Pacific Language Institute

PLI has been operating in Vancouver since 1988 and they have developed a reputation for their high academic standards. They offer year round programs for adult learners and provide a unique opportunity to learn English in an international atmosphere.

Location:
PLI has two locations in Vancouver at 755 Burrard St. and 1030 West Georgia. Located in Vancouver’s downtown core, both locations are easily accessible by Skytrain from Burrard Station and by local buses.

Programs:

General English:
This General English Program offers communication skills classes, as well as specific skills options at all levels. Students can choose to study 10, 20, 30 or 40 hours per week. Each class is 2 hours per day, five days a week and are available in both the morning and the afternoon. Students will be given a schedule based on the results of their placement tests and class availability. Communication skills classes focus on useful, conversational English. Specific skills options include classes ranging from pronunciation to vocabulary building to reading and writing.

Exam Preparation Programs:
PLI offers TOEFL, TOEIC and Cambridge preparation classes. Students wanting to take the TOEFL preparation class need to have a high intermediate to advanced English level. The class can be taken either 20 or 30 hours per week. The TOEIC class requires a level of intermediate or higher. There are several different types of Cambridge Prep including IELTS training. Classes are offered 25 hours a week in packages of 10 to 12 weeks.

Business English:
PLI’s business English course is divided into three levels based on students needs and is for students with a background or interest in business.

University or College Preparation:
This program is designed for advanced students who want to take courses or a degree program at a North American university or college. An academic skills course is combined with advanced writing & reading and/or another course. Students can choose to study 20 to 30 hours per week.

Students and Facilities:

Building Description:
Both of PLI’s Vancouver locations are new and modern. The school has large classrooms fully equipped with textbooks, dictionaries, reference books, tape recorders and VCRs.

Average class size:
10-12 Students per class

Average student age:
Over 18 years of age

Computer Lab:
PLI has a computer lab with free access to Internet and e-mail.

Lounge:
PLI has a large student lounge with free coffee and tea for students. There are microwaves, refrigerators and vending machines.

EMCI Recommends:
The PLI is an academic school and we recommend it for students who are serious about improving all of their English skills. PLI’s curriculum is structured and more focused on grammar and accuracy than other schools that are strictly for improving conversational fluency. At PLI, student s will be given homework each day and will take tests every week. PLI is not recommended for the casual learner who is just in Vancouver to have fun.