Section 2 – Living in Canada – ESL & Schools
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Adult refugee claimants are not usually eligible for government funded training programs. It is possible to find volunteer programs such as the following:
Inland Refugee Society offers refugee claimants a10-week ESL & Life skills program at levels one, two and three. The aim is to focus on basic language skills needed for daily living. Examples of subjects covered are: renting an apartment, applying for a job, reading a bus schedule, enrolling a child in school, opening and operating a bank account, and finding medical treatment.
Registration:
- Students are individually assessed to determine their level of English skills.
- Registration & classes are free.
- Students are eligible for free bus tickets in order to attend classes.
Apply for registration: contact Inland Refugee Society at 778-328-8888, extension 26 or Suite 430- 411Dunsmuir Street. This is downtown at the corner with Homer Street, across the road from Holy Rosary Cathedral.
Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. at 411Dunsmuir Street on the 3rd floor
Instructors are ESL qualified and, depending on class size, have assistants so that each student receives personal attention and direction.
Other ESL classes in Vancouver.
These are free of charge to refugee claimants at private colleges and other agencies. Call these numbers for further information:
Archer College www.winfieldcollege.com:, 1st floor 788 Beatty Street; call 604- 608-0538.
EJ Canada College www.ejcanadacollege.com:, 520 Hornby Street; call 604 698-1079.
Kingcrest International Neighbours: 660-51st Ave; call 604- 327-6262.
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society: (Women only) call 604- 298-5888.
School Registration for Children.
In Canada it is compulsory to register your children for school if they are between 5 and 18 years old.
In Vancouver, contact the Reception Centre at 2530 East 43rd Avenue. Tel 604 713 5999. See www.vsb.bc.ca
