History of the ESL Division

• In 1911 the YWCA of Calgary began offering assistance to immigrant women & helping them with English.
• In 1915 this assistance became the “English for Foreigners” program, our first community education program.
• Today we offer approximately 1600 spaces in English classes per year serving Immigrants, Canadian Citizens and International Visitors
• For more information about the YWCA of Calgary check out our website www.ywcaofcalgary.com

Educational Philosophy

We believe that learners should be encouraged to develop their full potential. We use a communicative, learner-centred approach in which learners identify their own goals and collaborate with their instructors to set the themes and information to be studied. Language needs are regularly assessed and learners are encouraged to participate in the class/program most suited to their level of English communication skills. The Canadian Language Benchmarks are used as a guideline for assessing the language skills of our clients.

We offer instruction in English Language Skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, & vocabulary building) as well as classes in Pronunciation and Fluency, Strategies for Conversation, Cross-Cultural Communication, Canadian Workplace Culture and Workplace English.

Programs in the ESL Division

• English for New Canadians
• LINC – Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
• Canadian Employment Skills
• International Students
• English in the Workplace

What Makes Our Programs Special?

1. ESL Division Instructors – are professionally qualified with a degree from a recognized university and a teaching certificate or ESL certification.
• Most of our instructors are accredited members of ATESL (Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language) and TESL Canada.
• Many of our instructors have more than 10 years’ experience in teaching ESL to adult learners.
2. Volunteer Tutors – work as teaching assistants in our classes. Our learners get lots of small group or individual help.
3. Small Classes – usually about 10 to 12 students per class. This may vary according to the English language level and the type of class.
4. Classroom Materials – provided to learners at no additional cost
5. Registration & Assessment – cost is included in the Tuition Fee
6. Fitness on 5th – Immigrant clients get free (International students get low-cost) passes to use the YWCA of Calgary’s fitness facilities.
• Includes: swimming pool, gymnasium, squash courts, weight room & cardio equipment
7. Location – the YWCA of Calgary is located close to bus stops and train stations.