The Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) program is an academic English program for future Laurier students. The LEAF program is designed to help you meet Laurier's English language proficiency requirements and to help prepare you for your future studies. The LEAF program also helps you to understand the academic culture at Laurier as well as adjust to the academic culture at Laurier.
The LEAF Program is offered at Laurier's Brantford campus, a small and friendly campus located in the heart of downtown Brantford. The campus is integrated into the downtown core of the city, giving you the opportunity to practice your English by interacting with locals in addition to other university students.
The LEAF program is accredited by Languages Canada.
The LEAF Program has moved to virtual delivery for the 2020 and 2021 terms.
Courses in the LEAF program are taught by highly qualified ESL instructors who have experience teaching around the world and in Canada. Our courses focus on academic English and are designed to prepare you for successful undergraduate studies. Features of the LEAF curriculum include essay writing, listening to lectures, reading academic texts and learning university vocabulary. Courses in the LEAF program include:
- Listening and Speaking
- Reading and Vocabulary
- Writing and Research
- Critical Thinking
- Global Engagement
- Academic Enrichment
The LEAF program also helps you prepare for academic study using our Laurier Readiness criteria, which include completing assignments and arriving to class on time, speaking English and participating in group discussions, seeking out opportunities to improve your English, and reflecting on your learning. In the final level of the LEAF program, Level 5, you will also complete a course that will be used towards your degree program at Laurier, providing you with additional preparation for your undergraduate studies.
Students in the LEAF program have the option of living in apartment-style residence on the Brantford campus. Apartment-style residences are equipped with full kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own meals.
Students in the LEAF program may choose to live off-campus by living in a private home through the homestay network or by finding their own accommodations.
Explore all that Laurier has to offer with our virtual open house.