March 30, 2022

The Laurier English and Academic Foundation Program, or LEAF Program, is an English-proficiency pathway program to undergraduate studies at Laurier. The program will help you build the academic English skills you need to be successful in university, but it also offers you so much more. Here are five reasons why you should study in the LEAF Program: 

1. You’ll get more than a test score. 

There are lots of tests you can take – like IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL and more – to get a score showing your English proficiency. But that’s all you get – a test score. In the LEAF Program, you’ll build the English skills you need to show your English proficiency, but you’ll also get more. You’ll learn how to be successful as an undergraduate student, building your confidence in speaking and giving presentations, improving your listening skills in lectures and class discussions, studying effectively for tests and more.

You’ll also develop skills in academic writing, which will help you with assignments and essays, and reading academic texts, which will help you with assignments and tests as well as your overall university learning. And completing the LEAF Program means you’ve proven your English proficiency, so you don’t have to take any other tests. 

2. It could increase your GPA. 

Your grade-point average, or GPA, is the average of all your grades in your undergraduate courses. Students who study in the LEAF Program before they start undergraduate studies typically have a higher GPA than students who don’t study in LEAF.  

3. You’ll complete a course for credit towards your degree. 

In Level 5 of the LEAF Program, you’ll take a course that’s actually a first-year undergraduate course! This course is a great way to understand what’s expected of you in university courses, plus you’ll earn credits towards your degree. This is a unique opportunity to earn a Laurier credit before you start your academic program.

4. You’ll be immersed in the academic and community culture at Laurier and in Canada. 

Living and learning in Canada is an exciting experience but it will probably be different from what you’re used to. When you study in the LEAF Program, you’ll be part of the Laurier community, where you can be immersed in Canadian culture and learn more about going to school in Canada. 

And university can be quite different from high school. So even if you’ve gone to high school in Canada, studying in the LEAF Program before you start university can help you better understand what university will be like.

5. There are lots of ways you can practice your English. 

It’s important to have strong English skills to study in university but there are so many other times you’ll need to use English! In the LEAF Program, you’ll be able to take part in programs and activities that help you practice your English outside of the classroom, like at restaurants, at the grocery store and even with other students at Laurier. Being able to practice English in many different ways will help you build even stronger English skills. 

We’re always happy to talk to you about why the LEAF Program is right for you. Book an appointment with us if you have questions or would like to learn more. And we hope to see you soon in the LEAF Program!