Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services
> Home > Living > Newcomers > Working and Learning in Wood Buffalo > English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Mohammed
Mohammed immigrated from Morocco in 2005 to be with his family. He struggled when he first arrived because he didn’t speak English. In Morocco, he worked as a car salesman but now he delivers pizza and goes to school at Keyano College where he studies English. “I work from 4:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m.,” says Mohammed. “But it’s worth it because I think the best things about Canada are the opportunities, the chance for a good job, and the health care system.”
Mohammed immigrated from Morocco in 2005 to be with his family. He struggled when he first arrived because he didn’t speak English. In Morocco, he worked as a car salesman but now he delivers pizza and goes to school at Keyano College where he studies English. “I work from 4:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m.,” says Mohammed. “But it’s worth it because I think the best things about Canada are the opportunities, the chance for a good job, and the health care system.”
The urban service area of Fort McMurray is a multicultural region where residents speak many different languages. However, the language of the workplace is English in Wood Buffalo, and workers need to speak, read and write English in order to work in the region.
There are many programs in Wood Buffalo and across Alberta for people who want to learn English. Some services are free, while some have to be paid for by the student. Spaces in free or funded programs are limited, and there is often a waiting list. Investing in English language training is important.- Keyano College offers many English language training programs
at different levels, including the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
- ESL Conversation Group is a free group for newcomers to Canada to practice their English, hosted by the Fort McMurray Public Library.
- ESL Moms & Tots is a free mom and tots group for newcomers to practice their English.
- YMCA Immigrant Settlement Services offers programs that allow newcomers to practice their English language skills.
- The Government of Alberta offers English language assessments and training for adults.
- Norquest College in Edmonton offers ESL Training Programs.
Funding for ESL Programs
There are some funding options to help newcomers take English language training.
- Find out about Financial Aid options for training at Keyano College.
- Keyano College also offers awards and scholarships.
- The Government of Alberta helps fund private eduction ESL programs for early learners.
- The Government of Alberta offers funding for education and training.
