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Canada has many free English and French language classes for newcomers. Language classes help you learn or improve your official language skills, and provide opportunities for learning about Canadian culture and connecting with the community. There are classes for all language levels, from basic literacy to advanced and occupation-specific.
NOTE:
In order to enroll in these classes, you first need to book a language assessment appointment with YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford by email at immigrant.settlement@ymcahbb.ca or call 905-526-8452 or 905-662-9400.
LINC classes are funded by the federal government. To sign up for LINC classes, a language assessment is required. To book an appointment, contact the English Language Assessment & Referral Services at YMCA Immigrant Services.
ESL classes are funded by the provincial government and have no resident status requirements. There may be a small fee for enrolment.
Offers a variety of programs for newcomers to Canada, including:
Offers a range of education programs and services to help Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families.
Programs include:
Offers English classes and conversation circles for newcomers to Canada.
LINC classes provide language training from Literacy to CLB 5 for permanent residents, including Convention refugees.
Also helps students find ESL credit programs, provides information about how to obtain their high school diploma, and other bridging programs in the city, makes referrals to other local newcomer services.
Eligibility screening, language skills assessment, and referral to government-funded English language programs including:
English as a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). Classes offer a variety of programs to allow students to pursue and achieve their English language proficiency and educational goals. Class levels are from basic to advanced with a focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Day and evening classes available.
Supports students and their families with their transition to attending school in Hamilton. Provides English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment services to mature students, newcomers, and children. Also supports adult students with initial assessments as they resume their studies toward achieving their Ontario High School Diploma.
Services include:
The Newcomer Learning Centre, located on the fourth floor of Central Library, serves people who are new to Canada.
Services include:
Provides elementary school children with the opportunity to experience culture, traditions and languages of other countries. Classes are free and are offered outside regular school hours at various locations throughout Hamilton. See website for details.
Programs operated through the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) and funded through the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Instructional classes teach international languages in either a non-credit conversational or for-credit format. Credits are earned towards secondary education. Languages available include: French, Spanish, Chinese, Polish, and Urdu.
Programs operated through the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) and funded through the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Provides a range of programs to help newcomers get settled in Canada, including peer-to-peer support groups, settlement and referral services, English conversation circles, and some translation services.