There are many language courses in Canada. Since there are two official languages in the country, you can study both English and French.
With regard to the quality of teaching, language schools try to use the most effective and interesting teaching methods. The teachers are, in most cases, amiable and efficient.
You can study the language from the most elementary level of knowledge, or take more advanced classes.
Popular courses such as General English / French can usually be started on any Monday other than holidays. The school will guide you and advise you on the optimal date to start your studies.
The language exam preparation courses are a little more complicated. The school will first clarify your level of the language using an internal test. If your level corresponds to the examination material, you will be guided by the group’s start date.
If not, then it is advised to start with General English / French courses. Upon reaching the required level to start preparing for the exam, you will be transferred to the desired course.
For language exam preparation courses, the language level must be at least intermediate.
Types of language courses
Courses are offered throughout the country in a wide variety of areas:
- General English / French;
- Preparation for passing international language proficiency tests: CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), TEF Canada or TCF.
- Summer and winter camps with educational excursions and language training;
- Business English / French;
- Technical English / French;
- Medical English / French;
- Academic preparation to enter colleges and universities;
- Teacher training programs CELTA, TESL, TESOL or CEFLE.
And this is not even a complete list.
Admission process and required documents
A standard set of documents that must be provided for enrollment: a copy of your passport and a completed school application form.
Usually, for a more targeted understanding of the student’s language level and to place them in the appropriate group, an orientation test is carried out before starting the course on the first day of class.
Based on the results, the student is placed in a group of a suitable level.
The groups are tiny (usually 8-12 people) so the teacher can devote time to each student and work through the material with them.
In terms of accommodation, schools have a host family based in an accessible location.
For a more effective immersion in the culture and life of Canada, living with a host family is recommended. It is also an excellent opportunity to improve your spoken language skills.
Families are carefully selected and have a solid track record of interacting with international students of all language levels.
Some schools offer the live-in residence for older students and those seeking independent living (dormitory).
You can also get help finding accommodation near the language school. This is true for those who want to rent an apartment.
Tuition fees
The cost of language courses varies depending on the location of the school. The price will vary between different provinces and cities. It is logical that the price of education will be higher in popular metropolitan areas.
An example of the cost of a week’s study of a language in different cities (prices are shown without taking the cost of room and board into account):
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal: General English / French – about $350-420 CAD/week.
Moreover, the longer the course is booked, the cheaper the cost of a week of training.
Examples of language schools
International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC)
Location: Toronto, Vancouver.
Language: English
Programs: Academic English / University Preparatory English, Business English, General English, Group Programs (English), IELTS Preparation, Summer or Winter Activity or Camp Programs (English), TOEFL Preparation, Cambridge Test Preparation, Youth / Junior programs ( English)
Location: Toronto, Vancouver.
Language: English
Programs: Academic English / University Preparatory English, Business English, General English, Group Programs (English), IELTS Preparation, Other Programs (English), TOEFL Preparation, Corporate / Government language training (English), Youth / Junior programs ( English)
Language Studies International (LSI)
Location: Toronto, Vancouver.
Language: English
Programs: Academic English / University Preparatory English, Business English, General English, Group Programs (English), IELTS Preparation, Summer or Winter Activity or Camp Programs (English), TOEFL Preparation, TOEIC Preparation, Cambridge Test Preparation, Corporate / Government language training (English), Youth / Junior programs (English)
Center of English Studies (CES)
Location: Toronto
Language: English
Programs: Academic English / University Preparatory English, Business English, General English, Group Programs (English), IELTS Preparation, Other Programs (English), Summer or Winter Activity or Camp Programs (English), Cambridge Test Preparation, Youth / Junior programs (English)
Location: Montreal, Quebec.
Language: English, French.
Programs: Online Programs (English), Business English, General English, Group Programs (English), IELTS Preparation, Other Programs (English), Summer or Winter Activity or Camp Programs (English), TOEFL Preparation, TOEIC Preparation, Business French, Corporate / Government language training (English), Corporate / Government language training (French), DALF Preparation, DELF Preparation, French for Specific Purpose, General French, Group Programs (French), Other Programs (French), Summer or Winter Activity or Camp Programs (French ), TFI Preparation, Youth / Junior programs (English), Youth / Junior programs (French), Online Programs (French), CELPIP Preparation
Location: Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal.
Language: English, French.
Programs: Academic English / University Preparatory English, Business English, General English, Group Programs (English), IELTS Preparation, Other Programs (English), Summer or Winter Activity or Camp Programs (English), TOEFL Preparation, TOEIC Preparation, Business French, Corporate / Government language training (English), Corporate / Government language training (French), DALF Preparation, DELF Preparation, English for Specific Purpose (Medical / Legal / Technical etc.), French for Specific Purpose, General French, Other Programs (French ), Summer or Winter Activity or Camp Programs (French), Youth / Junior programs (English), Youth / Junior programs (French)
Why do students of all ages strive to learn a language within the country, even though it is much more expensive than learning the language at home in a familiar environment, alongside family and work?
It’s simple: nothing will ever replace being in an authentic environment where you cannot leave the English-speaking (or French-speaking) population, and you will inevitably have to overcome the language barrier and start communicating with it on everyday topics. Indeed, many who know the grammar well and have an impressive vocabulary do not dare to speak the language, leaving them experiencing difficulties with the spoken aspect.
Plus, adapting to a new culture and getting acquainted with the Canadian way of life happens much faster. For some, such a trip will be the final decision before making a further move, while others will conclude that moving to Canada is not worthwhile. We are all different and everyone has their own individual perception of a new environment.
If you want to study in Canada, fill in our application form. We will help you choose a study program and apply for a study permit.
