Explore Program

Cradled in a bow of the Red River, the historic University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus welcomes you! The campus is located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Immerse yourself in an intensive program to improve your English language skills and to learn more about Manitoba! Participate in engaging lessons, activities, and discussions. Discover prairie sunsets and hospitality, while making lifelong friends and connections in another part of Canada!

Program highlights:

• Welcoming campus with many amenities, services and supports including libraries, state-of-the-art fitness venue, eateries, museums, and prayer spaces
• Develop your English skills at a research-intensive university
• Indigenous and intercultural communication component to programming
• Leadership certificate program
• Highly experienced instructors
• Homestay family immersion
• Vibrant and picturesque, film-recognized campus

Example activities:

• Sociocultural and recreational activities and workshops
• Outdoor excursions to cultural and historic sites
• Métis flower beading, Indigenous birding tour and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Manitoba Legislature, The Royal Canadian Mint, The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, Princess Auto Stadium, the Centre of Canada and more!

Classroom and Mandatory Activities hours:

Monday to Friday 8:30am-3:00pm CDT (Central Daylight Time)

Mandatory Socio-Cultural Activities may be scheduled on some Sundays for free admission to museums

Additional option ONLY for International Students:

Classes: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am-11:50am CDT

Immerse yourself in an intensive English program, with international students, at the University of Manitoba. Students enrolled in this full-time Explore program, will use Zoom to join their classes with their instructors and classmates to engage in lessons, activities, and discussions. Students will also be able to participate in online activities in their own time.  Make life-long friends and global connections!

Classes focus on developing students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through engaging lessons and activities with international students. Workshops focus on speaking and listening to improve conversational skills.

Program highlights:

• Develop your English skills in a research-intensive university
• Indigenous component to programming
• Gain insight into common university classroom expectations and strategies for cross-cultural communication
• Highly experienced instructors
• Daily interaction with students from different cultures
• Opportunities to extend learning outside the classroom

Example activities:

• Fun virtual activities include tours, chat café, games etc.

Classroom hours:

Monday to Friday 8:30am-1:45pm CDT

The University of Manitoba offers an interactive virtual program, with a focus on practical communication skills and strategies focusing on culture and current themes and topics. Students will learn common idioms, academic vocabulary, and improve their writing.  Be ready to participate and to make connections with others on Zoom! 

Classes focus on developing students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through engaging lessons and activities with international students. Workshops focus on speaking and listening to improve conversational skills.

Program highlights:

• Develop your English skills in a research-intensive university
• Indigenous component to programming
• Task-based learning and workshops
• Learn about the unique geographical context of Manitoba
• Opportunities to extend learning outside the classroom

Example activities:

• Fun virtual activities include tours, games, etc.

Classroom hours:

Monday to Friday 8:30am-1:45pm CDT

Prior to arrival, Explore students will receive an email with instructions on how to take an online placement test. The results of the placement test will help us determine your language level, so that you can be placed in an appropriate level.

Socio-cultural activities will provide opportunities for students to use the language while exploring the uniqueness of Winnipeg and Manitoba. They will include outdoor excursions to cultural and historic sites and recreational activities.

Supervised activities will also be organized on some Sundays. Paid activities may be offered, but they will be optional.

The ELC and the University of Manitoba are committed to a safe and respectful learning and teaching environment. Students are responsible for knowing and following the appropriate conduct expected of them as members of the UM community. The following conduct policies outline what is, and what is not, considered appropriate behaviour:

• Respectful Work and Learning Environment
• Student Discipline
• Violent or Threatening Behaviour
• Academic Integrity website
• Student Discipline By Law
• Computer Usage Agreement
• UM Sexual Violence Policy

The English Language Centre follows the University’s policies, regarding concerning behaviours (student and staff)

The ELC follows the University of Manitoba’s guidelines for academic integrity. Academic integrity means that students will study in a fair and honest way in their classes (in-person or remote). Academic Integrity rules apply to all assessments. In cases of misconduct, the English Language Centre will refer to the Student Discipline Bylaw on how to proceed.

Please see the student handbook for specific situations and consequences.

Dismissal from the Program: Any of the following will constitute cause for dismissal:  

• Refusing to speak the target language which must be always used during the program.
• Missing classes, workshops, seminars, and required socio-cultural activities without valid permission.
  • A Certificate of Program Completion will not be given if a participant is absent from mandatory classes or activities without permission and/or if a participant is dismissed from the program.
• Behaving irresponsibly and/or being disruptive and/or uncooperative and/or harassing any person(s). 
  • Harassment, bullying, gossip, and slander that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. This includes, but is not limited to, use of whiteboards, comments made via social media or texting, etc. Sexual harassment will be addressed through UM’s Policy on Sexual Violence. 

• Possessing and/or using illegal drugs, any non-prescription narcotic, and/or the use of prescription medication for purposes other than those for which they were prescribed.
• Possession or consumption of alcohol by persons under 18 years of age and/or supplying alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
• Not meeting the Classroom Expectations and Attendance Policy, as outlined in the handbook and course outlines, may lead to being dismissed from the program.

Note: If dismissed from the program, students must leave the campus and Homestay immediately and return home at their own expense.