Stop Guessing, Start Specializing: How to Choose Your Path at ILAC
You’ve made the big decision: you’re coming to Canada to study at ILAC. But with 17 levels of English and a variety of unique specializations—from AI to Academic Writing—you might be wondering, “Which one is actually right for me?”
Choosing a specialization isn’t just about what sounds “cool” (though, let’s be honest, “English through AI” sounds pretty cool). It’s about reverse-engineering your future. At ILAC, your specialization is integrated into your core program at no extra cost, meaning you get to tailor your learning to your specific “North Star.”
Here is how to navigate your options and pick the path that will get you where you want to go.
Identify Your Primary “Why”
Before looking at the course list, ask yourself: What is the one thing I want to do after I finish my English studies?
- If you want to enter a Canadian University: Focus on the Academic & Exam track. Specializations like Academic Writing Skills or IELTS Preparation aren’t just about passing tests; they are about surviving (and thriving) in a high-pressure academic environment.
- If you want to climb the corporate ladder: Look at the Career & Business track. English for Career Success focuses on the soft skills—networking, interviewing, and presentations—that help you stand out in the global job market.
- If you want to live and thrive in Canada: Choose Communication & Confidence. Specializations like Everyday English or Pronunciation & Accent Reduction give you the practical tools to navigate social life and feel like a local.
Match Your Specialization to Your Level
ILAC specializations are carefully mapped to our 17-level system. This ensures you aren’t overwhelmed by complex jargon before you have the basics down.
- Foundational Levels (4–7): Focus on building your core. Listening & Speaking or Grammar are excellent choices to stabilize your foundation.
- Intermediate to Advanced (8–10+): This is where you can get creative. Dive into English through Music or Creative Writing. For those at Level 10, the English through AI specialization offers a modern edge that few other schools provide.
Think About the “Proof” (The ILAC Certificate)
One of the most important aspects of choosing a specialization is the outcome. At ILAC, you can request a Specialization Certificate after just 4 weeks of completion. This isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s proof for your resume, your LinkedIn profile, or your university application that you didn’t just “study English”—you mastered a specific niche. When you choose your specialization, think about which certificate would look best to your future employer or admissions officer.
Stay Flexible
Not sure if you made the right choice? Don’t panic. At ILAC, we offer academic support to ensure your specialization makes sense for your level. You can even review your options and request a change during your first week. We want you to be engaged, not stuck!
Pro-Tip: Don’t choose what your friends are choosing. Choose what your future self will thank you for.
Ready to find your focus? Choosing the right path is easier with a guide. This skill of goal-alignment is covered in our ILAC Academic Guidance sessions, available to all students.
Contact [email protected] to learn more.
