Safe, friendly, and beautiful, University of Victoria is Canada’s most charming school, and for good reason. As a younger university with a progressive reputation, UVic is recognized for its civic engagement, diverse student body, and lush natural beauty, with access to mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It’s ranked among the country’s top research institutions, attracting an international pool of researchers, educators, and students to its picturesque campus on Vancouver Island.
University of Victoria Virtual English Language Standalone Program
About the Program
Program Advisor
SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
None
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Physics,
Business, Economics & Finance,
Law,
Language, Linguistics & Cultural Studies
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Kyoko Hama
Online classes are mainly for two to four people to discuss the themes and content of the classroom lectures.
SAF Alumni
About the University
University of Victoria
This is a young university committed to economic wellbeing, technological advances, and social justice. Given degree-granting status in 1963, University of Victoria (UVic) accelerated to become one of Canada’s top research institutions, and it is widely recognized for its civic engagement. It is little surprise that UVic alumni include notable politicians, jurists, and founders of leading tech firms Hootsuite, Flickr, and Slack.
The charmingly supportive community reaches out virtually in this English language learning experience.
Learn more at University of Victoria's official website.
Academics
University of Victoria's Academic Approach
One of Canada’s most international universities, UVic creates a deep sense of belonging. As a language student, you’re always warmly welcomed into this vibrant, multicultural community.
Explore various methods of learning at UVic, from traditional classes to informal discussion, with one-on-one speaking practice from local volunteers to ensure a more immersive experience.
Placing a strong emphasis on discovery, innovation, and creativity, the university exposes you to a diversity of perspectives from indigenous communities and international academics alike—a rare and unique opportunity to understand Canadian culture.
Explore Beyond the Classroom
SAF Beyond the Classroom is a collection of services provided to students enrolled in virtual courses with SAF. Join weekly virtual classes exclusively available to SAF students to enhance your online coursework experience.
Participate in:
- Weekly discussion groups
- Virtual campus tours
- SAF-only university-hosted private virtual events
- Western culture experiences
- Expert lectures
- Career advice
- Trivia nights
- …and more
Students who successfully complete an SAF program receive a program completion certificate from SAF, alongside their Western universities completion certificates, and potentially can receive support in obtaining any recommendation letters from their professors.
Courses
You experience numerous methods of learning English and explore the type that best suits you. The university also offers:
- Access to the UVic library’s digital resources (journals, ebooks, etc.)
- Seamless transition to face-to-face ELPI
- Socio-cultural activities:
- Mix and mingle: Your course will begin with an online mixer activity to meet your new classmates
- Experience Victoria videos: Learn about Canadian students and Canadian living
- Café Social: Sign up for Café Social to meet in small groups along with an ELC staff member. Meet and practice your English with other students and native English speakers.
- Oh Canada!: Hear interesting events and stories about Canada to discuss in Café Social.
- End of course celebration: Enjoy a video greeting from the director of the English Language Centre to celebrate your accomplishments! Then enjoy a final goodbye with your friends.
- Certificate of Participation
- Record of Grade from one of Canada's top comprehensive universities
Course Registration
During orientation, you will come online before the class starts to test your equipment and to learn the virtual classroom platforms: Moodle and Zoom. ELC staff will show you the functions of the site and help you with any technical problems you may have so you can begin your classes without any difficulties.
SAF automatically enrolls in the courses set list in the program. The program is available to you whether you have a home university or not.
Classroom Hours
- four-week program (40 study hours total)
- 10 study hours / week
Online Courses: Courses designed to be asynchronous and designed expressly to be online
Under the careful guidance of your instructors, you are expected to do class work for about 10 hours per week. Instructors will assign tasks and provide flipped classroom learning for you to complete at a time your schedule allows.
Learning activities include watching lectures, taking notes, and completing assignments, viewing PowerPoint presentations as the teacher explains the content, contributing to online discussions, working on peer review assignments, and grammar / vocabulary practice activities. The synchronous and asynchronous parts of the program are clearly presented so you understand how they work together to support your language and academic skills development.
Your instructors will be available during office hours to help you with your questions about the course content, assignments, and activities.
Remote Courses: Courses designed for in-person instruction that are modified for online; may be synchronous
You meet online with your classmates and UVic instructors for weekly, one-hour synchronous sessions. You will participate in activities specifically designed to support and reinforce the independent lessons you have learned. During class time, you interact in real time with other students in the course, doing debate and discussion, group and pair work, and other academic speaking assignments.
These sessions may be recorded in case you miss a session or need to review material covered in a particular class.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
You will take the ELC’s English Proficiency Test (EPT) after registering for the course. Based on your EPT results, you will be placed in one of 5 class levels, from "Upper Beginner" (level 1) to "Advanced" (level 5).
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Virtual Programs
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
