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 those adult newcomers who are eligible.

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 the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA). The HRSB-Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services (MILS) provides CLBA assessment outside metro Halifax. Upon completion of the assessment, a MISA or MILS representative will help you choose a language school or nearest program. MISA’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: http://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: http://www.milsns.info

Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre (HILC)
The Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre provides full-time and part-time language instruction at:

West End Mall
Suite 201, 7501 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
Fax: (902) 423-3154
Website: http://www.hilc.ns.ca

Tutoring

ESL Volunteer Tutor Program
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association, 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

English in the Workplace
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
This program offers a range of language training options, delivered on site at the workplace and customized to the needs of the employee and the workplace. No fee.

English for Work and Business
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
Twelve week workplace language skills program for professionals from diverse employment. Includes employment preparation. No fee.

Language Learning Strategies
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
Eight week program for independent high level learners focusing on developing life long learning strategies to improve language skills. No fee.

Professional Series
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
A series of evening language workshops to increase communication skills for successful workplace integration e.g., making presentations, writing emails, taking effective minutes. No fee.
 

Sector/Profession Specific

English for Internationally-Educated Healthcare Professionals
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
Sixteen week inter-professional language training program for internationally educated healthcare professionals. No fee.

English for Engineers
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
Language skills development and orientation to the engineering profession in Nova Scotia for internationally educated engineers. No fee.

Orientation to Teaching in Nova Scotia for Internationally Educated Teachers
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
Eight week program orientating internationally educated teachers to the public education system in Nova Scotia. No fee.

English for Financial Purposes
Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 443-2937
Addresses the needs of professional newcomers who are entering the workforce. This is an intensive 170-hour communication course that focuses on the language skills needed to practice effectively in a Canadian financial work environment.  No fee.

Programs for International Pharmacy Graduates
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 423-3607
Includes the opportunity for an on-site placement in a Canadian pharmacy and practice in professional culture and communications through skills labs. Discussion facilitated by licensed pharmacists. No fee.

OSCE Preparation Workshops of International Medical Graduates
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 423-3607
Opportunity to practice professional communications within the Canadian context using simulated patients and medical cases. Discussions facilitated by licensed physicians. Mock OSCEs are also conducted. No fee.
 

Other English Supports

Teaching Immigrants English (TIE)
HRSB-Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services Program
Telephone: (902) 464-2868
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. Fee of $100.00.

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

Private ESL Schools

The following organizations offer ESL and other language courses for a fee. 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