Ryerson ESLFoundation Program

The Ryerson ESL Foundation Program (RESLFP) is designed for students who are academically qualified to apply for admission to a Ryerson University undergraduate degree program but do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements. It offers intensive English language and academic skills instruction combined with undergraduate course work. Students who successfully complete the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program are admitted to Ryerson degree programs with at least one undergraduate course credit and a strong foundation for academic success.

Toronto Located next to Yonge-Dundas Square, a hub for concerts, festivals, and special events, Ryerson is in the heart of it all. Whether you’re on campus or exploring the downtown core, Toronto will electrify your senses. You see it in the city’s constant activity and dazzling architecture. You taste it in the flavours of Toronto’s diverse culinary offerings.An hour from Niagara Falls and the US border, Toronto has: • Canada’s leading companies and organizations in research and development• Headquarters of Canada’s major television, radio, and media companies • Canada’s primary business, fashion and design districts

“When I arrived in Canada I went to Tim Horton’s to get a sandwich. I ordered and the waitress smiled at me and asked – “bacon or sausage?” I said “yes” and smiled back. She asked me, “do you want both?” I felt awkward and I didn’t understand. Now I can communicate with more fluency. Now I can order a sandwich and write an essay”

– Tristan Shen, China,Mathematics and its Applications

Ryerson University Ryerson University is a culturally diverse campus that attracts more than 38,000 creative, dynamic, and ambitious students from over 140 countries. We offer you an education that combines academic rigour with relevant, practical experience in an innovative learning environment. At Ryerson, you have access to:• Degrees in professional, business, engineering, architecture, arts, and science programs in six

faculties. You get the academic and practical skills to achieve your future career goals.• Small class sizes• Many programs offer work-study opportunities• Strong links with industry leaders• A modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a lively, urban location

What I gained from the program. I became more independent, academically and personally. I went into the program unsure and came out like an undergraduate student. I was able to think critically and speak with other people. I felt ready to do this. I was not just getting ready for school; I was getting ready for the city and this new society.

– Sarah Teng, Mauritius,Business

Management

Why choose the RESLFP?• Advance your English language proficiency with full-time intensive academic instruction in

reading, writing, speaking, and listening • Develop academic and career-relevant skills to help you succeed as an undergraduate

student • Learn from experienced instructors who tailor teaching to individual needs• Receive guaranteed admission to a Ryerson undergraduate degree program upon

successful completion of the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program • Earn up to three university course credits towards your chosen degree program • Complete your English proficiency requirements for admission; no further testing is

required* • Access all of Ryerson’s extensive student support services including personal, professional

and academic advising• Benefit from a full-time RESLFP support system • Get involved in extracurricular activities on campus and in Toronto• Build relationships with RESLFP graduates and dedicated upper-year Ryerson students from

Canada and around the world, creating support networks, and connecting with Ryerson student groups, services, and opportunities

• Receive a comprehensive health insurance package including dental, medical, hospital and emergency services

• Complimentary airport pickup service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to your Toronto accommodation

* Some Ryerson undergraduate programs require a communication/ writing test. The Ryerson ESL Foundation Program will prepare you to write these tests.

“I learned a lot in the Ryerson ESL

Foundation Program. I

improved my academic skills,

and I have felt more confident to communicate with

native speakers. It is really a great

experience to study here with instructors and

classmates, while becoming more familiar

with the Ryerson Campus.”

– Raymond Wang, China, Sociology

What makes us unique?• Over 90% of our students successfully complete the program• Small class sizes• Focus on interaction and extensive practise in class• Individualized curriculum supported by current technology• Experiential learning activities built into each unit • Specialized workshops designed to support success at Ryerson• Opportunities to gain Canadian work/volunteer experience• Peer Mentorship Program to connect to other Ryerson students• Full-time undergraduate student status at Ryerson

Schedule From August to December and January to April, Ryerson ESL Foundation Program students complete two 12-week terms of English for Academic Purposes. RESLFP students study in a number of workshops that emphasize the acquisition of university-level vocabulary, critical thinking and analytical skills. Students typically have class from Monday-Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Our instructors use a theme-based approach and incorporate best practices and up-to-date resources in RESLFP classrooms to optimize student learning. RESLFP students take part in experiential learning activities, visiting small businesses, entrepreneurial centers, and museums around the campus and city, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Centre for Social Innovation, local markets, and other important institutions in Toronto. These experiences are supported and further developed in the Ryerson Success Workshop, a weekly co-curricular course designed to provide students with the academic and life skills necessary for undergraduate success.

In the second term, students will also take an undergraduate degree course, Language and Identity as part of the curriculum. This writing-intensive course explores how language use reflects social identities. Through academic readings, the course helps students improve their knowledge of written and spoken English and express themselves effectively – both orally and in writing – at the university level. This course counts as credit towards all Ryerson undergraduate programs. Students who achieve strong results in the Fall term may be allowed to enroll in up to two additional degree credits*in the Winter term, such as Microeconomics, Psychology, Accounting, Print Media, Marketing, and Biology.

* Ryerson University is semestered; one credit equals one single-term course.

Your Learning ExperienceThe Ryerson ESL Foundation Program uses an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructional program developed by the Faculty of Arts’ Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, in collaboration with The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. Our experts keep current in the field of language acquisition and pedagogy and are constantly enhancing the RESLFP curriculum and student learning experience.

“The ESL Foundation Program is helpful for students who want to start university, who have just graduated from high school, and are coming from overseas. All first-year students experience difficulties, so can you imagine how hard it would for a student who came from overseas? I’m happy that the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program made my transition easy, emotionally and academically. The RESLFP was not only school for us. In the Ryerson Success Workshop we also learned how to communicate with people from different backgrounds. I really benefited from this because I’m from Kazakhstan; therefore people in Canada seemed very different. I would not find approaching people so easy without their help.” – Albina Fatykova,

Kazakhstan, Biomedical

Science

Student LifeThe Ryerson ESL Foundation Program is a pathway program into both undergraduate study and life in Toronto and Canada. Student life in the RESLFP means connecting with other students, experiencing Canadian life, and becoming part of the Ryerson community. In-class and after school projects, programs and events help you make the most of your time at Ryerson.

Highlights • Orientation Week includes

concerts, barbeques, and community building activities. You will connect with students from Canada and around the world

• Volunteer opportunities available through the RESLFP and Ryerson provide unforgettable memories and Canadian experience for job readiness

• The Ryerson Success Workshop (RSW) combines academic, personal, and professional development for students. Includes important topics such as problem-solving, study strategies, and job search tips

• The RESLFP Peer Mentor team plans exciting off-campus events that help students get to know Toronto and all that our multicultural city has to offer. Trips include the St. Lawrence Market, Ripley’s Aquarium, a Toronto Raptors basketball game, and more

• Join the RESLFP Student Committee which offers hands-on event planning experience and a chance to develop essential leadership skills.

Tuition Tuition for the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program includes two terms of full-time study and up to three university-level degree credit courses. Textbooks, course-related materials, specialized Ryerson ESL Foundation Program services, airport pick-up, academic and career advising, peer mentorship, and cultural immersion events are also included. As a full-time Ryerson student, you will also have access to all services offered on campus. For more information on tuition and fees, please contact us at eslfoundation@ryerson.ca

My English improved every day. I built my social network and got to know the city better. I had really good relationships with teachers who taught us not only what was in the text book but also life skills like how to make friends with Canadian students, and how to start conversations – it was really useful for me”

– Cassie He, China, Hospitality and Tourism

Management

Applying to the Ryerson ESL Foundation ProgramTo be eligible for Ryerson ESL Foundation Program consideration, you must be academically qualified and competitive for admission to the undergraduate degree you wish to pursue. You will be offered placement in the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program based on your academic qualifications, subject to competition. Upon successful completion of the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program, you will enroll in your selected degree program. Throughout the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program, your progress will be assessed so that you can identify areas for improvement. For detailed information about Ryerson’s undergraduate degree program admission requirements, visit www.ryerson.ca/undergraduate/admission, or call 416.979.5036.

WHEN TO APPLY In order to receive a guaranteed consideration of your application, you must apply with complete documentation, no later than JUNE 1. Applications received after this date will be considered subject to space.

MINIMUM ENGLISH PROFICIENCY SCORES FOR RYERSON ESL FOUNDATION PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONTEST Ryerson ESL Foundation Program Ryerson Admission Ryerson Program Variations

Admission Minimum Score Minimum Score

CAEL 50 70 60 – all Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science programs except Architectural Science; all Faculty of Science programs except Computer Science

IELTS 5.0 6.5

MELAB 70 85 90 – Faculty of Communication and Design: Journalism; Radio and Television

PEARSON 50 60

TOEFL iBT 68 92 83 – all Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science programs except Architectural Science; all Faculty of Science programs except Computer Science

TOEFL PBT 520 580 560 – all Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science programs except Architectural Science; all Faculty of Science programs except Computer Science

HOW TO APPLY Step 1: Submit your application Applicants to the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program must apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Applications are available at www.ouac.on.ca. The program code for the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program is SFP. If you are a current Ontario secondary school student, you will apply on the 101 application. If you are not a current Ontario secondary school student, you will apply on the 105 application. When you apply to the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program, you must also select the `Subject of Major Interest’, which is the undergraduate degree program you would like to pursue after successful completion of the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program. To do this, use the drop-down box that lists all of Ryerson’s Grades-Only programs (Level 1, four-year programs only). Step 2: Submit required documents Transcripts: If you applied on the 101 application prior to June 1 as indicated above, your grades will be submitted by your guidance office to the OUAC. See www.ryerson.ca/undergraduate/admission/apply for details. If you applied on the 105 application as indicated in Step 1, you are required to upload your documents, where applicable, via our Document Upload page. If you are unable to upload your documents, please submit them as indicated below:English Proficiency Test Score: You are required to submit an official minimum English Proficiency test score for the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program from one of the recognized tests listed above. See “Application Information” at www.ryerson.ca/ce/eslfoundation for detailed information about specific program variations. For more information on how to apply please see “Ready to Apply” at www.ryerson.ca/ce/eslfoundationPlease note that higher English Proficiency test scores may be required subject to competition and that Ryerson reserves the right to limit the number of Ryerson ESL Foundation program students receiving admission guarantees to any one program, in keeping with the University’s overall enrolment objectives.

Student SupportThe Ryerson ESL Foundation program staff is dedicated to ensuring that students achieve their academic, personal and professional goals. Through regular meetings with program staff, students receive person guidance and support on their transition to Canada and to Ryerson, navigating the university system, and setting and achieving their goals. RESLFP program staff members professional experience in student development, immigration and settlement, leadership development and supporting international students.RESLFP students are full-time Ryerson University students and have access to all the services, resources and opportunities at Ryerson including:• Ryerson’s International Student Support

centre, which provides services designed to assist you with your unique transition needs, including immigration advising, health insurance support, and events and activities.

• Membership to the Ryerson Athletic Centre (RAC) and new Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC), which offer fitness facilities, classes, and intramural sports teams for all levels of ability.

• An on-campus medical clinic that offers services such as treatment of illnesses and injuries, physical examinations, and immunizations.

On-Campus Housing International students are given special consideration for spaces in one of Ryerson’s three on-campus residence complexes – the International Living and Learning Centre (ILLC), O’Keefe House (OKF), and Pitman Hall (PIT). Residence meal plans also allow you to purchase food from multiple locations across campus.

Off-Campus Housing Ryerson’s Housing Registry offers tools to assist international students in finding available off-campus accommodations in the Toronto area. We provide housing listings, phone and web access, maps of transit services and neighbourhoods, and help with any questions you have about living in Toronto.

Upcoming Summer Intensive English Programming Join us for a Summer Intensive English Program (IEP) connecting students from around the world with Ryerson’s world class education and innovative campus. The program builds on interactive English language teaching methods and a student-centred programming approach, furthering Ryerson’s agenda of innovation and entrepreneurship, programming may also include project work with a partnering faculty, and trips to Ryerson’s Digital Media Zone (DMZ), Centre for Urban Energy (CUE), and Image Arts Centre depending on students’ interests and needs. To support students’ cultural experience, on-campus housing and recreation facilities will be provided, along with a network of Peer Mentors and experienced program staff and instructors.

BenefitsIn addition to the theme-based intensive English workshops, participants will enjoy:• studying in our contemporary campus in the heart of Canada’s largest and most

multicultural city • the convenience of on-campus accommodations with daily breakfast and lunch included• access to on-campus resources and services such as the gym and medical centre• connecting with current Ryerson students through our Peer Mentor program• experiencing innovation in progress at our Digital Media Zone (DMZ) and the Centre

for Urban Energy (CUE), which are dedicated to the advancement of technology and entrepreneurship

• exploring downtown Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through facilitated cultural and social activities

The program also includes:• 24-hour support• Health and Medical Insurance• A complimentary airport pickup and drop-off service• All textbooks and materials

“I used so many supports from Peer Mentors and my teachers. My teachers supported me in an educational way and my Peer Mentors supported me in an emotional way”

– Buke Irak, Turkey, International Economics

and Finance

Ryerson ESLFoundation Program

To find out more about the Ryerson ESL Foundation Program visit ryerson.ca/ce/eslfoundationPhone: 416.979.5000, ext. 7588Email: eslfoundation@ryerson.ca

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