Study. Play. Explore.

The purpose of our school is to provide students whose native language is not English with language lessons in a friendly and supportive environment so that they can refine and strengthen their language skills.

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Build Language
Foundations

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Cultural Immersion
Experience

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Local Employer
Connections

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Certified & Experienced
Teachers

YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS

Associations, Partners & Cerifications

Advantage English School E/J is an official Designated Learning Institution (DLI# O112543961007) and holds an Education Quality Assurance designation. We are on the Covid-readiness DLI list and can host students requiring a study permit. View our affiliated associations below.

Why Join Advantage English School E/J

Full Language Immersion Experience

Advantage English School E/J is an English language school located in Whistler, BC, CANADA, also known as the host resort of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Our school has been operating since 2003. We are a PTIB (Private Training Institution Branch) designated learning institution recognized by the Ministry of Advanced Education. Our warm and friendly school offers high quality education with a variety of courses to suit the needs of students from around the world who can enjoy outdoor sports as they study English.

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Established Since 1975

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PTIB Approved Courses

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Qualified Teachers

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Score Improvement

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Homestay Program

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Dormitory Options

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Career Counselling

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Resume Building

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Local Employer Connections

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Language Assessment

FEW FACTS ABOUT Advantage English School

English Education Leader

Proudly helping students improve their language skills in a charming environment and small class structure. We will make program recommendations that suit your goals and expectations so you can get the most out of your time in Whistler.

100

s

Happy
Graduates

Perfect blend of academics & activities

95

%

IELTS Test
Success Rate

Prepare you for higher education & global migration

95

%

TOEIC Test
Success Rate

Succeed in any English work environment

50

yrs +

Years In
Business

In business since 1970 years of serving the local community

Our Programs

Explore Our Interactive Programs

Advantage English School E/J offers various courses to suit all levels of learners who want to improve their language skills. Whether you are just learning the basics of a language or you need to improve your communication skills, Advantage has a program to suit your needs while you enjoy outdoor sports outside of class.

  • ESL / TOEIC Course
  • Work & Study Program
  • CELPIP / IELTS Prep Course

General English / TOEIC Course

  • Course Overview
  • Course Levels
  • Typical Schedule

Objective

Our objective for this program is to help students improve their language abilities in all areas: Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening.

Description

Advantage English School E/J offers various courses to suit all levels of learners, for people who want to improve their language skills. Building on previously existing skills, students will receive in depth practice centered on oral and written control of grammatical structures, and listening/reading comprehension. After completion of the course, students should have gained a solid grasp of all of aspects of the English language and should have significantly more knowledge in all areas.

Admissions Requirements

  • All applicants must be 16 years and older.
  • To be admitted to Advantage English School E/J, applicants must qualify as either a domestic or an international student.
  • Students must complete the payment. Payment is due 30 days prior to the starting day of the course.
  • All students have valid medical insurance for their study period.

Visas

  • Student visas are only applicable to students who attend school for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Students who wish to do so must apply for a student visa at the Canadian Consulate.
  • Our school will provide students with a permit (acceptance letter), which is required to obtain the student visa.
  • Our DLI# is O112543961007. See Designated learning institutions list
  • Important: application process may take up to 1 month.

Weekly Lessons

  • Full Time: 20 Hours/Week (4 Hours/Day x 5 Days)
  • Part Time: 15 Hours/Week (3 Hours/Day x 5 Days)

Expectations

Facilities

  • Full-size lockers (can fit ski/snowboard equipment)
  • Computer lab with high speed internet access and Wi-Fi
  • Coffee maker / microwave / refrigerator
  • Complimentary coffee / flavored teas / hot chocolate
  • Collection of books and magazines are also available for student use

Duration

  • 1 week – 44 weeks
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week

Curriculum

Throughout the course, teachers use a wide range of materials which allow for more dynamic learning. The course includes use of textbooks (Side by Side, Focus on Grammar) TOEIC® materials and reading selections recommended by our teachers. We also hold practice tests to assess the student’s progression throughout the course.

Start Date

We have continuous enrollment throughout the year and classes begin every Monday, weekly. Students can enroll for courses from 2-weeks in duration up to 1-year with the possibility to extend their study.

PTIB Info

  • ESL/TOEIC Program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
  • Students who enroll in a language program which is six months or less in duration or for which tuition is less than $4,000 may not make a claim against the Student Tuition Protection Fund, which is managed by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. Further, this language program may not have been reviewed or approved by PTIB

Private Lessons

Our popular Private lessons are available for $55/hr on an hourly basis any time during school hours. You can purchase our private lessons via this link.

Objective

Our objective for this program is to help students improve their language abilities in all areas: Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening.

Description

Advantage English School E/J offers various courses to suit all levels of learners, for people who want to improve their language skills. Building on previously existing skills, students will receive in depth practice centered on oral and written control of grammatical structures, and listening/reading comprehension. After completion of the course, students should have gained a solid grasp of all of aspects of the English language and should have significantly more knowledge in all areas.

Admissions Requirements

  • All applicants must be 16 years and older.
  • To be admitted to Advantage English School E/J, applicants must qualify as either a domestic or an international student.
  • Students must complete the payment. Payment is due 30 days prior to the starting day of the course.
  • All students have valid medical insurance for their study period.

Visas

  • Student visas are only applicable to students who attend school for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Students who wish to do so must apply for a student visa at the Canadian Consulate.
  • Our school will provide students with a permit (acceptance letter), which is required to obtain the student visa.
  • Our DLI# is O112543961007. See Designated learning institutions list
  • Important: application process may take up to 1 month.

Weekly Lessons

  • Full Time: 20 Hours/Week (4 Hours/Day x 5 Days)
  • Part Time: 15 Hours/Week (3 Hours/Day x 5 Days)

Expectations

Facilities

  • Full-size lockers (can fit ski/snowboard equipment)
  • Computer lab with high speed internet access and Wi-Fi
  • Coffee maker / microwave / refrigerator
  • Complimentary coffee / flavored teas / hot chocolate
  • Collection of books and magazines are also available for student use

Duration

  • 1 week – 44 weeks
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week

Curriculum

Throughout the course, teachers use a wide range of materials which allow for more dynamic learning. The course includes use of textbooks (Side by Side, Focus on Grammar) TOEIC® materials and reading selections recommended by our teachers. We also hold practice tests to assess the student’s progression throughout the course.

Start Date

We have continuous enrollment throughout the year and classes begin every Monday, weekly. Students can enroll for courses from 2-weeks in duration up to 1-year with the possibility to extend their study.

PTIB Info

  • ESL/TOEIC Program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
  • Students who enroll in a language program which is six months or less in duration or for which tuition is less than $4,000 may not make a claim against the Student Tuition Protection Fund, which is managed by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. Further, this language program may not have been reviewed or approved by PTIB

Private Lessons

Our popular Private lessons are available for $55/hr on an hourly basis any time during school hours. You can purchase our private lessons via this link.

Interested to Learn & Play with Us?

How to Get Started?

Before you start any program with us, there are several steps to go through. We will guide you along the way so you can enjoy your studies with us. Contact us anytime if you have any questions about the steps.

01

Read up on entry requirements

Make sure you have all the required documents ready. You can get most of this information at: Study in Canada as an international student. Thoroughly read the above website and make sure you have enough time before your travel date.

02

Fill out our online application form

Your name, address, dates you are interested in studying, program of interest, whether or not you need accommodation.

03

Pay the Registration fee

We accept Visa, MasterCard ($100 domestic / $150 international (non-refundable). We can then begin the registration process and send you all necessary documents for entry to Canada including a letter of acceptance, etc.

04

Once visa has been approved, confirm and pay tuition fee

The first instalment is due only after your visa has been granted and at least 30 days before your program begins unless otherwise agreed to.

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Happy Students

Student Life

We consider our students to be members of our Advantage School E/J family. We are caring and compassionate educators that put your unique language needs and study goals first. We ensure that you are satisfied with your program experience from the moment you reach out to us until you graudate from the program. We are dedicated to providing you with the quality education you deserve, so that you can feel confident with your skills.

TEACHERS WITH PASSION

Teacher Profiles

AEJ firmly believes in the importance of quality education. Therefore, all of our teachers go through a rigorous screening process. When recruiting teachers, we look for teachers with experience, professionalism and most importantly those with a passion for teaching.

Patricia Dagg

Head Teacher

M.Ed. Administration, McGill University, B.Ed. McGill University, Diploma in Special Education, McGill University, Diploma in Educational Technology, McGill University
Patricia has been teaching at Advantage English School EJ since moving to Whistler in 2008. She has over 40 years of professional teaching experience, including 8 years as the first high school principal in her school district in the province of Quebec. She has won awards for excellence in teaching and was recognized by the Quebec Association of School Administrators. Outside of teaching, Patricia enjoys the great outdoors and leading an active lifestyle, including skiing, cross country skiing, biking, and Crossfit. In recent years, she has had the pleasure of becoming a grandmother..

Kyoko Hamazaki

Japanese & English Teacher

B.A. University of British Columbia, TESL Teaching Certification, CSIA Level 1+2, NCCP Certification, Canadian Freestyle Ski Association Coach 1
Kyoko Hamazaki is a true born and raised Whistler local. She is a focused and dedicated teacher with 12.5+ years of experience in multi-cultural settings, student services, and English/Japanese language instruction. She spent 4 years working at a private international school for children in Tokyo. She also works as a ski instructor and has experience translating for various publications such as Tarzan Magazine, Freestyle Ski Magazine, Yamakei Publishing Company (the largest outdoor sports media company in Japan) as well as various Olympic and World Cup athletes and private companies.

Naomi Zwahlen

English Teacher

Naomi grew up in the UK, where she initially completed a degree in Speech and Language Therapy, before starting her career in education working in a school for teenagers with additional needs. She then moved on to complete a teaching degree in primary education, and worked as a primary school teacher for a number of years before moving to Canada in 2018. She has lived in Whistler for 3 years, and in that time has explored a variety of jobs in the tourism and adventure industry, including being a tour guide and a summer camp coach, before beginning to teach at Advantage English School in the fall of 2023. Naomi’s biggest passion is travelling and exploring new places, and she loves to spend her summers in Whistler hiking and camping, and is learning to love snowboarding in the winter!

OUR STUDENTS LOVED THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH US

See What Our Students Say

Messages from our graduates

The school’s location in Whistler is perfect for going snowboarding. The dormitory is very cozy. Teachers are so nice. Every student can fully practice their speaking and writing.
Teacher Kyoko is prefer conversation part, she leads students to talk a lots. She can also help the things that you need in Whistler, such as gave you a proof to got the liberay card let you can barrow books or guide the shop that you can’t find.
Teacher Alyshia taught students to use many online tools to improve your vacabs, like chatGPT or vocabulary.com to play games. Thourgh this way you can get a new vocabs how to put in a sentence.
Teacher Naomi’s class is very comprehensive. She gave us a sheet with A to Z to brainstorming your vocabs. And cause she tought more days, so very systematic of lessons. A topic “phershle verb” was consitent a few days, make sure everyone can use it correct and speak more like native languager.
The most impressive thing was that Naomi gave me the opportunity to make a phone call and order pizza for the gathering party on my last day. Before that, I had never spoken to people by phone in English, which was very tense but also fun. I think it encouraged me a little bit to talk to strangers.
Sometimes at the end of a class, we were play board games “Bananagrams”, “Telepaths” or “Blurt” etc. is fun and tranning the response capability in English.
I’m grateful to join this school, can improve my abiblity in English and snowboarding at same time. Thank to Advantage E/J school, wish to have a chance to go back in the future.

Lisin, Taiwan 4 weeks February 2024

I want to thank Advantage English School E/J Language Academy for the way they treadted me. All the teachers have been amazing and thanks to Kyoko’s hospitality. Finally, I want to tank my host family: Leale, Mike and Shaeesta. They are part of my family and will always have a special place in my heart. To Twuiwu, Thank you for creating all these memories that I will never forget.

Gonzalo, Spain 4 weeks from July 2023

I finished three months lesson in the Advantage English E/J school. My Whistler journey liked a sweet dream. And this was my dreams came true. I learned that I were able to be alone well in a new place and met new persons. Even I always need time to accustom change. But I know I will be better and better. Keep going. Thanks Patricia Dagg!

Kate Chou, Taiwan 3 months from March 2019

I graduated from school on the 27th.Thanks for my classmates and roommates.I lived in Whistler for about 1 year. When I came in Whistler, I was worried about living in Whistler because I couldn’t speak English at all. But my English skills improved a lot while I was at the Advantage E/J English School. Then I have had a lot of experience in this year. Freestyle skiing, skateboarding, etc. Also I made many wonderful friends in school.Japanese, Taiwanese, Mexican, Korean and Argentinian.

I want to go to their country to meet them. Teacher Patricia Dagg, she is the best English teacher I’ve ever met. I think my English skills have improved because she taught me kindly. Setsuko and Kyoko took care of me a lot. So I could live there so comfortable. I appreciate everyone. If you guys come to Hokkaido, please message me.

Yuuki Yonehana fro Japan 2018 1 Year

It’s time to leave Whistler. it is so sentimental. I took photos all the day today because I don’t want to forget the feeling of this moment.The path we walked to school, the mountain we snowboarding, the views on the road. It’s a wonderful place to live. Everyone has a balance life here. Work, exercise, family…those are important. I am tired about the life I had. I wish I could have more days to stay. It’s so glad to meet you guys in Whistler and school. I learned a lot in the Advantage E/J English School, Whistler. Teacher Patricia Dagg is very nice, patience and experienced. She is the Best English teacher I have met. Everyone in class is motivates and extrovert, we had an unforgettable time. Thank you guys for take care of us these months. Keep in touch and please visit us if you come to Taiwan.

YGhost Yang, Taiwan 2 months from March 2019

Goodbye Whistler! I’ve had a good time here!!! I’ve never seen so much powder!!! In school there was a great atmosphere! Thanks very much Setsuko and my dear teacher Angie! Thanks a lot to the “Japanese team” Thanks to the Dagg family! I’am so happy to meet you! I’ll miss you! See you!

Jerome: Swiss, 3 Months from Jan 2011

What a lovely school this is! I was only here for a month but I really enjoyed taking the class. Even though I was at class I felt at home. The teacher, Daniel, is like my brother. I alway bring and ask questons. Daniel is GOOOOD and takes good care of students individually. About discussion, we all like talking about skiing, snowboarding, weather and snowcondition, so the talk is spontaneous. I like it. Everyday it was different. I screwd up my snowboard season this year. It sucked but I had a good time here. I wish I could stay more and there was a school like Advantage E/J in my town. I’m looking forward to coming back here someday. Finally I want to thank all of this school’s staff and students. I really enjoyed it a lot. I hope you all will have a good time.

Takashi Fukai, Japan 4 weeks from Dec 2004

One of the good points of this school is that teachers and the director are friendly. You can always feel at home. Because the classes have only a small number of students, the teacher listens to each of us individually. Director helped me to get the CASI level 1. She also fixed me up with a job and I’ve really enjoyed working here in Whistler, though I still have difficulty with English sometimes. It’s been good knowing many people from different countries through this school and my job. I’ve had a good time with the TRIBAL SKI TEAM members. I would like to express my appreciation for this school!

Kana Kato, Japan February 2005

Hi Setsuko!!! Thank you for everything. It has been a major experience of my life. It was a pleasure to be a student of the school. I hope that you will remember me. Thank you.

Ivan: Spain 2 months from Feb 2009

Our Resources

Policies, Accommodations & Updates

As a leading English education centre, we offer resources that enhance your learning experience and share updates as we adapt to changes around the world.

Contact us for any questions

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Our knowledgeable staff members are happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs. Let us guide you through the process of studying abroad. Call us today at +1 (604) 932 0965.

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