Proficiency in Language and Culture Certificate at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

If you see yourself in a career that involves travel, gaining a language skill is a smart move. Proven skills in a second language give you access to more career opportunities at home and abroad. With VIU’s Proficiency in Language and Culture Certificate, you earn a recognized, official language credential, and gain the ability to have a real conversation in your chosen language.

Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Intro to Chinese I, Beginning Chinese for Heritage Students I, Intro to Chinese II, Beginning Chinese for Heritage Students II, Intermediate Chinese Language I, Intermediate Chinese Language II, Introduction to East Asian Cultures - China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea & North Korea (in English, Modern Chinese Culture and Communications.

Career pathways

Second language skills are in demand across many fields. The certificate expands your career options in any field where the ability to communicate with diverse clients, partners or communities is an asset. Roles include primary and secondary education; business and international trade; tourism and hospitality.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply.; Notes on Admission; All students must be aware that courses in the program may have course prerequisites beyond the program’s admission requirements; Prior Learning Assessment opportunities: First- and second-year language courses are assessed primarily through the challenge format. The option of the Challenge examination is available for students wishing to "challenge" a Language course when they feel that they have the necessary proficiency in it, equivalent to the requirements of the course challenged. The Challenge exam will have the following parts:Written (grammar and vocabulary testing); Oral expression and comprehension; Listening comprehension; Reading comprehension and composition; The Challenge exam is NOT available for students whose mother tongue is the same as the language that they wish to challenge; Students who meet or exceed the...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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