Study English in Canada

Study English in Canada

Canada has become one of the most popular countries among international students and there are many reasons why. Offering a wide choice of school, college, and university programs, it also boasts a perfect choice of language schools. People from all over the world come to study English in Canada, learn and improve their communicative skills and develop additional language competencies. English and French are two official languages of Canada, and local teachers have developed multiple methodologies that can satisfy the unique demands of every learner.

If you choose to study English in Canada, you will also get a number of additional benefits: a safe and secure environment, cosmopolite cities, beautiful landscapes, and a lot of opportunities to travel, various programs that allow your complete immersion into the Canadian lifestyle, and, of course, excellent academic standards. Study English in Canada programs guarantee consistent standards and high-quality instruction. 

International students have many options to choose from when it comes to learning languages in Canada. You can study English in Canada while working, or take language courses that help prepare you to enter a Canadian university or a college program. You may also want to study English to gain a competitive advantage in your home country or improve your skills needed for specific professional tasks. When you come to study English in Canada you are guaranteed to get a focused approach, high-quality teaching, and lots of opportunities to continue your studies or work in Canada.

As Canada’s language schools exist across the country, you can learn English in a place you like the most. When searching for the right language school, the best advice is to start with the list of language schools accredited by Languages Canada like ILAC, KAPLAN, ILSC, or LSI. When considering a new school for accreditation, Languages Canada analyzes all the important educational aspects, including available student services; qualification and experience of teaching staff; program of study (curriculum); marketing, promotion, and administration of the school, and student admissions. This accreditation demonstrates that schools follow internationally recognized quality assurance standards and guarantee high-quality academic programs. It is also worth mentioning, that Languages Canada has a directory of more than 225 language schools across Canada. 

If you plan to study English in Canada, first you have to decide what program is the best for you. The types of programs Canadian language schools offer include:

1. The English Test Preparation programs. Many educational institutions, business companies, and organizations all over the world demand language certificates that demonstrate the level of your English language proficiency. For example, popular language tests are IELTS, TOEFL, or CELPIP and many of the Canadian language schools offer preparation programs, specifically designed for each of these tests. The programs develop speaking, grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and listening skills and cover a wide range of communicative topics.  English Test Preparation programs also help students to gain the confidence, necessary for the successful completion of their test or exam. It is also worth mentioning, that IELTS and CELPIP are officially designated for permanent residence applications by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, and are accepted for professional designations in Canada and the USA.
2. The Pathway program is another option to study English in Canada. These accelerated language courses provide focused training for future Canadian college students. Typically, they admit students from around the world who want to attend Canadian colleges and universities but lack the necessary language skills. Depending on a chosen program, the pathway takes 4-12 months to complete, during which students strengthen their language abilities and prepare to take college-level courses in English. After they graduate, students can either apply to other Canadian colleges or transfer into a degree-granting program at the same institution where they completed their pathway. In the English-speaking parts of Canada, pathway programs focus on English for Academic Purposes, and students may live on campus or attend their classes virtually. It is worth mentioning, that pathway graduates typically do not need English-language test scores to join bachelor's programs, as this program completely fulfills that need.
3. The General English programs are designed for students of all ages and levels of proficiency, starting from beginner to advanced. They are the best way to start your study English in Canada experience, as the General English programs are designed to improve core language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing; introduce you to the fundamentals of English grammar; help you gain fluency and confidence in an English-speaking environment. 
4. The Business English program is another popular choice among those who study English in Canada. Such courses are designed to develop students' speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills in a specific business context. Real Canadian business topics and case studies are used to recreate an English-speaking business environment in a classroom and to help students learn to communicate successfully. Students are introduced to various negotiation strategies and continuously build confidence in speaking and presenting in front of small or large audiences. Depending on a school`s curriculum, they can be taught to organize their ideas for a professional presentation and create slides to support it; deliver an effective and engaging presentation; ask and answer questions effectively; speak about new business ideas, marketing strategies, sales pitches, or work ethics; communicating in the workplace; participate in and lead business meetings; write business emails; participate in business phone conversations; make appointments and negotiate effectively.
5. A fun way to study English in Canada is to join one of its Language Summer (or even Winter) Camps. They are designed to develop English skills through full language and cultural immersion. Students can live with a host family in a number of beautiful locations in Canada. An exciting schedule of daily cultural activities and excursions, combined with high-quality language practice and international friends from around the world makes this program very popular among teenagers.
6. The Teacher Training programs like CELTA, TESL, TESOL, or CEFLE are also offered in many Canadian universities and language schools. 

To begin to study English in Canada, you might need to take a test to assess the level of your skills. Based on that test results, your school will suggest the best course for you. Most language schools offer courses based on weeks of study, not a semester or month, so you can progress quickly.

Each language school in Canada has its own enrollment process, can offer housing or/and homestay options. Homestay programs are the best for younger students, as they get the support of a local Canadian family. 

To study English in Canada if you are 18 and over, you must apply for a study permit from the Government of Canada. Minor children under the age of 18 can also study English in Canada, but they may need to apply for a special study permit. It is worth mentioning, that you may also contact your chosen language school to learn more about their fees, accommodation options, and other requirements. Remember, it can take up to three months to obtain a study permit depending on your home country, and please take into account additional travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As mentioned above, Canadian language schools often provide courses based on a certain number of weeks, rather than a semester approach to study. The cost of tuition at Canadian language schools is established by each school and can differ greatly. It also depends on the location of the school, its experience, and the number of enrolled students. For example, a 12-week course in the English language school in Toronto can cost you 3,500 - 4,500 CAD, a similar 12-week English course in Vancouver costs 4,000 CAD and 3,500 CAD in Calgary. Many schools offer various package programs, that allow you to study English in Canada at better prices.

If you need help with admission to most popular language schools in Canada, please fill in the form or contact us directly.