Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada

Introduction

This program serves recent immigrants to Alberta by helping them learn the English language skills needed to live, find employment, and study in Canada.  Classes are offered at the Pre-B to 3+ of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).  Students of different English proficiency levels can progress at their own rate, with literacy support and tutoring available outside the classroom.

Upon completion of the program, students may continue their education in the English as a Second Language Program at Columbia College, or they may pursue their post-secondary education elsewhere, while some may choose to go directly to employment.

Program Description

The main goal of the program is to assist students to find work or prepare them for further education by improving their English language skills.

Students are assessed and counseled through the efforts of the Immigrant Language and Vocational Assessment Referral Center (ILVARC).  Once eligibility and a referral is approved by ILVARC, students are registered in a LINC course that best meets their language learning needs.  Students may begin a course of study on a monthly basis, with learning organized around the study of practical themes and tasks organized into modules of study.  Students will take courses where they acquire the conversation skills they need in everyday life, improve reading and writing skills using correct grammar, and improve listening and speaking skills that help students find meaningful employment.

Classes are scheduled from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. Students must take a minimum of three classes and attend for a minimum of 22.5 hours per week in order to be considered full-time students.

Since the use of computers is so important in many jobs, our students have the opportunity to receive an introduction to the use of computers, and, be given the opportunity to practice English Language skills such as reading comprehension, listening and speaking, pronunciation and word processing as part of their course activities.

Assistance in developing the skills needed to obtain employment will also be available to students, through optional seminars focused on resume writing, interview skills, and information on how to find work.  Free weekend seminars focusing on a number of topics, from computer applications to life skills are available to students, as is free tutorial services to the children of registered students.