English as an Additional Language

• Full-time day classes – 4.5 Hours per day, Monday – Friday – total of 22.5 hours per week
  • Hours: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
• Part-time funded classes are available during the day and in the evening.
  • Evening classes are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:30 pm—9:00 pm.
• EAL classes are available from CLB-4 to CLB-8
• Small classes (average size of 15 students)
• Tutoring support available – individual, group, and in-class
• Students who achieve CLB 8 in all four skill areas will graduate from the EAL program and will be eligible to apply for other programs at Columbia College. Please contact your advisor for more information.

• Fall 2022: classes will be primarily delivered in a hybrid model with both online and on-site services.

Using our computer labs, we will offer technical support to a number of our students who require additional assistance with online language training. Our highly trained LINC & EAL instructors are available to respond to the needs of our students.

Students may be evaluated by Calgary Language Assessment & Referral Centre (CLARC) to determine placement in the program

OR

Take a Columbia College EAL Assessment

• Permanent Residents or Convention Refugees are encouraged to take the LINC Program before applying for the EAL Program. Permanent Residents will require to present a LINC certificate with BMs 4 in listening/speaking when they apply for citizenship. To receive a LINC certificate, clients need to attend the LINC Program.
• The EAL Program welcomes all qualified applicants from across Alberta who have a minimum BM CLB 3, access to a digital device and the internet.

• Career advising for short-term and long-term planning
• Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Grammar, Numeracy (Math)
• Pronunciation and Speech Clarity
• Communication & Presentation Skills Course
• Writing Enhancement Course
• Computer courses
• English for Academic Purposes Courses
• Work Strategies & Work Experience Courses
• Integrated Computer Study into all classes – scheduled computer classes

EAL Foundations 

• Recommended CLB 4-5
• Students focus on all skill areas: Listening/Speaking, Reading/Writing, Grammar, and Vocabulary Development.
• Technology is used as an important component in language learning
  • A variety of methods are used to enrich the learning environment: discussions, student presentations, role-plays, group projects, and activities 
  • Learners are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning by completing additional out-of-class homework assignments. Tutoring is available to support students with various needs.
  • Skill Specific courses are offered to strengthen foundation skills: Communication & Presentation Skills, Enhanced Writing Skills, Computer Skills, Numeracy, and Work Strategies.

Pathways Preparation

• Focus on reaching CLB 6
• Prepares those who are interested in eventually entering a professional or work environment. 
• Prepares students for LEAP.
• Focus on the core set of skills and competencies needed to build a strong academic foundation for further education or employment.
• Vocabulary expansion and high intermediate listening/speaking, and reading/writing skills.
• Students begin to learn how to write essays and reports and read academic/non-academic articles.

Learning English for Academic Purposes (LEAP)

• LEAP- Level 1, 2, 3, 4
• Focus on reaching CLB 7 and 8.
• Prepares students for further education at the University or College level or for employment in a professional career.
• Students will expand their academic vocabulary, and develop advanced listening/speaking, and reading/writing skills.
• Specialized weekly workshops to strengthen academic and essential skills.
• Students who achieve a B on final assessments at Level 3 may enter directly into most of Columbia College’s Professional Programs without further English Assessment. The exceptions are Dental Assistant and Practical Nurse.