Seneca International Student Website ELI - Frequently Asked Questions  
 
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Did You Know

1. The ELI has 3 highly innovative language labs. In fact, visitors come from all over the world to see these digital labs and to study how they are used in the ELI.


2. The ELI graduates approximately 400 students per year. Most of these students continue post secondary studies at Seneca and are successful in their programmes. Many students continue with university studies or post-diploma studies.


3. All ELI professors are university graduates with TESL certification and have experience abroad. Many have Masters or PHD's in TESL or Applied Linguistics.


4. The ELI has its own Ontario and Canada-certified TESL program, where university graduates learn to teach ESL. These graduates go on to successful careers teaching ESL all over the world.

5. The ELI has run ESL schools in other countries such as Mexico, Chile and China.


6. ELI students have many opportunities to travel around Toronto, Ontario and Canada on trips organized by the International Student Services Department.


7. The ELI has a highly diverse staff who speak Spanish, French, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Serbo-Croatian, Russian, German, Italian, Farsi, Japanese, Greek, and of course, English.


8. The ELI offers free evening tutorials for one-on-one help in writing, pronunciation and grammar. The tutorials are on a walk-in basis from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday and are run by ELI professors. On Fridays, there is a movie tutorial, where you can watch the latest movies with an ELI professor and all your friends.


How long will I stay in the ELI before I can start my program?
It all depends on what level you start at. There are 8 levels in the ELI. Each level takes 7 weeks to complete. When you arrive in the ELI, you take a placement test to see which level you should start at. At the end of each level, there is a final exam that you must pass before you go to the next level. When you finish Level 8, you can start your full time program.

How many hours of English will I study every week?
At levels 1 - 5, you will study 20 hours of English per week, and you will practice your English for approximately 5 hours a week in the language lab. This is a total of 25 hours per week. At levels 6 - 8, you will study 16 hours of English per week and you will study a College subject from your program. You will receive a College credit for this program. You will also study approximately 5 hours per week in the language lab. This is a total of 25 - 27 hours per week.

Will I study only English?
In addition to ESL, you will study Internet Skills, Study Skills, Presentation Skills, Power Point, Arts Appreciation, Canadian Culture and Research Skills. You will also go on field trips in Toronto with your professors. At Levels 6, 7 and 8, you will also study a College subject like Accounting, Computers, Marketing, Canadian History, etc.

Will my timetable be the same every day?
You will have a College timetable: every day will be different. Monday you might start at 10:00 and finish at 3:00 with a lunch break. Tuesday you might start at 9:00 and finish at 3:00 with a lunch break. Wednesday you might only have to study for 3 hours. Thursday you might start in the afternoon and finish at 6:00. The ELI has many different timetables for each level. You will be able to find a timetable that suits you.

What happens when I finish Level 8?
When you finish Level 8, you will receive a Certificate of Standing from the ELI. You will be automatically registered in your program at Seneca College. You will not have to take another English test.

Can I start my post secondary studies before I finish Level 8?
If you receive a TOEFL test score of 550 (213 CBT) you can start your post secondary studies before you finish Level 8.

What kind of placement test will I take in the ELI?
The placement test is called the TOEIC Test (Test of English for International Communication). This is a two-hour multiple-choice test. There is a 45-minute listening test and a 75-minute reading test. You will receive an official TOEIC Test score that you can use all over the world.

Why do I have to arrive at Seneca the week before classes to take the placement test?
It takes about one week to adapt to your new environment. During that week, you do much more than take the test. The International Department will give you an Orientation so that you can find your way around the campus. They will give you a city tour of Toronto, take you to the bank, teach you how to take public transport, and much, much more. This is a very important week for you.

Does each level last exactly 7 weeks?
Levels 1 - 7 last 7 weeks. For students starting Level 8 in January, May or September, Level 8 lasts 14 weeks. These students will take 8 hours of English per week, 5 lab hours and 3 College subjects for credit for a total of 25 - 27 hours per week. For students starting Level 8 in March, July, or November, Level 8 lasts 7 weeks. These students will take 16 hours of English and 5 lab hours per week with one College subject for credit for a total of 25-27 hours per week.

Is there any chance to skip (jump) levels?
A new student can skip a level if the recommendation comes from his/her professors within the first week of class. Honour students (students who receive 90% or higher in both ESL subjects at the end of the session) can also skip a level.

How many students are there in one class?
There are approximately 15 - 22 students in one class.

What happens if I have a problem when I am in the ELI and I want to speak to someone?
The ELI has highly trained staff members who come from all over the world. There will be someone who can speak your language and help you solve the problem.

Can I graduate from the ELI and enter into a Post Diploma program?
In order to get into a Post Diploma program, you must have a 580 (237 CBT) TOEFL test score or a 6.5 IELTS test score.

Can I work part-time (off campus - 20 hours per week) after studying at the ELI for more than 6 months?
Unfortunately, no. The Off-Campus Work Permit Program is ONLY offered to students studying in a Seneca professional career program.

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