This is a review for the Japanese General Level 1 language course…read more Currently halfway through the course (week 4) but so far, the course has been amazing! Class size maxes out at 10 people so classes are intimate and you get to know your fellow classmates. Apparently the course still runs if minimum 2 people are registered in the course! Price remains the same but it's considered semi-private lessons and are 1.5 hours long. If 3 or more people register, it goes back to being 2 hours long. Yoshiko, our instructor, is fabulous, always making sure we understand before moving on to the next part of the lesson. Classes are a blend of conversational and writing, 60/40 mix. For the Japanese General courses, they cover two chapters of GENKI I textbook (textbook has 12 chapters, good for the first 6 levels of Japanese at IH!). By the end of level 1, we are suppose to know hiragana, katakana and also be introduced to kanji! It's no cakewalk, do expect to put in some effort but it's totally worth it! I've taken many language courses in high school, undergrad and continuing ed (e.g. french, mandarin, latin) but this course is my favorite hands down! Because the course is during November/December session, it is only 7 weeks long instead of the regular 8 weeks (due to Christmas break). Regardless, 2 chapters are still going to be covered! Price is reasonable, $195+tax and textbook if you don't have your own copy (+ $75). In regards to the admin staff, I have had no problems with them. Course registration was painless, and they were able to provide me with an official invoice/receipt for work purposes. Overall I am extremely happy with the quality of language instruction and small intimate class sizes. It's also located at a convenient location downtown, close to Stadium-Chinatown skytrain station. That being said, I'm definitely continuing on to Level 2 in the new year =D

Took an intro Mandarin course thinking it'd be an easier transition coming from a Cantonese…read morebackground. The entire operation was pretty smooth from registration through to the end of the course. Registration online is easy. However, I would recommend that they differentiate International House Vancouver (ihvancouver.com) offering more than just language training -- homestays, volunteering, work experience, etc. from the modern languages area (languages-vancouver.com). Both are based out of the same office, but becomes confusing for those looking for just one or the other. A quick assessment test over the phone pretty much determines which level you would be appropriate for. The curricula are set up so that you can progress at your own pace since it is a rolling schedule. The classes themselves are small with (based on my observation) student-teacher ratios no more than 15:1. This is essential to getting enough attention from the teacher especially in the critical level 1 classes where you're learning the foundations of a language. Classes can be as small as 3 but I've never seen classes larger than 15. The instructors (which really make up the majority of your experience with the school) are great. I've only ever had one but the quality of instruction is on par with what you'd experience at a continuing ed course at a local college or university. The program also offers instructor feedback which indicates they take their quality of instruction seriously. I'm already signed up for level 2 but I encourage anyone looking to learn or improve their language skills to give IH a good hard look. They provide solid teaching & structured learning for good value vs. other institutions in the city.

I had studied CSLI for six months. I have three great experience to share with you…read more No 1. Every Friday, we have special Friday active. In March, I joined to go traveling in Whisler where is the one of famous ski area in North America. Before, I really really want to try to go bungee-jumping. But I didn't try it. This year, I went bungee-jumping in Whisler. That was very crazy and also fun. When you stand on the bridge of 550 ft, you really felt you almost die. When I jumped, I felt free and saw fabulous landscape. This experience I won't never forget ~~~ CSLI make my life be fairly exciting ~~~^^ No 2. CSLI's students come from different country in the world. I met someone who I like her. One day, she wanted to join the theatre contest. It is just a short show. You can team six people to show a short story for all of the CSLI people. She asked me that helped her to write a script. Oh my gosh!!!@@: I didn't have this kind of experience. But I like her. I don't want to make her sad. so.....I stayed up all night. Eventually, i had finished. Then, They got the Champion of the theatre contest. I was also happy. Power of love is the splendid energy in the world ~~~ CSLI give me a chance to meet someone I like. No 3. I won the Student of Month in August. This one will be proud of myself in my life. This is very big prize. Every month, school will select one of the best student. Your name will record on the Glory wall. It's most important that you will receive 4 weeks, full time, free class. In the other words, CSLI give you honor and more time to enjoy your Vancouver life. I really enjoy it, and you~^^

From the owner: Languages Across Borders (LAB) Vancouver is a highly respected, award-winning language school in…read moretrendy Yaletown, in the city's downtown. Canadian-owned and operated for more than 25 years, LAB Vancouver has provided quality and professional English classes for students from more than 103 countries, connecting all to the world with English. Offering a wide variety of English courses for all levels, LAB Vancouver's curriculum is diverse and designed to balance conversational and academic English. With an interactive teaching style and a variety of activities and social events, highly qualified teachers ensure your educational experience is fun and useful. Vancouver's dedicated staff creates a friendly environment that enables students to achieve their English goals while also making friends from around the world. Our goal is to create a home-away-from-home atmosphere and experience. Come in for a Free Trial Lesson and find out what makes our program so unique and sought after.

great school. downtown location dedicated teachers, award-winning school.read more

From the owner: Have an amazing life experience, move ahead in your career, or get into the international…read moreuniversity of your choice - where ever you want to go in life, we will help you get there! With Tamwood you'll learn key skills, develop your abilities, sharpen your talents and transform your life.

First time at the Alliance française in Vancouver. The new…read morebuilding was completed this summer and it looks amazing. Very modern and ecofriendly. There's a theatre, art studio, médiathèque/library, classrooms, a café/restaurant (though not opened yet) and an art gallery with exhibitions. I went there for the concert of french/mexican group Petite amie. A fun and and psychedelic concert. Very nice venue with comfy seats. The theatre is small so it made the concert quite intimate and special. Can't wait to be back to watch some movies as well.

This place sucks! Folks never ever waste your money at this place whether it's for any exam or…read moreclasses. Better find other alternatives or fly out to another province to take your exam. They are f******g money mongers and nothing more. Treat their test takers like trash!!!!! I wish I could give them a 0 or -5 if that was an option. Shame on you!

Angel Yuan is our teacher at Key Language. To catch up with group classes that had already started…read moreI had two one-on-one lessons, then joined the class. It was obvious from the first one-on-one session that she was a first class teacher. Angel standards are high, it reflects in the level of teaching! With a high competency in English, this transfers into making the Mandarin relevant for day to day use. The material from Key Language is detailed on the structure of the language, good vocabulary, and relevant exercises that push you, and enable you to bring together what is being taught in each module. Angel is an enthusiastic teacher, personable, patient, and thorough. I have come to realize that learning Chinese requires hard work, but it is not hard to learn! This 5 star review is fully earned, and justified.

Taking Mandarin this summer at Key Language Training was just the challenge I needed: learning a…read morenew language is exciting; the instructor was encouraging and helpful; the classroom size was intimate enough that you don't feel neglected; location was accessible; value is priceless. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! Thank you. Xie xie.

I think SSV is a very comfortable and friendly school. At first I'm shy but teachers helped me…read morerelax and encouraged me to speak. Before, I've never met such kind and nice teachers but in this school, i met them. So I am happy. I am satisfied with the class lessons because writing, speaking, reading, listening are studied. Giving me a lot of opportunities. The school is clean and there are a lot of computers. Everyday we have various activities we can attend with our friends. My friend graduated a month ago and her English skills improved a lot. Our teacher taught us a lot. Thank you Sol Schools Vancouver!

From the owner: Sol Schools International is a language teaching school located in Canada and the United States. We…read morealso hold programs to certify people for TEFL, TESL, and CELTA. These certificates are necessary to teach the English language locally or abroad.

I'm currently taking lessons with this school. I'm 53 so a bit older than the usual student. I've…read morehad mixed experience so far. Arzou is wonderful, patient, knowledgeable. But I found her some Ramin to be arrogant and quite frankly a bit of a bully. He's young though, so has time to learn how to deal with people. Perhaps he doesn't "like" "older white ladies". I don't know. But he needs to develop better social skills in order to deal with all types of people. All types of people need to drive.

Arzou is an excellent instructor. She prepared me for all the possible roads and condition during…read morethe road test. She has so much patience. She even took the time to draw roads and intersections and make notes for myself to keep working on them at home. I know I was not an easy student. If Arzou got me to pass. She is enabled to help everyone. The academy in general is very flexible with schedules and pick up and drop off places. 5 stars to Arzou