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Do you know how important communication skills are as a newcomer? Do you know what ESL, adult learning, and EALs are and what they are for?
The following video will tell you all about why building communication skills is important for all newcomers and why “more English means more opportunities”. They will explain to you what a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is, what it is for, and how one is assessed for this. More importantly, they will share how English language trainings are conducted for newcomers, which classes are ideal to take, and where to go to take them.
A general overview of language training for Canada from the Citizen and Immigration Canada:
Community Resources
The CLB online language practice test mentioned in the first video may be accessed on this website: CLB-OSA Assess you Canadian English Online.
Here are some of the language training programs available in Manitoba:
If you want to take your Canadian Language Benchmark assessment, you can go to WELARC (Winnipeg), Westman Immigrant Centre (Brandon) or SEELS (Steinbach). These agencies will also refer you to the appropriate language centres for the courses that you need.
No time nor means of transportation? See English Online’s flexible and self-directed English lessons.
No babysitter? The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s English as a Second Language Course is for women who need child-minding to attend class. You can also try Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network which provides language training and social networking for newcomer parents.
If you are an older adult and you wish to participate in conversation circles to improve your English and meet friends, A&O Support Services for Older Adults can help you. They offer a free, 10-week program that hones your English conversational skills, whether you are a beginner or an intermediate language learner. You can download their Winter 2016 Timetable for classes which starts on January 11, 2016.
The University of Winnipeg’s English for Specific Purposes (ESP) focuses on communication in specific disciplines.
Red River College also has an English for Specific Purposes course for those who want to pursue training opportunities or work in specific occupations.
You can learn English used in the workplace at the Enhanced English Skills for Employment Program. Access the Directory of Adult Literacy Programs and Adult Learning Centres in Manitoba for various language and skills trainings.
The University of St. Boniface has various levels of French language programs for Manitoban immigrants that are for free.
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