is learning how to live in a new country as well as complete their assignments.
My advice to new students is to take responsibility for your learning and don’t be discouraged if you fail. Even making mistakes is learning.
Eid
"Everyone in the EPP class is learning how to live in a new country as well as complete their assignments."
You can join the programme three times a year, in March, July and November.
School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies
Phone 0-4-463 5600
Email: lals@vuw.ac.nz
Website: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/lals/eli/english-proficiency-programme.aspx
Foundation Studies
If you are a non-native English speaker with strong school qualifications, but are short of Entrance level, this two-trimester (full year) preparatory programme aims to improve English language and academic skills.
Jack
In the Foundation programme, "You will have an idea of what to expect before you start."
Jack - Student Profile
Ever since I was young, I have wanted to be a cancer researcher. To do this, I needed to study biomedical science. I looked at different universities and in the end chose Victoria. I am from China and to gain New Zealand university entrance I needed to do the Foundation Programme. I was surprised that one of my favourite papers in the Foundation programme was New Zealand literature.
Within the programme you will be able to do papers that relate to the bachelors degree you are aiming to do. This means you will have an idea of what to expect before you start.
It is important to find a course of study that fits your beliefs because this will make you optimistic even when your studies aren’t easy.
Victoria University of Wellington’s Foundation Studies Programme is an intensive eight-month programme designed to give you the English language, academic and study skills that you will need to gain entry to university and to succeed in your undergraduate study.
Victoria University’s Foundation Studies Programme offers:
- A curriculum that develops your independent learning and critical thinking skills to help you succeed at university
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Flexible course choices which include:
- Courses that will improve your academic English
- Courses that will give you the computer and information literacy skills that you need for university study
- Courses that give you an understanding of New Zealand life, history and culture
- Courses that give you specific subject knowledge as a pathway to your chosen degree
Rahma - Student Profile
The Foundation Course helped me to know what to do and where to go. Wellington is a long way and very different from my home country Somalia. I can thank the helpful teachers for improving my English and teaching me about New Zealand politics, literature and history.
My advice is to not spend all your time studying. I made friends with my classmates. This means I know people from all over the world. My horizons have broadened and I have an understanding of many different cultures.
Rahma
"The Foundation Course helped me to know what to do and where to go."
You can join the programme three times a year – February, June and October.
NOTE: There are no more places available for domestic students in 2011.
Foundation Studies
Ian Masters, Director
39 Donald St, Karori
Phone: 04 463 9672
Email: foundation-studies@vuw.ac.nz
Website: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/international/study-options/Foundation/courses.aspx
Writing in ESL
WRIT 151
If you are a degree-ready non-native English speaker who would like to improve your English writing skills, this course could be suitable for you.
This 20 point degree-level course on responding to texts and developing critical arguments in writing has an emphasis on addressing problems faced by second language writers.
School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies
Phone: 04 463 5600
Email: lals@vuw.ac.nz
Website: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/lals/courses/WRIT-151.aspx