Exciting prospects arise from moving to Canada, but adjusting to a new nation’s language environment is another necessary step. Canada is a multilingual country that acknowledges French and English as official languages. Being proficient in these languages can make a big difference in your life, whether you’re looking for work, going to school, or just getting by. The majority of the country’s regions speak English as their primary language, but Quebec and some areas of New Brunswick, the only officially bilingual province, speak French. This article will examine the top resources for learning French or English and provide helpful advice to help you become more self-assured and effectively advance your language abilities.

It can be difficult to learn a new language, particularly if it is not your first. However, mastering either French or English is essential for a seamless transfer. In order to assist immigrants, we have sought the professional guidance of Media Hajinia, a former English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Canada, regarding the most effective approaches and available resources.

Why It’s Crucial to Improve Your English Before Moving to Canada 

Possessing rudimentary English language abilities will greatly facilitate your transition as an immigrant to Canada. Prior to moving, begin studying or using English so that you can easily adjust. This is why it’s essential to practice your English beforehand:

  • Boost Your Immigration Application: Having better English exam results can increase your chances of being granted a study permit or permanent residence. Higher language proficiency scores for Express Entry raise your CRS points and boost your chances of getting an ITA.
  • Understand Life in Canada: For the purpose of studying and navigating Canadian life—from locating accommodation to comprehending financial products—a sufficient level of English ability is required. The majority of pre-arrival settlement services are offered in English, so knowing the language will be helpful.
  • Prepare for Employment: Often, the job search starts before you get there. It will expedite your job search and increase your chances of landing a job if you can read job descriptions, network, and write resumes in English.

The Importance of English Language Skills in Canada: Key Reasons to Focus on Fluency 

There are difficulties involved in moving to Canada, particularly if you don’t speak English well. Fluency in English is essential for a number of daily activities, including:

  • Finding Housing: Searching for and securing a rental involves understanding online listings, negotiating with landlords, and comprehending lease agreements, which are typically in English.
  • Job Hunting: The majority of job processes, including applications, interviews, and workplace communication, occur in English. This is essential for securing employment and working effectively, especially in regulated professions.
  • Daily Activities: Basic tasks like grocery shopping, ordering food, and accessing news require some level of English proficiency.
  • School Enrollment: Enrolling your children or pursuing further education involves navigating processes conducted in English.
  • Healthcare: Clear communication with healthcare providers is vital for receiving appropriate medical care.
  • Avoiding Scams: Understanding English helps you recognize and avoid scams, as newcomers are often targeted by fraudsters.
  • Networking: Building a professional and social network is easier with strong English skills, enhancing job prospects and career growth.

Overall, improving your English before moving can significantly ease your transition and integration into Canadian life.

Top Resources for Learning English or French 

Being fluent in English or French is crucial for adjusting to daily life and succeeding in the workplace after relocating to Canada. Using the appropriate materials can significantly improve your language abilities, regardless of whether you’re getting ready to move or have already settled in. Top resources to aid in learning French or English are as follows:

iSLCollective 

A huge library of more than 85,000 worksheets for English as a Second Language (ESL) students is available on the free website iSLCollective. A wide range of resources, including teacher worksheets, slideshows, and video sessions catered to various learning levels, are available on the website.

Features

  • Worksheets: Extensive selection for various ESL skills including listening, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking.
  • Presentations: Useful for visual and interactive learning.
  • Video Lessons: Complementary video resources to enhance understanding.

Pros

  • Free access to a large range of materials.
  • Suitable for all skill levels.

Cons

  • May require some navigation to find specific resources.

Learn English Feel Good 

Learn English Feel Good is a free website dedicated to providing high-quality ESL resources. The site offers exercises and practice materials across different areas of English learning.

Features

  • Listening Exercises: Designed to improve comprehension skills.
  • Pronunciation Practice: Helps with accent and clarity.
  • Grammar and Vocabulary: Resources tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Pros

  • Comprehensive resources available at no cost.
  • Well-organized by learning level.

Cons

  • Limited interactive features compared to other platforms.

TEDEd 

TEDEd provides a diverse array of interactive educational videos suitable for learners from beginner to advanced levels. The platform covers a broad spectrum of topics.

Features

  • Video Lessons: Engaging content on arts, business, economics, health, design, mathematics, philosophy, religion, social studies, and more.
  • Interactive Elements: Videos often include quizzes and discussion prompts to enhance learning.

Pros

  • High-quality videos with a variety of topics.
  • Excellent for practicing listening skills.

Cons

  • Primarily focused on video content without interactive language practice.

Language Learning Apps 

Language learning apps like Duolingo, Drops, and Mondly offer a convenient and engaging way to practice English. These apps come in both free and paid versions, with some requiring a subscription for full access.

Features

  • Duolingo: Gamified learning with short lessons, both free and paid.
  • Drops: Emphasizes vocabulary with a game-like approach, available in free and premium versions.
  • Mondly: Offers a mix of free and paid lessons with interactive exercises.
  • Babbel: Provides initial lessons for free, with a subscription required for full access.

Pros

  • Flexible learning options with mobile accessibility.
  • Engaging and motivating through gamified elements.

Cons

  • Free versions may have limited content.
  • Subscriptions required for advanced features and full content access.

Cost-Free English Language Learning Resources in Canada 

Once in Canada, you can still use the previously stated resources, but there are also additional local resources available. Among them are:

Government-Sponsored Free English Classes: All permanent residents, including refugees, who are 18 years of age or older, can apply for free to the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program and the Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC), both offered by the federal government. You must visit an organization that conducts official language exams for new immigrants and finish a CLB self-assessment before enrolling in LINC lessons. You can complete the evaluation online before traveling to Canada. Online and in-person LINC lessons are offered at several places. Through local school boards, provincial governments may also provide French or English as a Second Language (FSL) instruction.

Public Library Language Resources: For those who are new to Canada, public libraries are excellent resources. They have a selection of English-language movies, CDs, and reading materials. Additionally, a lot of libraries provide interactive programs like reading groups and language courses that are intended to help newcomers practice and advance their English.

Conclusion 

The range of tools accessible, from online platforms and language applications to local government initiatives and public libraries, provides plenty of opportunity for learners of all levels, whether you’re wanting to better your French or English. By making use of these tools, you can improve your language proficiency and facilitate your assimilation into new cultures.