Program Information

In this section you can find answers to many frequently asked questions about the programs offered by Queen's School of English.  

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) & Canadian English Experience (CEE)

Is there any benefit in taking the CEE program prior to the EAP?

Some students will choose to enroll in the CEE program prior to studying in the EAP program to help get acclimatized to being at Queen’s and in Kingston.

How do I know what level I will be in?

Queen’s School of English provides a thorough test before the first day of classes, which will determine your placement at the appropriate level. To remain in the program, you must obtain an average of at least 50 percent. In order to advance to the next level, you must receive a certificate in the previous level. A final mark of 65 per cent and no failed classes will earn you a certificate.

I really want a program that will improve my oral/aural skills: Is this program right for me?

Our intensive programs are based on student immersion and development of the integration of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in a communicative and professional context. Individually and in groups, students will demonstrate an increasing control of the grammatical structures of English both orally and in writing.

I already know my English level, do I still need to be tested?

Students should be aware that program levels may not be consistent with other institutions either in other countries or in Canada. All institutions have their own curriculum and marking/level standards. For example, if you completed an Intermediate level at an institution in Vancouver, you may place at an Elementary level or an Advanced level at Queen's University.

Business Internship Program (BIP)

Who should consider joining the BIP and becoming an intern?

Candidates with the following profile should consider joining the BIP and becoming an intern:

• Advanced level of English with a TOEFL score of 71 iBT or the equivalent;
• Desire to learn professional etiquette and appropriate workplace communication;
• Interest in sharing their own experiences and either gaining or broadening their experiences in a Canadian workplace environment;
• Future plans to use English either at work or at university

What are QSoE’s responsibilities within the Business Internship Program?

Within the Business Internship Program, QSoE is responsible for the following:

• Matching and liaison between, the Intern and the Workplace Host
• Delivery of the classroom portion of the program
• Regular visits to the workplace to provide support

What are the responsibilities of an intern?

During the work placement, the interns’ responsibilities are as follows:

• To work the assigned hours as determined by the workplace host and QSoE;
• To be flexible and to meet all assigned tasks with enthusiasm;
• To offer a fresh perspective to the workplace by sharing information on international business culture and expectations;
• To treat the internship with the same degree of professionalism and seriousness as an employee of an organization.

What are the responsibilities of the workplace hosts?

During the work placement, the Work Place Hosts' responsibilities are as follows:

• To provide a supervised, safe and supportive workplace;
• To provide training and mentoring on site as needed;
• To provide opportunities for the intern to communicate with other staff members and customers;
• To provide a letter of reference to the successful intern at the end of the program

Attendance (Going to Classes)

Can I arrive late for my program?

If there is an unavoidable and valid reason for a student to be late, Queen's School of English (QSoE) will allow no more than one week’s delay. If you arrive late for your program, there are some important dates and fees that you need to know.

• Students must write the English placement test and be in class no later than the Tuesday of week two at 8am. It is your responsibility to be aware of the specific dates and to communicate your situation in advance with QSoE.
• Although you may miss up to seven (7) days for the EAP and BIP programs and three (3) days for the CEE programs, as pre-arranged with QSoE; the absences accumulated during this period will count as total time missed in class. All missed hours will be recorded.
• Students are responsible for completing the missed work in class.

Students who arrive late for registration must pay a late registration fee of $50 (CAD). Students who need to make special arrangements to write the English placement test (due to late arrival or other reasons) must pay an additional testing fee of $50 (CAD) payable by debit (bank) card or credit card only.

What happens if I miss classes due to an illness or personal matter?

Attendance in all classes is an essential requirement of all of our programs and absences will directly affect your final mark. If you miss class due to an illness or another important matter, it is your responsibility to contact your teacher and to make the necessary arrangements to finish the work missed in class. The teacher is not required to provide make-up work.

Transcripts and Grades

Official transcripts

Official transcripts, required for applications to universities and colleges, must be ordered through the Registrar’s Office at Queen’s. A charge may apply.

Unofficial transcripts (Printing your Grades)

If you would simply like proof of your registration, and a printout of your grades, in order to extend your Study Permit, you may download an unofficial transcript using the SOLUS Student Centre.