VanWest College hosts the 2009 BC TEAL Sessions

On Saturday November 14, VanWest College had the pleasure of hosting the 2009 annual BC TEAL Fall Sessions. BC TEAL (British Columbia Teachers of English as an Additional Language) provides professional development and support to educators in the ESL industry across the province.

Approximately 60 teachers from various institutions gathered at VanWest College to learn more about cultural literacy, academic success, field trips, ESL assessment processes, international standardized testing, visual and verbal learning, pronunciation and much more. VanWest was pleased to have one of our own teachers, Jennifer Peachey from VanWest Kelowna, present on Field Trips: So Much More Than Just Getting Out of the Classroom. As promised, Jen’s session notes are available on her blog, Peachey TESL Blog. Sarah Fleming from Simon Fraser University delivered the plenary talk titled What Were You Thinking? Theory and Practice Meet in Language Classrooms; an informative and practical session on linking theory and practice.

Thanks to BC TEAL and to all who attended, participated, volunteered and shared ideas and concepts.

“Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.” – Japanese proverb

For more photos, please visit VanWest College on Flickr!

Michael Galli, President of BC TEAL, and Luiza Levy, a helpful volunteer, at VanWest College on November 14, 2009.

VanWest Cambridge Student’s Testimonial

Dario Denzler (Left) took a FCE Cambridge program at VanWest Vancouver, and he got an A in the FCE Cambridge Exam.

First of all, I want to thank my 4 lovely teachers Jen, Clyde, Vlad, and Rob! Because of you, I could achieve my goal and pass the FCE in grade A! Thank you SO MUCH!

Even though, it was school, and in with all honesty, I do not like school that much, it was always a pleasure to come to VanWest College every day. The atmosphere in the classes was just great, what made studying a lot easier for me. To get prepared for the FCE exam in 10 weeks means, there is no time to waste, but I couldn’t feel pressure at all, there was always time for a little chat or game if we were burned out of all the grammar and needed a little break to get a clear mind again. My teachers were also willing to stay sometime after school if I had questions about a topic I didn’t understand during the day and I think you can’t find this in every school. Thumbs up!

The mood between the students was also marvelous. Always good for a joke or even for a more serious chat if there was something that bothered you. It just felt like I knew these guys and girls for much longer that I actually did. I also liked that there were many different people from different backgrounds. It was just interesting to meet people from all over the world and have fun together. Love ya’ll=)

Besides classes at school, there were a lot of activities after doing your “JOB”. Going out with teachers, having dinner in a delicious restaurant or just grab a beer in a pub…there was always something important…to HAVE FUN!

Thank you for your great message, Dario!

The next starting date of our Cambridge program is September 14th. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@vanwest.com.

TOEIC class

Today we would like to give you information about our TOEIC class.

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) measures the ability of non-native English-speaking people to use English in everyday work activities.

Our TOEIC course helps students to learn strategies to improve their score on the TOEIC test.

Jennifer is the teacher of this class.  She has been teaching at VanWest Vancouver for over five years and she is a very helpful teacher.  Her TOEIC class is one of our most popular classes and she always gives very clear answers to any questions from students.  In this class, you will learn how to use new vocabulary and you will review grammar problems.  You can also take practice TOEIC tests to help improve your score and English skills.

Our TOEIC class not only improves your TOEIC score, but also improves your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills!!

If you’re not sure, please book a trial lesson at VanWest College!!

Here is a comment from Cloe (left), a TOEIC student at VanWest:

Last month, I chose the TOEIC class because I wanted to improve my Grammar.  While studying TOEIC, I also learned vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills.

Jennifer taught us English using various interesting games.  It made me understand easily what I learned on that day.  Sometimes, I had to work with my classmates.  I learned more than I expected through cooperation with my classmates.

On the last day, I took a TOEIC test so I could find out how much my TOEIC score improved.

Anyway, I enjoyed the TOEIC class.  It was interesting and helped me to improve my English ability.  That’s why I chose it this month again!!

For more information, please visit http://vanwest.com/programs.htm#toeic, or contact us.