A’PAO’OHKOISSKSINNIMA
Our New Exploring English Summer Program
Would you enjoy spending a summer in Canada studying English? Would you also like to explore the natural beauty of Blackfoot Territory while learning about the region’s rich culture and history? If so, the A’pao’ohkoissksinnima English Summer Program is the opportunity for you!
A’pao’ohkoissksinnima is a Blackfoot word that means exploring. In this program, you will learn English and also have the opportunity to observe and explore local culture with a special emphasis on the rich local Indigenous (Blackfoot) culture.
Here are some highlights of the program:
- You can choose from a three-week, four-week or seven-week program.
- You will learn from skilled instructors.
- You will have the opportunity to engage with local residents as well as classmates from around the world.
- You will get the chance to participate in day trips to areas such as Waterton Lakes National Park; Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park; Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site and more. Make your summer memorable by enrolling in this new program.
By the end of the program:
- You will improve your English skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- You will effectively complete real-world tasks inside and outside of the classroom.
- You will gain and exhibit confidence in English abilities.
- You will observe and explore the uniqueness of the local culture with a special emphasis on the rich local Indigenous (Blackfoot) culture.
Program Dates
2024
- Four-week program: July 8 to Aug. 2
- Three-week program: Aug. 5 to 23
- Seven-week program: July 8 to Aug. 23
2025
- Four-week program: July 7 to Aug. 1
- Three-week program: Aug. 4 to 22
- Seven-week program: July 7 to Aug. 22
Weekly schedule
The A’pao’ohkoissksinnima English Summer Program balances English language classes with learning experiences outside of the classroom through day trips throughout southern Alberta and local excursions in Lethbridge. These diverse activities help you learn and apply your English skills in real world settings.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 9 a.m. to noon | Integrated English language skills | Integrated English language skills | Day trip | Integrated English language skills | Integrated English language skills |
| Noon to 1 p.m. | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | |
| 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Lethbridge College campus activity | Integrated English language skills | Integrated English language skills | Local activity |
Day trip destinations could include:
- Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada
- Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
- Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village
- Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
- Kainai Pow Wow and Celebration
Local activity destinations could include:
- Galt Museum and Archives
- Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens
- Fort Whoop-Up
- YMCA of Lethbridge
- Helen Schuler Nature Centre
- Henderson Lake Park, Nicholas Sheran Park, or Legacy Park
- Movie Mill
Some of the real-world like tasks could include:
- Creating a travel blog to share your Canadian experiences.
- Presenting a unique aspect of your culture and hearing about unique aspects of Indigenous culture.
- Sharing the similarities and differences of two Canadian tourist sites.
- Researching and presenting on a significant Canadian person.
- Reading and sharing about the history of important cultural sites in southern Alberta.
- Interviewing college students to learn more about the college lifestyle in Canada.
Tuition
| 2025 Program fees* | Residence/Homestay | |
| Four-week program: July 7 to Aug. 1 | $2388 CAD | $1350 CAD |
| Three-week program: Aug. 4 to 22 | $1888 CAD | $1150 CAD |
| Seven-week Program: July 7 to Aug. 22 | $3988 CAD | $2100 CAD |
* Program fees must be paid in full by the first day of classes. The program fees cover tuition, health insurance and program activities. Fees are subject to change. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required for learners to receive a letter of admission and to complete the online program placement test.
Registration
Here are the steps required to join us this summer.
- Complete the application form.
- Our staff will contact you by email.
- Pay your full program fees or the $250 non-refundable deposit to reserve your seat.
- Receive a letter of acceptance.
- Book your ticket to Lethbridge.
- Pay your full program fee before the first day of classes.
If you have any questions or need more information, please email us. We are ready to support you throughout the application process and once you arrive in Canada.
Agents and groups can email [email protected] for inquiries and information.
FAQ
Yes. All students who successfully complete the program will receive a Lethbridge College certificate of completion that recognizes their participation and states the number of weeks studied in the program.
You can email the English Language Centre at Lethbridge College at [email protected] or call us at 403-329-7269.
You should fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). From Calgary, you have a few options for getting to Lethbridge. You can fly, take a bus (Red Arrow) or take our chartered bus on specific dates.
A’pao’ohkoissksinnima is a Blackfoot word for exploring. The Blackfoot people are the Indigenous people who have lived in the southern Alberta region for more than 12,000 years. Duane Mistaken Chief, a Blackfoot Elder and Knowledge Keeper, is responsible for sharing the word with the English Language Centre at Lethbridge College.
Students will be placed in a local homestay with a family that best meets their preferences. Our homestay partner is Canada Homestay Network. They are a reputable family-run, non-profit organization that operates throughout forty communities throughout Canada with nearly 30 years of operations. Their strict standards ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
Lethbridge is the hub for cultural and economic activities in Southwestern Alberta. It is located on the traditional territory of the Indigenous group known as the Blackfoot people. Blackfoot culture is an important aspect of living and learning in Lethbridge, and it is celebrated by residents.
Lethbridge is also a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, which are just an hour to the west and can be seen clearly from the city. It is a safe city that prides itself on green spaces and providing the conveniences of larger centres without the crowds. Visitors can see the natural landscape beauty of the coulees, enjoy cultural events and visit the many cultural attractions in the city.
At Lethbridge College, we truly care about our students, and we will help you learn how to be a successful one. The campus is a warm, friendly, fun place to study, live and learn, and there is always something happening.
We’ll teach you the right stuff, with courses and programs that are hands-on, engaging, immersive and good at preparing you for the workforce. We have great facilities, with state-of-the-art equipment. Our campus is in one of Canada’s sunniest cities. And our instructors are outstanding teachers who have real-world experience in the sectors you want to join.
Students have weekends to engage with their homestay families and others in the program. Students may participate in planned activities with their homestay host family or make their own plans with friends. Locally, there are cultural events, parks, recreation activities, shopping and other activities to enjoy. Lethbridge's geographic location makes it an excellent spot for outdoor activities including hiking, camping, fishing and sightseeing in the mountains.
Lethbridge has an abundance of evening activities to choose from. You could see a movie at one of the local theatres, visit a local park, try a local restaurant offering unique cuisine from another country, participate in recreational activities at Lethbridge YMCA, or go for a hike in the coulees.
Accredited by Languages Canada
