Enrich your vocabulary at these ESL Schools in Calgary
About a quarter of a million people immigrate to Canada each year, and many do not speak English fluently. Learning a new language is challenging, and doing so while settling into a new culture makes it doubly so. Whatever your level of proficiency, these English language learning centres can help.
Global Village
200-515 1 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2G6GV Calgary, as it’s known, features several academic and language courses including English courses for business, programs for children and basic ESL instruction. The centre’s general English classes are available in eight levels, so you can find one that matches your proficiency. Global trains ESL teachers on-site, and these student teachers conduct free courses for those without the means to study full time.
Calgary Board Of Education
2519 Richmond Rd SW, Calgary, AB T3E 4M2Great teachers and a friendly environment greet students at Chinook Learning Services, which is hosted by the Calgary Board of Education. The program’s adult English language classes run year round, mornings and afternoons, to accommodate your schedule. Financial assistance is available. Chinook offers both Adult ESL and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). The LINC classes are free and available to permanent residents and refugees. The course not only teaches language but helps to integrate new arrivals into Canadian society.
Bow Valley College
345 6 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4V1Bow Valley College offers seventeen programs, making it one of the largest English language learning institutions in the province. Select from full- and part-time programs including the Corporate Readiness Training program for business professionals transitioning to North America. The Bridge program targets immigrant youth who have not completed high school. And the full-time youth program for 18- to 24-year-olds targets highschool grads preparing for post-secondary education.
Equilibrium School
707 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2A4This private school near the SAIT Polytechnic campus offers courses for all levels of English language learners. The summer and full-year courses offer flexible scheduling. Equilibrium also offers the support of advisors or provides individual counselling. Its programs delve into conversational English, accent reduction and prep programs for post-secondary studies.
First Baptist Church
513 13 Ave Sw, Calgary, AB T2R 0K4Newcomers to First Baptist are individually assessed and assigned to the appropriate class level, so classmates learn at the same pace. Its small class sizes provide plenty of one-on-one study time; field trips and other planned excursions open possibilities for learning in the real world. Choose from daytime or evening classes. The highly qualified teachers are supported by volunteers who also help students forge connections within the community. Childcare is available.
Maple Leaf Academy
200-731 6 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0T9Several teachers will interact with each student, providing a varied learning environment well suited to practicing new language skills. Classes focus on various aspects of language, including listening, speaking, reading, writing and pronunciation. Class sizes are restricted while the curriculum is up- tempo. Teachers use leading-edge, multimedia teaching methods. These technologies are used to pinpoint student problem areas thereby improving speech and comprehension.
Calgary Immigrant Educational Society
3820 32 St NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7L9Both CIES offices are easily accessible by public transit with the northeast location two blocks from the Whitehorn CTrain station. The course features several study options, from basic literacy and language skills to a free LINC course for practical, comprehensive training. Free daycare is available for LINC parents. The home-learning option is also free and available online to those with work or family obligations who are unable to attend class in person. Drop-in classes offer scheduling flexibility and offer basic, intermediate and advanced training.
Agape Language Centre
16 Bermuda Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3K 1H7Agapé’s volunteers and trained teachers aim to make newcomers feel welcome. The non-profit, non-sectarian society helps students gain language skills and study Canadian culture. The centre’s fun environment features workshops and field trips. There are drop-in classes available plus the cool Conversation Café. This weekly session lets you bring a friend or meet new ones as people practice their English with other adults in a relaxed atmosphere.
