Language Learning
There are many programs in Nova Scotia that support newcomers in learning English or French, the two official languages in Canada. The language learning programs described below receive funding from the Province of Nova Scotia.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes are available for adults who want to learn or improve their English language skills. Depending on your needs, goals, and the eligibility requirements of specific programs, you may attend general language classes (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, LINC), professional and communication classes, less formal conversation groups, or tutoring sessions.
A first step for most language learners is to do a language assessment to find their language level through Learn English Nova Scotia (LENS). After the assessment, LENS will help choose a language school or nearest program. LENS provides language assessments and language counselling to newcomers across the province.
Phone: (902) 431-8675
Web: lasns.info
EAL AND FAL CLASSES
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada helps newcomers pursue English (or French – CLIC) as a second language. It is a free program for eligible adult newcomers. You can ask your language assessor for more information on the LINC classes.
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) provides general and labour-market-specific language training in different formats (classes, online, tutoring, etc.).
Phone: (902) 423-3607
Web: isans.ca
Valley Community Learning Association
The Valley Community Learning Association (VCLA) provides English as an additional language classes and tutoring in the Valley region (Kentville, Wolfville, and Middleton).
Phone: (902) 679-5252
Web: vcla.ca
Atlantic Canada Language Academy
Atlantic Canada Language Academy, through its South Shore English as an Additional Language Program, provides English language training for newcomers in the South Shore region (Lunenburg and Queens counties).
Phone: (902) 634-6111
Web: studyatlantic.com
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, through its YREACH Language Services Program, provides English language training for newcomers in communities across the province outside of Halifax Regional Municipality.
Phone: (902) 457-9622
Web: http://ymcahfx.ca/ymca-programs/programs/locations-2/ymca-immigrant-centreeurocentres-atlanticanada.com
EAL tutoring
There are also different tutoring programs available for newcomers who want to improve their English language skills.
Halifax Public Libraries English Language Learning for Adults
A volunteer-based, one-on-one tutoring program for adults learning English as an additional language. Programs are delivered at the various libraries in Halifax and Dartmouth.
Phone: (902) 490-5990
Web: halifaxpubliclibraries.ca
Workplace and Profession Specific Language Programs
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, Halifax
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) offers a range of job specific language programs. The language classes are available in the classroom and on-line.
Phone: (902) 423-3607
Web: isans.ca
English for Academic Purposes
Nova Scotia Community College
The Nova Scotia Community College, through its English for Academic Purposes Program, provides instruction for newcomers who need to improve their English language skills required to enter post-secondary programs (college or university). This program is also an option for newcomers who need to improve their English language skills to a level required to become licensed in their regulated profession.
Phone: (902) 471-4650
Web: nscc.ca
FRENCH LANGUAGE LEARNING
UNIVERSITE SAINTE-ANNE
The Universite of Sainte-Anne, as part of its Training to Employment Program, offers french language training for the workplace for francophone newcomers.
Phone: (902) 424-8979
Web: usasainteanne.ca
FEDERATION ACADIENNE DE LA NOUVELLE-ECOSSE (FANE)
The Federation acadienne de la Nouvelle-Ecosse, as part of its Immigration Francophone Nouvelle-Ecosse Program, provides informal French language instruction through French Conversation Circles for French speaking newcomers.
Phone: (902) 4433-2099
Web: immigrationfrancophonene.ca