Having a strong command of English opens up a world of opportunities in Canada. With fluent English, you can attend university, land a great job, and fully integrate into the local community. If you’ve just moved to Edmonton or have been here for a while and want to boost your English skills, the city offers plenty of options, from free programs to professional university courses. In this article on edmonton1.one, we’ve rounded up the best places to learn English in Edmonton.
Free Opportunities
If you’re new to Canada, here’s some great news: Edmonton provides many free ways to learn English. The most well-known are the “Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada” (LINC) courses. These programs offer numerous benefits, including qualified and experienced instructors, plus valuable information on essential topics for newcomers like finding housing, banking, citizenship matters, and job searching. You’ll also have the chance to meet other newcomers and share experiences. These are completely free courses, focused on daily life and integration.
LINC courses are available at Catholic Social Services, NorQuest College, and ASSIST Community Services Centre. Catholic Social Services also offers additional conversation clubs, which help newcomers practice English in everyday situations.
Edmonton Public Libraries also host conversation clubs where you can practice your English in a relaxed, informal setting.
To access these free language courses, you’ll need to complete a CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) assessment and register at a newcomer support centre.
Learning English for free in Edmonton isn’t just about improving your language; it’s also an opportunity to make new friends and find support. Take this first step toward building confidence in your new country.
University Courses
Edmonton’s universities offer higher-quality English language courses for international students who want to boost their English for work or are planning to attend a Canadian university. These programs usually come with a fee, but they stand out for their professional and academic approach.
Naturally, one of the country’s most prestigious universities, the University of Alberta, offers such courses. The university provides several study options: courses for prospective students and shorter courses focusing on adaptation. Completing language courses at the university can allow you to gain admission without an IELTS score.
MacEwan University also offers language courses. They provide programs for admission preparation and general courses to improve everyday communication. Both day and evening programs are available, along with online learning options. For Ukrainians, they offer a free 12-week “Essential English Language Skills” course. This course also aims to boost students’ confidence and enhance their lives in Alberta.
Choosing university courses also means opting for an international environment, a high academic standard, the potential to enter university without IELTS, and support from other international students.
Private English Schools
Edmonton also has private English schools that offer flexible schedules and a personalized approach. Here, you can choose anything from conversational English to business English or IELTS preparation. This learning format is especially convenient for those who work and have unpredictable schedules.
For example, check out “The Learning Exchange.” It’s located right in the heart of downtown Edmonton, so you’ll also be able to enjoy many nearby attractions, museums, and restaurants.