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. Students of different English proficiency levels can progress at their own rate, with the support of experienced ESL teachers. This program is also available to those individuals who have been in Canada for a while but need to improve their language skills to gain Canadian citizenship.

Students are assessed by Immigrant Language and Vocational Assessment-Referral Centre in Calgary (ILVARC). After assessment, students can contact Columbia College and arrange to come in for registration. If a student is changing schools, you should bring certification of Benchmarks at registration. Upon completion of LINC, 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. Columbia College also offers many professional programs for students who have achieved CLB 7 & 8.

Limited daycare seats for newcomer children (ages 12 months to 5 years) are available.

Program Description

The main goal of the program:

• Acquire conversation skills needed in everyday life, improve reading/writing/listening/speaking skills and correct grammar and pronunciation.
• Assist students to learn about Canadian culture, jobs in Canada or prepare for further education by improving English language skills.
• Assist students with information they need about community resources available to them and how to access them.
• Introduce students to the use of computers.

Program Description:

• Full time classes are scheduled from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday to Thursday and 9:30 am – 12:00 pm on Friday
• Evening part time classes are scheduled Monday to Thursday 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
• Saturday part time classes are scheduled 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Attend for a minimum of 22.5 hours per week in order to be considered a full-time student.
• Attend for a minimum of 5 hours per week to be considered a part time student.
• We offer workshops on learning strategies and styles, resume writing, interview skills, and information on how to live and work in Canada.
• Progress measured by using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs).
• Field trips to various community services are a part of LINC curriculum activities.
• Ongoing intake every Monday. This means you can start your classes at any time. If there is not a seat available, you will be placed on a waiting list and we will call you as soon as we have a seat for you.
• We offer Career and Employment Counselling workshops and resume writing information in our classes.