Welcome to International Gateway Kelowna!
International Gateway Kelowna (IGK) is Canadian owned and operated and is Kelowna's oldest (est. 2002) and most trusted English as a Second Language (ESL) school.
IGK is a member of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association, Tourism Kelowna and the Downtown Kelowna Business Association. IGK won the best language school in Canada award from IStudy for 2016, 2018 and 2019.
International Gateway Kelowna is not only a well-respected school it is also a vibrant, friendly and exciting place to learn English. Students are encouraged to strive for excellence, immerse themselves in a new culture, enrich their minds, try new challenges and build bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. Highly qualified teachers and staff are carefully chosen for their professionalism, integrity and exceptional customer service skills. The school's motto is "Real English, Real Fun, Real Canada!"
IGK's campus is centrally located on Bernard Avenue, the trendiest street in the city for walking, shopping, eating and relaxing. IGK is within easy walking distance of attractions, entertainment venues, boutiques, restaurants, transportation, and beaches.
Mission Statement
International Gateway Kelowna offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to students in a safe, caring and affordable environment.
Nationality and age mix
The nationality and age mix at International Gateway Kelowna varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 23. In the summer, the average age is 18.
IGK teaches students from all over the world, including:
School location
The Okanagan Valley is blessed with one of Canada's most temperate climates and receives over 310 days of sunshine per year. The area is a popular destination for Canadian and International visitors, alike.
Highlights of the region include azure blue lake waters, internationally acclaimed vineyards, championship golf courses, lush orchards, and a healthy, semi-desert lifestyle. The Canadian Tourism Commission consistently rates the Okanagan Valley as Canada's premier golf destination, Japanese Newsweek Magazine lists Kelowna as one of the world's best places to retire and Frommer's Travel Guides ranks the Okanagan as one of the world's most alluring destinations. Big White, Apex, Silver Star, Mt. Baldy and Crystal Mountain Resorts offer skiing and snowboarding on near perfect 'champagne powder' from December to April. Big White is recognized by Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the world's 'TOP 5' ski resorts.
With a population of over 150,000, Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley and the fastest growing in Canada. Kelowna is surrounded by picturesque Okanagan Lake and a visit would not be complete without trying to sight the legendary lake monster, the Ogopogo.
The BEST THING ABOUT KELOWNA for language learners is that 91% of the residents and all of our homestays speak English as a first language compared to less than 60% in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. This means you learn faster in this 'TRUE' English speaking environment!
Kelowna offers unique shops, restaurants, resorts, spas, health services, and entertainment venues. Prospera Place Stadium, the cities largest entertainment venue, hosts a wide variety of cultural and musical performances and is home to the Kelowna Rockets ice hockey team. Kelowna is also home to the Kelowna Chiefs and West Kelowna Warriors ice hockey teams, the Okanagan Sun Canadian football team and the Kelowna Falcons baseball team. Kelowna's population, in general, is very active and sports-minded and the city provides a fun, safe, relaxing and friendly environment in which to study.
Air Canada, West Jet, Yukon Air, Swoop, Flair Air, Sunwing and Horizon Airlines frequently service Kelowna from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Victoria, Toronto, Seattle, Phoenix, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun. Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is Canada's 9th busiest with new routes and flights added on a regular basis.
