Group Programs | Vancouver Island University (VIU)

Custom Designed Group Programs Year-Round

Vancouver Island University has over 20 years of experience in developing and implementing programs for groups of students or adults. We have the flexibility to custom-design programs to meet the needs of the clients or organizations. Programs vary in length and can range from one week to 14 weeks. It is recommended that the minimum group size is 10 participants but smaller groups can be accommodated. Students 13 years of age and older can be accommodated in either our high school or university programs.

Programs

Most group programs consist of 15 - 20 hours per week of English as a Second Language or English for Special Purposes, plus 2 or three activities per week (see sample schedule). Programs can be arranged in a number of areas, for example:

ESL/Language
Academic/Technical
Business
Sport
Culture
Drama
Tourism

Classes will be held at the main campus in Nanaimo but can also be arranged in the campuses in Duncan (45 minutes north of Victoria) and Powell River ( on the beautiful Sunshine Coast).

Participants will be issued a VIU Student card, which will allow them access to all the campus facilities (gymnasium, library, computer labs), as well as provide them with a number of discounts in the community.

Activities

Participants may take part in a number of activities that can include:

sightseeing
hiking
skiing/snowboarding
golfing
kayaking
tennis
canoeing
indoor rock climbing
ice skating

Full day excursions can also be arranged to:

Vancouver
Victoria
Long Beach

Accommodation

Most groups choose homestay accommodation, staying with a local family and experiencing the Canadian lifestyle and culture as this provides them with an opportunity to practice their English language skills. Participants are placed one or two per family depending on the availability of families at the time of group confirmation. All participants have their own room and are provided with an area for studying. The homestay family provides three meals per day.

During the summer months (May, June, July and August) arrangements can also be made for accommodation in the student residences [LINK TO STUDENT RESIDENCES PAGE] located on campus. Costs for this option is generally considerably higher than homestay.

Transportation

Participants staying in homestay will be responsible for daily return travel from their homes to Vancouver Island University. Some participants will be able to walk to the campus, others will need to take public transportation. Participants staying in our on-campus residences will have a short walk to classes.

For Students age 15 years and up
Minimum 10 participants per group

For information contact