English as a Second Language (ESL) - (Non-credit)
Program Description:
English as a Second Language (ESL) non-credit programming is available to
adults needing English language training ranging from ESL Literacy to advanced
levels. Classes are held during the day, at night, and on weekends. Full-time
and part-time classes are offered.
Focus: Most classes cover the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). ESL classes range in level from ESL Literacy to CLB 8. There are also classes for TOEFL, IELTS and TWE preparation, English for Business/ Computer Skills, Bilingual ESL, and Citizenship Preparation. Some school boards offer ESL for sewing; ESL for women only; ESL for seniors, and ESL for special needs individuals.
Eligibility:To be eligible, an adult's first language is neither English nor French, and he/she is:
- A Canadian citizen OR
- A permanent resident OR
- A Convention refugee OR
- A refugee claimant OR
- An approved Provincial Nominee OR
- A foreign domestic worker admitted under the Live-In Caregiver Program
Delivering Agencies:
School boards
TDSB – When visiting the site, click on the Adult Learning tab in the sidebar to find Adult English as a Second Language.
TCDSB – When visiting the site, search for Adult Education under the Programs and Services tab.
YCDSB
YRDSB – Search for English as a Second Language classes under the Continuing Education program.
Check with each school board for more details on the variety of ESL classes offered within their particular school board.
Cost: FREE (funded by Ontario's Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration). There may be a small charge for materials/consumables for specialized classes (e.g. TOEFL prep, etc.)
Online / Distance Education (ILC):
Delivered by: Independent Learning Centre (online/distance education) with the assistance of a volunteer tutor.
- speak little or no English
- live in Ontario
- be 18 years of age or over
- not be currently registered in a secondary school
- have someone to act as a volunteer tutor
- be a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant, or a refugee, or an Ontario resident holding a diplomatic visa or ministerial permit. (If you do not fall under any of these categories, please contact ILC for further details.)
Cost: There is a non-refundable fee of $40 for each online course. This administration fee covers the loan of course and supplementary materials, evaluation by certified teachers, and a final test.
Online non-credit ESL courses description:- The non-credit courses have no final test or final mark.
- The goal of the non-credit courses is to encourage adult ESL learners to interact with other people in their community.
- Students receive a completion certificate at the end of each non-credit course.
Role of the Volunteer Tutor:
A volunteer tutor can be anyone interested in helping a student learn to speak
English and to read and write it.
- read the course descriptions to the student
- help the student enroll in the course of her or his choice
- receive the course materials on behalf of the student
- work through the lessons with the student
- provide the student with encouragement and practice
- provide a good model of spoken and written English