Moving to a new country comes with many challenges and opportunities: finding work, making new friends, and connecting with your new community. One major obstacle that many newcomers face is the language barrier. If you are not comfortable using English in your daily life, it can make these challenges of your new life in Canada feel even more insurmountable. Fortunately, many free and low-cost resources are available for learning English. A more proficient English speaker will make getting hired, meeting people, and feeling home in Canada easier.
Kababayan Multicultural Centre offers many programs and opportunities to practice speaking English and improve language skills. We can also help you register for programs and courses run by other organizations.
Learning English at every level through LINC
The government of Canada offers a program called Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) that offers free English classes for people who have permanent residency or protected person status. You can take LINC classes online or in person, offered at locations all over the city.
There are classes for all levels, offered at many times, including evenings and weekends, so you can always find a class that works for your schedule. Some locations even have childcare, so you can learn English while your child is cared for. If you want to evaluate your language skills and sign up for a LINC course, register for our free services. One of our counsellors will help you find and register for an appropriate class.
Language skills to advance your career
Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
A free program for more advanced English learners is Enhanced Language Training (ELT). These 14-week courses will help you learn specialized language skills and vocabulary to help you in your career; they also offer Canadian work placements to help you gain relevant experience and market your skills to Canadian employers.
These courses are offered in accounting and financial services, engineering, administration, information technology, etc. Your Kababayan counsellor can help you sign up for an ELT course, or you can register directly through Toronto District School Board.
Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)
Another program to help improve your job-specific language skills is Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT), offered for free by the government of Ontario to permanent residents and protected persons. These courses are offered at Ontario public colleges and are aimed at people with experience in business, health sciences, construction trades, and technology. Not all colleges offer courses in these fields, so check the OSLT website to determine which colleges offer the course you want.
Casual opportunities to practice speaking English
If you want to practice your English in a more casual setting, KMC and the Toronto Public Library host English conversation circles regularly. These are not formal courses; you do not have to attend every session. Beginners are welcome; these conversation circles are a low-pressure way to practice speaking English and meet other newcomers.
Toronto Public Library (TPL)
The Toronto Public Library has information about the times and locations of their English conversation circles, and you can find information about KMC’s conversation circles on our events section.
Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC)
Here at Kababayan Multicultural Centre, we also offer workshops and classes to help you prepare for specific English language assessments and tests. Some tests, like CELPIP, may be required as part of the immigration process. You can find information about test preparation courses on our events section.
Learning English may seem difficult or overwhelming, but there are many free resources to help you improve your language skills. In turn, improving your English will make your new life in Canada easier in many ways, from finding a job to making new friends. Kababayan Multicultural Centre is here to help you navigate this process, evaluate your language skills, sign up for formal courses, and practice your English in various settings. Register for our services to meet with a counsellor if you would like to learn more and start your language-learning journey.
