Language Learning Programs and Resources Across Alberta
Introduction
Following the ending of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)-funded Stage 2 Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programming, AAISA has compiled a list of alternative language learning opportunities across Alberta. This toolkit brings together free and fee-based programs, informal learning opportunities, and online resources to help settlement service providers (SPOs) support newcomers who wish to continue developing their English language skills.
Purpose of this Toolkit
- Help SPOs identify alternative language learning opportunities across Alberta.
- Highlight formal, informal, free, and fee-based language resources.
- Support referrals based on newcomers’ language levels, needs, and learning goals.
- Encourage continued language learning beyond Stage 2 LINC.
Who Is This Toolkit For?
- Settlement service providers and frontline practitioners
- Language instructors and program coordinators
- Community organizations supporting newcomers
Help Us Grow This Resource
AAISA welcomes contributions from organizations offering language learning programs and resources across Alberta. If your organization offers opportunities that could be included in this toolkit, we would be happy to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to us at events@aaisa.ca to share your programs or resources.
We appreciate your collaboration in helping newcomers access more language learning opportunities across Alberta.
Language Learning Programs and Resources
Programs are listed alphabetically by service provider organization for easy reference. SPOs can use the links provided to learn more about each program and its offerings.
Please note: Program information is subject to change. SPOs are encouraged to contact organizations directly to confirm current availability, schedules, fees, and eligibility requirements before making referrals.
Organization | Program / Resource | Description | Link |
| Agapé Language Centre | English as a Second Language (ESL) | In-person English classes for LINC graduates, working adults, and learners preparing for further education. | View program |
| ASSIST Community Services Centre | Special Language Programs | Fee-based EAL for CLB 5–8, including workplace and academic English, digital skills, and test preparation. | View program |
| Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) | LEAP | Employment-focused training covering workplace safety, first aid terminology, and customer service. | View program |
| Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) | Supported Transitions to English Proficiency (STEP) | Free part-time program for CLB 5–6 learners; three days a week, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Contact Natalia Pastuhova at nataliap@ccisab.ca. | Email contact |
| Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) | Workplace English Language Learning (WELL) | Free eight-week, full-time workplace English for immigrant women at CLB 4+, including digital and employment skills. | View program |
| Care for Newcomers | English Classes | Part-time evening English classes, including general and workplace ESL. | View program |
| CCI-LEX | ESL Classes and Tutoring | Beginner-to-advanced ESL, academic English, workplace communication, and individual tutoring. | View program |
| CCI-LEX | LEX Program | Low-cost part-time ESL covering four language skills, with flexible schedules and continuous enrolment. | View program |
| CCI-LEX | Workplace English for Construction | Construction-focused English for CLB 4+ learners, including safety, teamwork, and workplace communication. | View program |
| Centre for Newcomers (CFN) | Employment-Focused English | English instruction focused on job search and workplace communication across all four language skills. | View program |
| Columbia Training Centre | Continuing Education EAL | Online English courses focusing on listening and speaking or reading and writing. | View program |
| Columbia Training Centre | English as an Additional Language (EAL) | Hybrid CLB 4–8 English classes for employment and academic pathways; provincial funding may be available. | View program |
| Edmonton Newcomer Centre | Community English | Community-based English classes for beginner and intermediate learners in Edmonton. | View program |
| Edmonton Newcomer Centre | Newcomers Essential Skills Training (NEST) | Five-month full-time hybrid employment and essential-skills training; eligible learners may receive a living allowance. | View program |
| Edmonton Newcomer Centre | STEP | Employment readiness and English language training tailored to participants’ language levels and employment goals. | View program |
| Equilibrium School | Funded EAL | Full-time English instruction across four language skills; provincial financial eligibility requirements apply. | View program |
| Equilibrium School | One-on-One English | Individualized English instruction based on learner needs, with a minimum 10-hour commitment. | View program |
| Equilibrium School | Reading and Writing | English classes focusing on reading, writing, grammar, and advanced writing skills. | View program |
| Keyano College | Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) | Free flexible English learning for Alberta residents aged 18+, including speaking, reading, and writing. | View program |
| NorQuest College | EAL Intensive | English language training at CLB 5–8 for education, employment, and daily life. | View program |
| NorQuest College | English for Academic Purposes | Academic English for learners preparing for post-secondary education, including CLB 8-level coursework. | View program |
| Solomon College | EAL Program | Classes developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing, including academic and workplace communication. | View program |
| Solomon College | English for Work & Life | Online evening English focused on workplace and daily communication, with monthly intake and tutoring. | View program |
| The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) | Drop-In ESL | Flexible online English classes at pre-basic, basic, and intermediate levels. | View program |
| The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) | EAL Online Classes | Free 10-week online English for eligible Alberta residents, with four classes per week. | View program |
| The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) | LEAP | Higher-level English and career readiness for CLB 4+ learners, with hybrid and online options. | View program |
| The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) | LINC Blended | Free blended LINC for CLB 5–6, combining self-paced online and weekly in-person classes. | View program |
| The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) | TIES Learn | Self-paced online English, employment, and settlement courses, including CLB 5+ resources. | View program |
Additional Language Programs and Directories
Explore additional language programs and searchable directories to help identify learning opportunities in Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding areas.
Gateway Language Program Directory
Directory of in-person and online English-language programs and services for immigrants and international students in Calgary and surrounding areas, helping learners find available language-training options. View directory!
LARCC Directory
Searchable directory of language and education programs in Edmonton and surrounding areas, including EAL, LINC, community English, and other training options. Filters include CLB level, location, schedule, and funding. View directory!
MacEwan University
EAL program: Formal university program focused on academic and professional English. Covers reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and study skills. View program!
Mount Royal University
Learn English for Academic Purposes: Formal academic English program with 4 levels, each 13 weeks. Develops reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, presentations, academic discussions and critical thinking. Placement testing determines the learner’s starting level. View program!
Informal and Community-Based Language Learning
Explore free and low-cost English learning opportunities, including conversation circles, library programs, community-based activities, and self-directed online resources to help newcomers practise and improve their language skills outside formal classrooms.
Agapé Language Centre
English Conversation Circle: Free weekly conversation practice with trained instructors. Learners practice speaking, build vocabulary, learn about Canadian culture and meet other newcomers.
Calgary Library
Drop-In English Practice (Virtual): Free, volunteer-led online conversation sessions for adults 18+, focusing on speaking and listening.
Advanced English Practice: Drop-in conversation practice for strong intermediate learners, focusing on grammar, fluency, and confidence.
Canadian Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)
New Friends and Neighborhood Groups: The program offers a safe and supportive environment for immigrant women to practice and improve their English conversation skills, form meaningful relationships, learn about resources available to them, and share experiences with other immigrant women.
Care for Newcomers
Conversation Groups: Informal English practice through speaking, reading and writing. Designed for newcomers who are currently taking or have completed ESL classes.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Learning English: A popular informal resource featuring free online videos, local Alberta news-based features, and downloadable lessons to build Stage 2 vocabulary based on real-world Canadian contexts
Cooperative ESL Ministries
ESL Program Directory: Directory of church-based ESL programs in Calgary and surrounding communities.
Catholic Social Services (CSS)
English Conversation Circles: Free English conversation circles for immigrants and refugees at various Edmonton Public Library locations and online. Volunteer-led speaking practice and community connection.
Central Baptist Church
ESL Conversation Café: Free online English conversation groups offered through Zoom. Participants practice speaking in small groups, build confidence, and discuss weekly topics. Sessions include a conversation guide and a short Bible passage. Three online groups are offered.
Edmonton Public Library
English Learning Events: Free English-learning activities events lists, including beginner conversation, intermediate grammar/conversation and English conversation circles delivered with community partners.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Intermediate English Resources: Free online, self-paced English learning resources offering vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and interactive exercises. May be useful for intermediate-level newcomers looking to continue practicing English independently.
Grand Prairie Public Library
English Conversation Club: Small-group English conversation practice for adults, focusing on speaking confidence and community connections.
New Beginnings Church
ESL Conversation Sessions: Offers free, informal English conversation sessions to help learners improve speaking confidence and connect with others. Sessions are available in person and online, with no registration required. Includes a brief Bible discussion.