International Gateway Kelowna (IGK) is Canadian owned and operated and is Kelowna's oldest and most trusted English as a Second Language (ESL) school established in 2002.
IGK is a member of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Tourism Kelowna and the Downtown Kelowna Business Association.
International Gateway Kelowna is not only a well respected school, it is also a vibrant, friendly and exciting place to learn English. Students are encouraged to strive for excellence, immerse themselves in a new culture, enrich their minds, try new challenges and build bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. Highly qualified teachers and staff are carefully chosen for their professionalism, integrity and exceptional customer service skills. The school's motto is "REAL ENGLISH, REAL FUN, REAL CANADA".
IGK's upscale campus is centrally located in downtown Kelowna within easy walking distance of attractions, entertainment venues, boutiques, restaurants, transportation and beaches.
International Gateway Kelowna is honoured to have been awarded best language school in Canada for 2016/17 and international language school of the year 2017/18 by iStudy.
Mission Statement:
International Gateway Kelowna offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to students in a safe, caring and affordable environment.
Local Climate
Kelowna boasts Canada’s best weather-sunny, dry and mild - summer 30-38C / winter 0-6C.
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Quality Living
Homestays are frequently inspected so students receive quality accommodation during their stay.
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Activities
93% English
How is International Gateway Kelowna different from other Canadian language schools?
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Check out our courses!
ESL, High School Pathways and Other Programs
ESL Camps for individuals and groups
Volunteer, Work and Study
Practical English as a Second Language (ESL)
The main emphases of the Practical ESL program are communication and functional English for daily life. Practical ESL programs begin weekly for ages 15 and up. The minimum class size is 6, the average is 8 and the maximum is 15. IGK guarantees a very personalized, fast paced and dynamic approach to language learning. Students can enroll in full time or part time programs from 1 to 24 weeks.
Private Tutoring
One to one lessons in IELTS, Cambridge, LPI, EIKEN, Accent Reduction, Pronunciation, Writing and General English skills.
IELTS Exam Preparation
4 or 8 week course to prepare for the general and academic exams.
High School Pathways
5 to 24 week preparation course to enter one of our partner high schools in Kelowna.
Family ESL and Holiday Program
A wide range of full and part time ESL, private lessons and camps are offered for families.
Wine Foundation Program
Introductory course on wine and wine tasting. Perfect option for working holiday visa students searching for a job in Kelowna’s numerous wineries.
TESOL Certificate Program
Learn to teach English to children and adults in 2 week in-class or 8 week online programs.
Individuals and Groups (Youth)
Youth Vacation Program for ages 8-18
IGK's most popular summer camp featuring morning ESL classes and afternoon activities for 1 to 8 weeks.
High School Experience for ages 12-18
Features morning ESL classes in an international class and afternoon classes in music, art, drama, cooking and physical education with Canadian teens at a local high school for 1 to 8 weeks.
Ice Hockey Skills Camp + Youth Vacation program for ages 8-17
Combines 1 or more weeks of the Youth Vacation program with a 1 week ice hockey skills camp integrated with Canadian youth.
Individuals and Groups (Youth)
Soccer Skills Camp + Youth Vacation Program for ages 8-16
Combines 1 or more weeks of the Youth Vacation Program with a 1 week soccer skills camp integrated with Canadian youth.
Animal Camp + Youth Vacation Program for ages 8-11
Combines 1 or more weeks of the Youth Vacation Program with a camp focused on animal care and anatomy integrated with Canadian youth.
Outdoor Adventure Camp + Youth Vacation Program for ages 8-16
Combines 1 or more weeks of the Youth Vacation program with a traditional summer camp integrated with Canadian youth.
Individuals and groups (Adults)
ESL + Wine and Agricultural Tour
Kelowna is one of the world's top wine destinations. Study English, learn about wine and go on some wine and agricultural tours for 1 week
Senior tour for ages 50+
1 or 2 week ESL and activity program for the active senior.
English + Hot Yoga
English + HOT yoga at world famous Bikram Yoga for 1 or 2 weeks
Executive Tour
Practical ESL plus dynamic activities for the busy executive for 1 or 2 weeks.
Moms/Dads and Tots (ages 0-5)
1 or 2 week Practical ESL program for the parent and a daycare placement integrated with Canadian kids for the child.
Volunteer Placements
This program is designed for students who would like to gain volunteer experience in a Canadian organization in an English speaking environment. The volunteer placement is unpaid and must be combined with an equal or greater amount of full time ESL study at IGK prior to the placement.
ESL + Customer Service + Guaranteed Job Placement
8 weeks –open to Working Holiday Visa holders only.
Common areas of employment in Kelowna include:
- Hotel/ Motel-front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, servers
- Ski Resorts-lift operators, ski or snowboard instructors
- Restaurants and retail shops
Working Holiday and Youth Mobility Program
This program is currently available to citizens of Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.
Common areas of employment in Kelowna include:
- Hotel/ Motel-front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, servers
- Ski Resorts-lift operators, ski or snowboard instructors
- Golf Courses-maintenance and grounds workers
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Sarah (Sheng Chu)
Taiwan
My homestay is kind and takes care of us. I really enjoyed talking with my host mother every day about many, many things! In Kelowna the people are friendly and the weather is good. I recommend you to enjoy this place and IGK!
Sae-Na Kang
South Korea
Thank you to IGK teachers and staff for taking care of me and being so kind. I love the beautiful nature, wineries and heart-warming people in Kelowna. I will definitely come back some day. You guys rock!