General English as a Second Language (ESL)

Description

This program helps you prepare for success in general English. You participate in introductory level English language courses in reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary, while also focusing on essential skills for success. Language learning is facilitated through classroom and technology-assisted learning, and an exploration of Canadian and intercultural contexts through everyday situations. You learn through group work, discussions, and experiential learning outside the classroom.

Career Opportunities 

While most students choose General ESL courses as a pathway to English for Academic Purposes (EAP), some graduates of the program may find employment in occupations requiring intermediate English language skills. Many graduates also transfer their acquired English language skills to career advancement and opportunities in other countries.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. use thinking, and self-management skills to complete tasks of a personal and academic nature;
2. employ English language in common written tasks;
3. comprehend information presented in a variety of forms;
4. use functional language in everyday interactions.

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026

Winter Intake

• Sem 1: Winter 2026
• Sem 2: Summer 2026

Summer Intake

• Sem 1: Summer 2026
• Sem 2: Fall 2026

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent

Additional Information

All incoming students will be required to take a Georgian College English for Academic Purposes placement test during orientation to determine appropriate level of study. Students may also submit TOEIC (only public tests will be accepted), IELTS, or TOEFL results to be used to determine placement. These scores must be received by Georgian College before the start of the semester. See below for scores required for direct entry using IELTS or TOEFL.

IELTS (academic) for direct entry to Georgian College ESL

ITELSEAPC Admissions

Overall IELTS Score	Writing and Speaking Requirements Minimums	Georgian College EAPC Entry Level
4.0-4.5	4.5	4
3.5	4.0	3
3.0	3.5	2
2.5	3.0	1

TOEFL for direct entry to Georgian College ESL

TOEFL EAPC Admissions

Overal TOEFL Score	Writing Requirement Minimum	Speaking Requirement Minimum	Georgian College EAPC Entry Level
26-30	8	11	4
19-25	6	8	3
10-18	4	5	2
0-9	2.5	2.5	1

Graduation Requirements

4 Program Courses: Level 1
4 Program Courses: Level 2
4 Program Courses: Level 3
4 Program Courses: Level 4

Graduation Eligibility

Students must successfully complete all required courses as noted below. Further details, if applicable, are noted under "Additional Information" above.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses - Level 1
ESLG 0101	Writing and Grammar 1	42
ESLG 0102	Speaking and Listening 1	42
ESLG 0103	Reading and Vocabulary 1	42
ESLG 0104	Survival English	28
Program Courses - Level 2
ESLG 0201	Writing and Grammar 2	42
ESLG 0202	Speaking and Listening 2	42
ESLG 0203	Reading and Vocabulary 2	42
ESLG 0204	Social English	28
	Hours	308
Semester 2
Program Courses - Level 3
ESLG 0301	Writing and Grammar 3	42
ESLG 0302	Speaking and Listening 3	42
ESLG 0303	Reading and Vocabulary 3	42
ESLG 0304	Canadian Culture	28
Program Courses - Level 4
ESLG 0401	Writing and Grammar 4	42
ESLG 0402	Speaking and Listening 4	42
ESLG 0403	Reading and Vocabulary 4	42
ESLG 0404	Introduction to Digital Media	28
	Hours	308
	Total Hours	616

Graduation Window

Students registered in part-time studies programs must maintain continuous registration in order to complete the program according to the curriculum in place at the time they were admitted. Students who do not remain continuously registered must be readmitted to the program and follow the new curriculum.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.