Academic English Program
Academic English is essential for preparing learners for the rigorous academic demands of university level courses. A specialized academic English course goes far beyond a general understanding of everyday English as it focuses on the development of complex language features and academic skills that are necessary to be successful in completing an academic program at the university level.
Course Description
Offered at both our Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, the academic English program are designed to prepare learners for academic studies and who do not meet Lakehead University’s English language requirements. These programs target all four language areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking as well as important academic skills such as enhanced critical thinking abilities, proficient research skills, effective academic writing and presentations skills and a solid foundation in academic integrity and ethics. Other skills that students will develop and expand in these programs, include but are not limited to:
identifying features and structures of abstracts,
evaluating objectivity in a text,
identifying types of sources,
recognizing a writer’s stance,
using navigational language to understand a lecture,
understanding visual data in a presentation,
using lecture notes and visuals effectively,
preparing and participating in seminar discussions,
planning, researching and delivering academic presentations, and
writing academic research essays on a variety of topics.
Using Kolb’s (1984) Cycle of Experiential Learning (concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation), the Academic English Programs introduce students to an experiential approach to learning to engage students in direct and meaningful experiences to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop their capacity to contribute to the wider community.
The 3 academic English programs' streams range from beginning (Levels 1 and 2), intermediate (levels 3 and 4) to advanced (level 5). Students are required to complete the online iTEP placement test or submit a Lakehead University accepted proficiency test score (no older than 2 years) such as IELTS or TOFEL to determine which level they will begin their academic English program. If a student does not possess a current English proficiency score, they can take the ELC online placement test. If you would like to take the placement test, please fill out the Placement Test Form. When we receive the payment, we will send the test instructions along with the test login information. If you have any questions, please email international.english@lakeheadu.ca.
Below are the 5 levels of the Academic English Programs, as well as the English proficiency required for each level.
| Program Dates |
2024Fall: September 9 - December 13 2025Winter: January 13 - April 18 Spring / Summer: May 5 - August 1 Summer: June 23 - August 22 (Intensive Academic English Program 5) Fall: September 8 - December 12 2026Winter AEP: January 12 - April 17 Spring / Summer AEP: May 4 - July 31 Summer IAEP: June 22 - August 21 (Intensive Academic English Program 5) Fall AEP: September 8 - December 11 |
| Required Fees |
Application Fee*: $50 CAD *only applies to applicants who want to take AEP only and are not degree bound or Confederation College bound. Academic English Program and Intensive Academic English Program Tuition: $5,200 CAD per semester (tuition only) Placement Test Fee (if required): iTEP Academic Plus - AEP $120 CAD Test measures the four skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening The test can be taken either on site or remotely. Academic Courses: Auditing Fees: Accommodation: Medical Insurance: Ancillary Fees: Bus Pass: |
| Housing |
| Sample Schedule |
A typical week in our in-person Academic English Program balances class time learning English with cultural excursions and free time, allowing you to learn about our city and culture as well as practice your English skills. Our online Academic English Program is a combination of synchronous (live lessons) and asynchronous (independent work). A typical day includes 3 hours of synchronous lessons starting at 7:00 am and 2 hours of asynchronous, independent work. Each week in the program introduces you to brand new experiences. Here is just a sample of what you could expect as an Academic English Program student: Virtual Learning (Online) Model Sample Schedule
*ELC runs additional custom programming that supports ELC learners to practice their AEP skills in a practical setting. Lakehead Campus Events Calendar In-Person Learning Model Sample Schedule
Some of the types of cultural excursions you could look forward to include:
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| Apply to the Academic English Program |
The application process for our Academic English Program (AEP) varies depending on what academic program (if any) you will be taking:
Click Here for Application Instructions for AEP If you are unsure or have questions, contact us and we can help. Please let us know if you would like to join online or in person after applying to the program by emailing us at international.english@lakeheadu.ca. Phone: +1 (807) 343-8110 ext. 7888 |
