Are you worried about low English language test scores on the IELTS or TOEFL, or meeting other academic requirements needed to study abroad in Canada? You worked incredibly hard and received good grades, but perhaps you need a little extra help to meet the demands of international education in Canada.
Good news! There are two different types of pathway programs offered by Canadian schools that can help: English pathway programs and academic pathway programs. We’ll explore both below, and explain how they can help you achieve your educational goals.
English Pathway Programs
Want to avoid taking an English language test, such as TOEFL or IELTS? Did you receive an overall language test score that was too low to satisfy your desired college or university’s eligibility requirements? An English pathway program might be a great next step.
English pathway programs are offered by private language schools in Canada, such as the English School of Canada in Toronto, Ontario, or Upper Madison College in Toronto. These language schools often have agreements with colleges and universities—both public and private—which allow the successful completion of an English pathway program to meet a school’s minimum English language requirement.
Some colleges and universities also offer English pathway opportunities. One of these programs is the General English at Renison program at Renison University College in Waterloo, Ontario.
While there is no academic credit awarded for completing an English language pathway program like there is with academic pathways, you’ll reap the rewards of a more immersive English language experience.
Benefits of English Pathway Programs
Enrolling in an English pathway program in Canada can have many benefits. Here are just a few of them:
- Meet a program’s English language requirements without taking an English language test like IELTS or TOEFL
- Develop your English language skills in a way that’s not possible by studying for an English language test
- The time you spend in an English pathway program gives you a chance to adapt to Canadian culture before starting college or university
Academic Pathway Programs
Like English pathways, academic pathway programs also help international students prepare to meet the demands of higher education in Canada. However, academic pathway programs differ because they allow international students an opportunity to study the equivalent of first-year academic classes on an actual university or college campus.
Many institutions offer academic pathway programs, including:
- College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s, Newfoundland
- Fraser International College in Burnaby, British Columbia
- International College of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Academic pathway program students benefit from smaller class sizes. A typical academic pathway class has 35 students, compared to 300 or more in a standard first-year university or college class. The classes include only international students, allowing you to join a community of other students studying in Canada. Instructors are also trained to work with international students and will help you engage effectively with the course material.
While there is some language support, the focus of academic pathway programs is on academic credit. After your first year, you will have completed the equivalent of a first-year academic course load. Then, you will be ready to transition into the second year of your program at the host college or university.
Benefits of Academic Pathway Programs
Here are some of the benefits of enrolling in an academic pathway program in Canada:
- Study directly on campus, and take advantage of its facilities, including on-campus housing, libraries, and student clubs
- Meet a community of other international students who are studying abroad
- With a high student-teacher ratio, you will receive the personalized attention you need to help you excel in Canadian academia
- Academic pathway programs don’t add time or expense to the cost of completing a program, including traditional four-year bachelor’s degrees
