English Innovation Programs

Learn English at Lakehead!


English Innovation Programs– where language meets innovation at Lakehead University. Our programs are custom-built to fit your needs, focusing on key tracks like: university English immersion, career growth and global skills, engineering, business, science and technology, and exploring different cultures.

Get ready to boost your skills with our dynamic courses designed to help you succeed in your chosen field. Whether you're into engineering, business, or tech, our unique way of teaching English for specific purposes will give you the language tools you need to thrive in today's competitive world.

Join us on an exciting journey as we dive into language and culture, giving you the confidence to communicate effectively in any professional setting. From mastering technical terms to improving your cross-cultural communication, our programs are here to support you every step of the way.

Come be part of our lively community of learners dedicated to expanding their understanding of language and culture in a university setting. With English Innovation Programs, "the sky's the limit" – kickstart your future today!

Lakehead University's English Innovation Program starts with a thematic package that allows you to customize your experience. Short-term programs are available throughout the summer and academic year. Follow the steps below to create your own program.

Create your own program


The English Innovation Program Foundation

Every English Innovation Program begins with:

  • Placement test (if no official English proficiency score is provided).
  • Health insurance (Guard.me)
  • Airport pick-up
  • Check-in process assistance at on-campus residence
  • Meal plan: 3 meals from Monday to Friday and 2 meals (brunch and dinner) on weekends.
  • Student ID card.
  • Orientation session.
  • Events & activities, including transportation to the events and activities.
  • Public transit pass (Thunder Bay and Orillia city).
  • 20-25 hours a week of instruction.
  • Up to 15 hours of cultural and recreational experiences.
  • Course materials.
  • A micro credential certificate from Lakehead University.
  • Graduation ceremony.
  • Final Report/Transcript.
  • Airport drop-off

Note:

  • Minimum 15 students per session; Individuals/Groups may be combined to meet minimum enrolment.
  • Activities during free time are at your own expense.
English Innovation Program Themes

At the heart of the English Innovation Program is the ability to study English within a specific theme or profession. Some of our most popular themes for the EIP English language instruction and cultural excursions include:

  • University English Immersion Track 
  • Enhancing Global Competence with English Language Learning and Career Development Track
  • Innovation, Leadership and English for Engineering Track
  • Innovation, Leadership and English for Business Track
  • Innovation, Leadership and English for Applied Sciences and Technology Track
  • Global Leaders Program

Customized themes are available upon request.

Add-On Excursions and Experiences

In addition to the wide variety of experiences built into the EIP, there is the option to expand your exploration of Canada's sites and attractions through add-ons to enhance your experience in the English Innovation Program:

  • Toronto Experience Package: CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, Kensington Market (Orillia campus)
  • Niagara Experience: Maid of the Mist, Clifton Hill Museums, Marineland and Game Farm, Behind the Falls Experience (Orillia campus)
  • Canada Day celebration (Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses)
  • A guided tour of the downtown museum or art gallery (Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses)
  • A nature hike at Kakabeka Falls (Thunder Bay campus)
  • Attending a Thunderwolves hockey game (Thunder Bay campuses)
  • Skiing at Mount Baldy or Blue Mountain (Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses)
  • Additional add-ons are available at an added cost, are subject to regional offerings, and are fully customizable.

English Innovation Program students at Niagara

Program Length & Start Dates

The English Innovation Program offers a pre-developed 2-week, 3-week or 4-week immersive experience. We can work with groups to customize program lengths based on their needs.

Start Dates:

2025 dates coming soon.

Our English Innovation Programs offer regular start dates throughout the year. We can also negotiate customized program intake dates for groups.

Please contact Lilliana Lopez, ELC Short-term Programs Coordinator to discuss your preferred dates: e:llopez@lakeheadu.ca p:+1 (807) 343 8110 ext. 7876

View our Refund and Cancellation Policy here.

Admission Requirements

The English Innovation Program does not have any specific academic admission requirements.

In order to maximize your learning, and to take full advantage of the benefits of the EIP, participants should be 18 years of age or older. We recommend that each participant have a general English language foundation (e.g. minimum IELTS score of 5.0). 

Students without a language proficiency score can take an a placement test offered by the English Language Centre.

Sample Schedule

A typical week in the English Innovation 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. Each week in the program introduces you to brand new experiences. Here is just a sample of what you could expect as an English Innovation Program student:

Schedule for EIP Sample

Some curricular activities you could look forward to include:

  • engaging workshops
  • connecting with esteemed faculty members who share your interests for personalized guidance and access to university resources
  • gaining real-world communication experience through guest speakers and group projects
  • gaining meaningful volunteer experiences in the local community
Pricing

The English Innovation Program offers one of the best value-added short-term English language experiences in Canada. Individual and group pricing is dependent on all of the program and add-on options. 

 Program Cost per Student

2 weeks - $2,495

3 weeks - $3,695

4 weeks - $4,665

For more information on the program, including pricing, please contact Lilliana Lopez, ELC Short-term Programs Coordinator.

Email: llopez@lakeheadu.ca

+1 807 343 8010, ext. 7876

lakeheadu.ca/english-innovation-programs

Note: $250 non-refundable deposit due at time of application.

Apply Now

Click here to apply!

Student Testimonial


English Innovation Program Student

"Lakehead gave me the confidence to develop my English skills...It was an incredible experience!"

María del Carmen Zamudio Bautista
English Innovation Program Participant
Currently studying Mechatronic Engineering, Universidad Politécnica del Valle de México

"Lakehead's programs are not only about teaching you what you need to learn but about being prepared for life, especially a life far away from home in the case of the international students. Definitely, Lakehead became my home away from home.

Studying at Lakehead was important because there I found a multicultural place with valuable people who helped me to enjoy learning English. They gave me the confidence to develop my English skills and to not being afraid of making mistakes when I was trying to express myself in a language that is new to me. It was an incredible experience!

The activities in my English lessons were fantastic. 5 hours per day studying English seemed to be a lot, but my professor was always doing different activities with us, so we were learning without noticing it. Boredom was not included in our vocabulary.

Lakehead offers so many different activities aside from English classes like dancing lessons, visits to the most prominent places in the city including the Thunder Bay Museum, hiking and the most spectacular landscapes and views I've ever seen. Those activities help you to take a look into Canada's history, help you to interact with Canadians and learn more about them.

EIP Posters


English

English innovation [programs brochure cover in English

Mandarin

English innovation [programs brochure cover in Mandarin

Korean

English innovation [programs brochure cover in Korean