Language Training

You will find many places that offer classes in English as a Second Language (ESL).

ESL classes are available for adults who need to learn English or who require extra help to improve their language abilities.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is language instruction for newcomers wishing to pursue English (or French - CLIC) as a second language. It is a free program for eligable adult newcomers.

To be eligible for the LINC (CLIC) Program, a person must be:

• an adult immigrant (older than legal school leaving age); and
• either a permanent resident or a newcomer who has been allowed to remain in Canada, to whom Citizenship and Immigration Canada intends to grant permanent resident status and who has not acquired Canadian citizenship

In metro Halifax, the Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) is provided by Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services (ISIS). The HRSB-Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services (MILS) provides CLBA assessment outside metro Halifax. Upon completion of the assessment, a ISIS or MILS representative will help you choose a language school or nearest program. ISIS’s contact phone number is (902) 423-3607 and MILS is (902) 464-2868.

LINC Schools

Halifax Regional School Board Adult ESL
The Halifax Regional School Board offers full-time and part-time language instruction at three locations - two in Halifax and one in Dartmouth at Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services.

Quinpool Education Centre, 3rd Floor - Offers full time language training levels 1-5 (beginner to advanced)

6067 Quinpool Road, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 421-7779
Website: www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/869.html

St. Agnes Catholic Church - Offers part time language training at more advanced levels
6903 Mumford Road, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 421-7779

Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services (MILS)
Forsyth Centre
136 Pinecrest Drive, Dartmouth

Telephone: (902) 464-2868
Fax: (902) 464-2828
Email: annguy@staff.ednet.ns.ca
Website: www.milsns.info

Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services (ISIS)
ISIS provides full-time and part-time language instruction at:
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 2120
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 4P1

Telephone: (902) 423-3607
Fax: (902) 423-3154
Email: info@isisns.ca
Website: www.isisns.ca
 

Tutoring

ESL Volunteer Tutor Program
Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 423-3607
This program offers one-on-one volunteer led support to individuals who request support to build on their English reading, writing, aural, and oral skills. No fee.

Halifax Public Libraries ESL for Adults
Halifax Public Libraries, Halifax, Bedford and Dartmouth
Telephone: (902) 490-5990
ESL for Adults is a volunteer-based, one-to-one tutoring program for adults learning English as a second language. Programs are delivered at the following libraries: Alderney Gate Public Library, Halifax North Public Library, Bedford Public Library, Keshen Goodman Public Library, Captain William Spry Public Library, and Spring Garden Road Public Library. No fee.
 

Workplace Language

Workplace and Profession Specific Language Programs
Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 423-3607

ISIS offers a range of employment specific language programs focused on skills required in the workplace and in specific professions. Some temporary residents might be eligible to receive the training, please contact ISIS for further details. No fee.
 

Other English Supports

Teaching Immigrants English (TIE)
HRSB-Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services Program
Telephone: (902) 464-2868
http://www.milstie.ca/ 
TIE provides English as a second language instruction to newcomers outside metro Halifax. No fee.

English for Academic Purposes
Nova Scotia Community College, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 471-4650
http://www.nscc.ca
This program provides English language instruction to newcomers whose language skills are not sufficient to enter post-secondary educational institutions in Nova Scotia or to successfully complete occupational credentialing requirements.

Valley ESL
Valley Community Learning Association, Kentville
Telephone: (902) 679-5252
http://www.vcla.ca/
English as a second language classes are available in the Valley region. No fee.
 

Private Language Schools

The following organizations offer ESL and other language courses for a fee and are open to permanent and temporary residents. Please contact these language schools for more information about their programs and costs. 

Apex Language & Career College 
ESL for all levels
www.alcc.ca

St. Mary’s University
ESL Immersion Program
English for Personal & Professional Communication
www.stmarys.ca/academic/tesl

International Language Institute (ILI)
ESL full-time or half-time study
www.ili.ca

East Coast School of Languages
ESL all levels
English for work
www.ecslcanada.com

Canadian Language Learning College
General English, TOEFL, academic bridging
www.cllc.ca/