Vancouver language schools to expand your horizons
Whether you're going on a trip, expanding your horizons or just want to understand what your overseas relatives are saying about you, language lessons can help. From English to Mandarin, German, Spanish, Japanese or Farsi, there is a world of languages being spoken in Vancouver and here's where you can go to get in on the conversation. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Christopher Futcher]
International House Vancouver
2001-88 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 6N9Open to students of all ages and experience levels, the modern language courses offered at International House Vancouver include Arabic, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin. Small classes, one-on-one tutoring and children's programs are available, so you can opt for what best suits your needs and learning style. Experienced instructors are all native speakers in their respective languages and a supportive and encouraging atmosphere helps to ensure success for all students.
VGC Education
411 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L4Newcomers to Vancouver can enjoy an immersive educational experience at this centrally located school. The Global English curriculum incorporates everyday English with academic English for a well-rounded and natural approach to ESL instruction. Cultural events, activities and outings in VGC's Canadian Experience program encourage students to have fun and get to know the city while still challenging themselves to learn and improve their language skills.
Vancouver German Language Centre
10670 Westside Dr, Delta, BC V4C 1R4The Vancouver German Language Centre offers a number of classes at the SFU downtown campus, in partnership with the Goethe-Institut. Whether you're new to German or need basic conversational skills for travelling, these courses can help. Each consists of two 50-minute classes, twice a week, for nine weeks. Topic-specific classes are also offered if there’s sufficient demand, and students can pay to sit Goethe-Institut examinations A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. Classes take place at the Harbour Centre at 515 West Hastings St.
Eurocentres Vancouver
250-815 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6C 1B4If you're looking for ESL instruction in Vancouver, you can trust the thorough and personalized lessons offered at Eurocentres. Class size never exceeds 14 students, so teachers are able to maintain effective one-on-one guidance and support. Lessons can be purchased in two-week blocks up to 22-week blocks. The school is accredited by Languages Canada and is also an official IELTS Test Centre.
Inlingua
300-150 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2Part of the 300+ school chain of inlingua International Schools of Languages, the Vancouver campus offers quality English instruction by experienced teachers. The curriculum is built around the "inlingua method" of direct communication through speaking, to encourage quick and effective comprehension. An English-only policy is enforced to foster an immersive learning environment for students, with small rewards offered as encouragement (and penalties for non-compliance).
Pacific Language Institute (Vancouver) Inc
300-755 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1X6A variety of English courses are offered at Kaplan, from basic Vacation English to a University Foundation Course. The 16-classroom school is centrally located in downtown Vancouver and features two computer labs, a student lounge, and proximity to the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library if you prefer to study off-campus. Monthly social activities are planned to encourage students to learn more about the city while practicing their English skills.
Hola Spanish Centre
206-223 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P5When you're ready to expand your Spanish-language knowledge from the few words you've picked up on Dora the Explorer, Hola Spanish Centre is ready to help. The experienced instructors are university-educated, native Spanish-speakers and the courses are designed to teach students to communicate effectively in everyday situations. From beginner to advanced, all levels of experience are welcome.
Language Studies International
200-806 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5Conveniently located close to transit and other amenities downtown, LSI Vancouver's facilities include modern classrooms, a computer lab and a common room for students. A number of English courses are available, with everything from general to academic to executive streams. Carefully selected instructors provide friendly and focused lessons designed to strengthen English speaking skills in students of all experience levels.
