Language Training
There are many language courses and programs available for newcomers to learn, upgrade, or assess their language skills in both English and French. These options include English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) classes.
Most English and French language training for children, is provided as part of the public school system.
Heritage language training is also available. For those seeking language instruction in a language other than English or French, ethno-cultural organizations are a good source of information.
Newcomers who want to improve their English skills are eligible for free language training through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Before registering for a LINC course, you must have your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills assessed through the Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment program.
Following the assessment, you will be given information about the LINC programs and other language training opportunities in Kingston. There is an online LINC program for newcomers who have jobs or young children, and are unable to attend school outside the home.
LINC programs and language assessments are offered at two locations in Kingston. LINC students are eligible for free child care and bus tickets.
The equivalent French program to LINC is called Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC). People who take part in a CLIC program take courses to improve their French language skills. There are currently no CLIC programs available in Kingston.
Language Assessment
Newcomers planning to study at a college or university or to work in Ontario may be required to have their English reading, writing and speaking skills tested and assessed. Each college and university has its own set of guidelines to assess the qualifications of students from other countries.
The most common tests are:
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is taken by people who want to certify their English skills for employment purposes.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is taken by people who want to enrol in a college or university.
For More Information
Learn English or FrenchInformation on improving language skills before and after you arrive in Canada, where to study, and language training for school and work. Available in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Filipino (Tagalog), Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Urdu.
Improving your Language SkillsIncludes information on improving language skills before and after arrival in Canada, where to study, and language training for school and work. Available in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Filipino (Tagalog), Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Urdu.
What different kinds of ESL programs are available?Explanation and description of the various types of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs available. Available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), French, Gujarati, Pilipino (Tagalog), Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, and Urdu.
Limestone Community EducationA department of the public school board, Limestone Community Education offers ESL programs, international language instruction, workforce training, academic upgrading and programs to help immigrants find work in the health-care field.
TESL Kingston — Student ResourcesInformation about English as a Second Language (ESL) schools, programs and resources in the Kingston area for adults and children. Includes courses on language test preparation, part-time and full-time classes and information specific to immigrants.
Queen’s University School of EnglishOffers a wide variety of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for non-native English speakers. Our full-time programs include 12-week English for Academic Purposes, a 13-week Business Internship Program, and short-term Canadian English Experience (Winter) and Canadian English Experience (Summer) programs. In addition, the School offers tailored programs for groups and institutions. Some information is available in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic.
Islamic Society of KingstonThe Islamic Society sponsors weekend Arabic classes for elementary school students at a Kingston-area school. Some language classes are also held at the Society’s Sydenham Street mosque (Islamic Centre of Kingston).
Limestone Community Education — International Language InstructionInformation about free heritage language classes for elementary students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Languages include Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Urdu, Russian, Korean, Filipino, Spanish, Japanese, Bengali and Hindi.
Language Portal of Canada (Government of Canada)The Language Portal has information about Canadian resources that deal with difference aspects of language, including free online language tools, articles and writing tips, word games and exercises, links to language-related works and sites, Canadian writing tools and content produced by governments, universities and other organizations.
KIP “Call Kingston Home” Movie — Real Estate AgentThis video profiles a local real estate agent discussing what makes Kingston special and why she chose it as the home for her and her family. She talks about taking an intensive English-language program at Queen’s University and studying real estate at St. Lawrence college, local community groups, and what it means to her to call Kingston home. This Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) video is in Spanish with English subtitles.
Before you arrive
After you arrive