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English Programs Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need to study ESL before I take EAP?
How is EAP different from ESL classes?
How is grammar incorporated in an EAP class?
How do students acquire new vocabulary in an EAP classroom?
How is the EAP class structured?
Do students get their own materials to work on?
What is the atmosphere of an EAP classroom like?
Are EAP teachers qualified to teach English to international students?
What is the next step after taking the EAP class?

Q. Do I need to study ESL before I take EAP?

A. No. Our EAP program can accommodate students from lower beginner levels all the way to advanced levels. Whether you are a new learner of English or you possess advanced language skills, you can find a class that suits your needs.

Q. How is EAP different from ESL classes?

A. The EAP class is similar to regular ESL classes, but more focused. ESL classes focus on building survival English language skills, while EAP classes focus on building a range of academic skills needed for future studies or professional work. For example, in a regular ESL speaking class the conversations are mainly about daily events such as buying clothes or giving directions, etc. However, in an EAP speaking class the presentations or debate topics focus on global issues such as climate change.

Q. How is grammar incorporated in an EAP class?

A. In an EAP class grammar is considered to be an important part of English language learning and constitutes a significant part of the EAP curriculum. We continuously encourage students to apply proper grammar, particularly to their spoken and written English.

Q. How do students acquire new vocabulary in an EAP classroom?

A. Our teachers—together with a well-constructed curriculum—always incorporate innovative ways of teaching vocabulary. Depending on the topic and level of difficulty, students learn vocabulary by: guessing meaning from context, using dictionaries, cue cards, picture dictionaries, and in real life settings.

Q. How is the EAP class structured?

A. The EAP class covers all four English skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Our morning classes are mainly focusing on listening and reading and our afternoon classes on speaking and writing.

Q. Do students get their own materials to work on?

A. YES. Depending on the level of students, our EAP classes incorporate between three to four different books. At the beginning of each week students are given new binders with the materials needed for that particular week.

Q. What is the atmosphere of an EAP classroom like?

A. The EAP classroom atmosphere at VGC is academic, but at the same time it is fun and interactive. For each task there is a number of diverse activities related to the topic and materials taught.

Q. Are EAP teachers qualified to teach English to international students?

A. Yes. All our teachers have a bachelor's degree in English and either a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) or CELTA (Cambridge English Language Teaching Accreditation) Certificate. Also, many of our teachers have a master's degree in TESL or TEFL.

Q. What is the next step after taking the EAP class?

A. The next step after EAP depends on what your future plans are. If you are planning to continue your studies at a university or college in an English speaking country, you could take specific English language tests, such as TOEFL and IELTS. If you are heading into the work field, the EAP courses will enable you to incorporate English fluently into your work field.