General English
The world grows larger when you can understand and communicate in English. As you improve your English skills, new opportunities and life experiences will be waiting for you. Our General English program will expand your horizon by helping you improve in all areas of English communication. You can choose between five courses, depending on your preferred location, and how much time per week you would like to invest in your learning experience.
You should take this course if:
- • Your English level is between beginner and advanced
- • You want to improve your overall fluency for daily usage
- • You use English in a variety of settings and want to improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
- • You want to join interesting elective courses and fun social activities
- • You are ready to benefit from a strictly English-speaking environment – in school and outside
Toronto & Vancouver
Intensive (36 lessons per week)
This intense and fast-paced course is designed for students who want to accelerate their English learning effectively and fast, focus on specific language skills, and improve their overall fluency.
Includes: Essential English Class, Elective Classes, English for Real Life class
Learn Fast (32 lessons per week)
Ideal for students who want to accelerate their English learning, focus on specific language skills, and improve their overall fluency.
Includes: Essential English Class, Special Interest Classes, English for Real Life Class
Toronto Campus Only: Options to select Sparta Speaking as your Special Interest classes
Skill Builder (28 lessons per week)
Ideal for students who want to improve their overall fluency and build specific language skills.
Includes: Essential English Class, Special Interest Classes
Whistler
Core 28: Winter Schedule (28 lessons per week)
Basic 20: Winter Schedule (20 lessons per week)
Core 28: Summer Schedule (28 lessons per week)
Basic 20: Summer Schedule (20 lessons per week)
Class Descriptions
Essential English Skills Class (All Courses, Levels 2-7)
Master the Basics
In this class, you will learn and practice all the skills you need to understand and communicate in English including listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, vocabulary, idioms, and grammar. You will also learn the common phrases and expressions that native speakers use.
Elective Classes (Toronto & Vancouver)*
Improve Your Skills in Specific Areas
Improve your skills in specific areas. Our special interest elective classes will help you strengthen your abilities in the areas you are most interested in or need extra practice.
Class Options
Conversation, Pronunciation & Vocabulary (Levels 3-7)
Grammar (Levels 3-5)
Focus on Speaking (Level 2-7)—Toronto Only
Listening & Speaking (Levels 2-7)
Reading & Writing (Levels 2-7)
Pronunciation (Levels 2-7)
*Electives offered on a rotating basis and not all electives are offered in all periods and on both campuses.
English for Real Life Class (Intensive & Core 20 Students Only)
The More You Practice, The More You Learn!
You will solidify the skills learned in your morning classes through interactive activities such as conversations, discussions, debates, and role play.
The focus is on fluency and functional communication skills. You will read about, listen to, research, and write about interesting personal, local, and social issues using TV, newspapers, the internet, and social media.
This class is fun, effective and very popular!
Program Outcomes
From this program, you will…
- • Gain fluency and confidence in using English on a daily basis in speaking and writing
- • Enlarge vocabulary and increase reading speed and comprehension
- • Learn the correct usage of English grammar in writing and speaking
- • Enhance self-esteem, independence, and organizing ability
- • Make new international friends and develop intercultural awareness
- • Experience the North American culture firsthand
- • Have an amazing international experience!
A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of studies.
Progress at a rate of one level every 12 weeks. How? Find out more about our Tamwood Learning Guarantee.
Pricing Breakdown
Starting from $340 CAD per week. Want a discounted price?
Optional add-ons include accommodation, airport transfers, and health insurance.
Talk to one of our consultants for more information about each course.
Admission Requirements
Age: By the time applicants plan to finish their program, they must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for the program at Vancouver Campus and at least 16 years old for Whistler and Toronto campuses.
English Level: Beginner to Advanced (Tamwood Level 2 or Higher)*. You should be open to learning in an intercultural environment and motivated to use English with your teachers and peers. The language of instruction will be English only but staff is available for most common languages.
Documents: You must have a valid passport and be eligible to enter Canada as a tourist or as a student. For up to 6 months, you will need either a tourist visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or in some cases, only your passport. For a program duration of longer than 6 months, you will have to apply for a study permit. Check with travel authorization you need here or get in touch with one of our consultants.
*Students will take a written and speaking test on their first day for suitable placement in classes.
Available Services
English Acceleration Workshops (Toronto & Vancouver):
Every Friday afternoon you can participate in free interactive workshops designed to help you learn more quickly and improve your English knowledge and skills.
Workshop topics include:
✓ Back to basics
✓ Canadian Culture
✓ Confusing Words
✓ English Through Songs
✓ English Through TV
✓ Fun with Vocabulary
✓ Grammar Fun
✓ Power Speaking 1 & 2
✓ Pronunciation Practice
✓ Read & Discuss
✓ What does that say
✓ Games
Personal Coaching
If you study at Tamwood for more than 4 weeks, you can use our free personal coaching service. A teacher will work with you 1-on-1 to focus on your goals and help make a plan to achieve them through practice and exercises that you can do outside of class.
Accommodations
If you want to have housing arranged pre-departure for either the whole duration of your course or only the beginning, then you can book high-quality accommodation through Tamwood, view our price list here or get a quote by clicking the button at the bottom of this page.
Homestay:
- • Carefully screened, English-speaking homestay families
- • Fully furnished private rooms with either private or shared bathrooms
- • Three meal options: Full-Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), Half-Board (breakfast and dinner), No Meals
- • High-speed wireless internet and laundry facilities available
Social Activities
Tamwood offers exciting experiences outside the classroom to help you discover Canada. Enjoy fun activities in and around Vancouver, Whistler, and Toronto with your new friends from around the world. You’ll take part in social events, sports and activities, sightseeing, spectator sports, cultural experiences, shopping, and dining.
Activities vary by campus and by week and may include:
Board Games
Day Trips
Food & Fun
Hiking
Karaoke
Language Exchange
Movie Nights
Museums
Night Out
Pub Crawls
Festivals & Holidays
Shopping
Sightseeing
Sports
& Many More!
Students who want to improve their leadership skills can volunteer to become a Tamwood Ranger and help to lead Tamwood activities.
Meet The Teacher(s)
Anu Mathias
Related work experience:
I have over 15 years of comprehensive experience in ESL curriculum planning and content development and delivery, ESL Train the Trainer programs, project management, and product quality control. I have worked for Tamwood for over 5 years as an ESL teacher, curriculum developer, and program manager. I have taught English in India, Japan, and the UK to students from diverse backgrounds and age groups. I have a Master’s Degree in English Literature and Bachelor’s in Education along with TESOL certification.
Why do you recommend it?
Great teachers, well-rounded curriculum, loads of practice
Barbara Mietti
Related work experience:
10 years of experience teaching EFL/ESL to children, teenagers, and adults. Tamwood General English program is a great program that leads students towards fluency, by strengthening their listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills combined with how these skills are used in their daily lives.
Why do you recommend it?
I recommended it because it’s a program ministered by capable professionals who have students’ best interests in mind, and Tamwood is a place where students can definitely make beautiful friendships and important connections.
Bill Situ
Related work experience:
Has been teaching English to students of various ages and proficiency levels since 2015.
“This program gives me the rare chance to meet and instruct students from all corners of the globe, allowing me to learn about diverse cultures while sharing my passion for English.”
“Students may come from different regions, but they all like-minded individuals who are dedicated to excelling in their English studies.”
Why do you recommend it?
There are very few programs with a student population as diverse as this one. This program is truly very global and brings together students of different nationalities who share the common goal of learning English.
George Ivals
Related work experience:
I have worked abroad and in Canada as an ESL teacher for 28 years.
“Students who take the Level 3 Course will develop the ability to communicate in English in various everyday situations.”
“The Level 3 Course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to use English in all four skill areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.”
Why do you recommend it?
I recommend the Level 3 Course because it provides the students with a solid base for communicating in English.
Neill Lockley
Related work experience:
I have been teaching English for over twenty years, and I enjoy studying languages, too.
Our class is relaxed and fun. The best way to learn a language is to put yourself out there. Do your best!
Why do you recommend it?
Learning a new language expands your mind and your horizons. It can change your life forever.
Philip Morris
Related work experience:
Over 30 years of direct international experience, with a proven and passionate ability to develop, and implement strategic project management programs; plan and organize numerous special workshops and seminar events.
I am here to empower International students to be enriched with the knowledge of English as the “universal” language of all mankind.
Why do you recommend it?
I recommend it because the world can speak and understand with one voice.
Rick Phan
Related work experience:
A responsible professional with 7 years of ESL experience in Canada, China, and Vietnam. Ability to integrate scientific-educational methodologies, pedagogical philosophies, and instructional techniques to create an interdisciplinary learning experience.
Why do you recommend it?
The learning topics are diverse, and the material is very relevant to today’s society.
