A little over a year ago, the Office of Open Learning resumed full responsibility for the program. Courses are now taught on campus with University-employed ESL teachers. As new students enrol each month, their English skills are evaluated to determine the appropriate placement level in the program. Many students enrol in several sessions, and courses run year-round. They spend about six hours a day, five days a week, studying English - reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar.
Courses emphasize conversation, presentation skills and integration into Canadian society.
The students also enjoy the same privileges as other U of G students, including library access, e-mail accounts and Internet access, computer use and academic counselling. In addition, there are optional excursions to places like Toronto and Niagara Falls, as well as cultural, sports and tour events. They come here because they're interested in the programs Guelph has to offer. Ameen Abdelkariem is one such student. The Sudan native chose Guelph's program because he was interested in studying agriculture and learning about animals.