Or, The Value of Your Institution’s Language Centre

My presentation with Valerie Kilgour of Languages Canada is Nov. 5 at 8:30am at the CBIE Conference in Quebec City.

Here’s the abstract:

This session highlights Canada’s first multi-institutional study on English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, showing how high-quality language instruction, academic preparation, and integration support boost student performance and retention. University EAP students achieved higher GPAs and were more likely to continue into second year, while college EAP students performed on par with peers despite lower initial English proficiency. In a climate of declining study permit approvals, these findings demonstrate the critical role of EAP programs in supporting student success and reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a welcoming, high-quality study destination.

Click to download the presentation slides:

A Brief Bibliography on the Value and Impact of English for Academic Purposes programs at Canadian Universities and Colleges

Corcoran, J. N., Williams, J., & Johnston, K. P. (2022). English for academic purposes in Canada: Results from an exploratory national survey. BC TEAL Journal, 7(1), 55-84. DOI:10.14288/bctj.v7i1.498

Douglas, S. R., & Landry, M. (2021). English for academic purposes programs: Key trends across Canadian universities. Comparative and International Education, 50(1).https://doi.org/10.5206/cieeci.v50i1.10925

Dyck, G. (2012). Chinese and Canadian Students in Undergraduate Degree Programmes in a Canadian University: A Quantitative Comparison. Transnational Higher Education in the Asian Context, 216.

Fox, J., Cheng, L., & Zumbo, B. D. (2014). Do They Make a Difference? The Impact of English Language Programs on Second Language Students in Canadian Universities. TESOL Quarterly, 48(1), 57–85. http://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.103

Roessingh, H., & Douglas, S. (2012). Educational outcomes of English language learners at university. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 42(1), 80–97. https://doi.org/10.47678/cjhe.v42i1.182449

Tinto, V. (June 9, 2008). Access without Support Is Not Opportunity. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2008/06/09/access-without-support-not-opportunity

Van Viegen, S., & Russell, B. (2019). More than Language—Evaluating a Canadian University EAP Bridging Program. TESL Canada Journal, 36(1), 97–120. https://doi.org/10.18806/tesl.v36i1.1304

Windle, S., Johnny, L., & Smith, V. (2024). The Impact of a College EAP Writing Program: Former Students’ Perspectives. TESL Canada Journal, 41(2), 59-79. https://doi.org/10.18806/tesl.v41i2/1411

Media

CBC News (21 October 2025). “The consensus on immigration is crumbling as 8 in 10 Conservatives say too many are coming in: poll “ https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservatives-too-many-immigrants-9.6945905

IRCC (October 2025). “Understanding student and temporary worker numbers in Canada”. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/reports-statistics/statistics-open-data/immigration-stats/students-workers.html?utm_source=IRCCSM&utm_medium=linkedin

The Pie (24 October 2025). “Canada’s study permits down 60% amid immigration overhaul”. https://thepienews.com/canadas-study-permits-down-60-amid-immigration-overhaul/