The English Proficiency Improvement (EPI) program at CIST is designed exclusively for international students whose native language is not English.  The EPI program consists of an initial English assessment test, which is used to place the student in the correct proficiency level.  There are 3 proficiency levels available to each student.

EPI100 – English Proficiency Improvement I
This is a highly intensive English training course designed mainly for international students whose primary language is not English.  This course is highly recommended for international students with a low-intermediate English proficiency level.  Students will join other highly motivated individuals wishing to learn to communicate in an academic environment.  Much of the English development in this course is done through interactive class discussions, improving on the speaking and listening skills necessary to function well in a purely English oriented society.  Daily classes and homework assignments are designed to quickly build upon students' English foundation.

EPI200 – English Proficiency Improvement II
This is a highly intensive English training course designed mainly for international students whose primary language is not English.  This course is highly recommended for international students with a high-intermediate English proficiency level.  Students will join other highly motivated individuals wishing to learn to communicate in an academic environment.  It will focus primarily on improving oral and writing skills in social and education settings.

EPI300 – English Proficiency Improvement III
This is a highly intensive English training course designed mainly for international students whose primary language is not English.  This course is highly recommended for international students with an advanced English proficiency level.  Students will join other highly motivated individuals wishing to learn to communicate in an academic environment.  It will focus primarily on improving oral, writing, and reading skills at a post-secondary level.

Students who complete all three levels are expected to have the English proficiency skills necessary to function well in a post-secondary academic environment.  Graduates from this program are all expected to exceed the minimum TOEFL requirements for admission into most Canadian Colleges or Universities.