Promoted by Dalhousie University

Study English in Canada: Why students should learn English at Dalhousie University

Partner Content

English is not only the global language of business, it’s also the world’s lingua franca.

Current estimates are that approximately 20 percent of the Earth’s population speak English, while many of the world’s top universities are also English-speaking. To truly remain competitive in an increasingly globalized world, students will need to master their command of the English language. Studying at a university where English is the language of instruction is the ideal way to achieve both academic success and English proficiency for a future career.

Dalhousie University offers English Language preparation for students – namely, the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program and the Summer English in Canada program – these help students learn to communicate in English. The university is located in Halifax, Canada – a multicultural city in a country where people welcome diversity. The prospect of studying English on Canada’s east coast is enticing for prospective students; here, you can live and study by the ocean and enjoy a lower cost of living than the costs in Canada’s larger cities like Vancouver or Toronto.

Dalhousie boasts a culturally diverse student body with more than 4,000 international students from over 115 countries. Its world-renowned academic programs are spread across four campuses (three in Halifax and one about 1 hour’s drive away), while the university’s membership in the U15 cements its status as one of the country’s leading research-intensive universities. Dalhousie is a comprehensive university with a huge range of academic programs, from health and ocean science to business and computer science.

With Dalhousie’s stellar reputation, studying English in Halifax makes perfect sense.

Here are the top five reasons to study English at Dalhousie:

1. The EAP (English for Academic Purposes) Program is designed for students who value academic success

Dalhousie’s EAP Program is full-time and intensive, preparing students to meet their English language requirements. Students study for three to 12 months to improve their academic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, all the while immersing themselves in Canadian culture in the vibrant city of Halifax.

2. Learn from highly qualified instructors

Dalhousie’s staff are highly qualified and have Master’s and PhDs. Courses teach students the academic English skills they’ll need upon entering their degree.

3. One of the world’s most internationalized universities

Dalhousie prides itself on its global connections, which enhance the quality and impact of education and research at local, national and international levels. Key areas of internationalization include strengthening strategic international partnerships worldwide, supporting student mobility for studying at Dalhousie or abroad, and recruiting students faculty and staff from around the world.

4. Halifax is known for its friendliness

Despite being a small city, Halifax is home to big-city amenities, and stands among the country’s most welcoming cities (a Rough Guides survey dubbed Halifax Canada’s friendliest city). There are numerous indoor and outdoor attractions to cater to varied interests. Shoppers can go to boutiques and waterfront shops, try different restaurants and go bar hopping, visit museums, go boating or paddle boarding, attend jazz festivals, among many other activities. Halifax has it all, ensuring the student experience is nothing short of positive.

5. Students don’t need to take the IELTS

EAP, which is held throughout the year, also satisfies the language proficiency requirement for entry into Dalhousie’s Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral programs, saving students the trouble (and time) of taking their IELTS or TOEFL.

Summer English in Canada

Dalhousie’s Summer English in Canada program is an English immersion experience that blends English Language classes with special university-level courses. This gives students the chance to experience a ‘real’ Canadian university.

Here, students complement theory with practice, attending classes during the day. After class and on weekends, students take trips to the beach, museums and art galleries, go whale watching, bike riding, roller skating, play soccer and take part in Canada’s summer celebrations.

Here are the top five reasons to choose from Dalhousie’s Summer English in Canada program:

1. Students have daily English language classes.

Students will attend English language classes (ESL Communication) focused on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills from 9am to 12.15pm, and then take an elective course from 1.30pm to 4pm.

2. Choose from one of the many academic courses taught in English

Students can choose from a host of academic afternoon classes that cater to your needs and interests:

English in Use
Web Development
Marine Biology
Nova Scotia Landscapes
Engineering
Teaching in English
Business Communication
Chronic Conditions Management
Introduction to Sustainability

3. All-in-one price, food, transport and adventures

Course fees per person are CAD$3,500, which covers your tuition, learning materials, access to the course management system, academic outings, accommodation, meal plan, WiFi access, health insurance, city bus pass for unlimited local use, and various weekend activities and trips.

4. Halifax has a moderate climate and clean natural environment

Halifax is also home to historic landmarks and a moderate climate. Summers here are not too hot and winters not too cold, making skiing and skating opportunities in the winter super fun affairs! Meanwhile, the city is also known for its clean shorelines and streets, so students can enjoy studying in a clean environment set against stunning landscapes.

5. The Dalhousie campus is located 15 minutes from the ocean

As a coastal city, Halifax is known for its charming natural attractions and is home to beautiful and secluded beaches located a short distance from campus. Halifax also boasts a scenic waterfront where numerous events, including food festivals and street performances, are held throughout the year.

Interested? Find out more information on Dalhousie’s ESL programmes here. You can also look for Dalhousie University at the EduCanada Fairs in Lima, Quito, Guayaquil, Santiago and Panama City in September.

Follow Dalhousie University on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube