When I moved to Toronto in 2014, my English was very basic. I talked about the reality of coming to Toronto with beginner English in this video. Today in this article I want to share different options for improving your English in Toronto. Little advice before, when you do look for classes yourself, you’re going to look for ESL: English Second Language. Since many people come to Toronto from non-English-speaking countries, these English classes are quite common. But they can be expensive. I’m going to give you some free and paid options.
Before you go any further, don’t forget to find me on Instagram, Pinterest and on Youtube.
Free classes to learn English in Toronto
Toronto Public Library
The Toronto Library offers conversation sessions. These are not formal classes, but opportunities to practice in a learning environment. Without judgment, with other people who are there to learn. Find out more here.
YMCA
The YMCA is an organization that offers a variety of services, such as youth programs, sports facilities and children’s activities. They offer so many services that it’s sometimes hard to tell if there’s something there for you. I’ve done this work for you, and they have a service for newcomers. What we’re interested in today is their program for testing your English. They don’t give courses on the spot, but through this test they can recommend you to a government-funded organization that does give courses. Find out more here.
Toronto Catholic District School Board
The Toronto Catholic District School Board offers free English courses. You can’t access these courses as a tourist. And they have 3 locations in Toronto. More information on their website.
Toronto District School Board
This school offers several free programs to improve your English in Toronto. One program is for beginners and the other focuses on professional English. More information on their website.
Schools across Ontario
I wanted to put this option on your radar to encourage you to do your own research. This government-funded program is offered in several schools. You can find participating schools by visiting their websites.
TWLIP
The Toronto West Local Immigration Partnership offers several free English language programs for newcomers. Find out more on their website.
MNLCT
The Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto is a community center with three offices in Toronto. They offer a free program for learning English. These programs are aimed at immigrants and people learning English as a second language. More information on their website.
Access Employment
This organization helps newcomers in their job search. I was able to talk to them about their programs, and the people I spoke to are super involved in the process to help as much as possible in integrating into Canada. They offer a free English conversation program. These conversations take place every week. For more information, click here.
LINC
It’s a program to help newcomers improve their English in Toronto. There are certain conditions for participating in Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada: you must not be a temporary resident or Canadian citizen. Find out more here. Or here on the government website.
Fee-based English classes in Toronto
Language schools
I have no particular affiliation with the following schools. To make sure that the school is of the right quality and will meet your needs, I encourage you to ask around and read reviews from former students.
Each school has different programs, from a few weeks to a few months. Here are the best-known.
- Kaplan
- EF
- Ilac
- ILSC
- LSI
George Brown College
George Brown College is one of Toronto’s largest schools. In addition to all their programs, they offer English as a Second Language programs lasting several weeks. They offer different levels and you can also join the program at different times. I’ll let you find out more on their website.
I hope this list will help you find the right English classes for your goals and budget in Toronto. If you’d like to learn more about life in Toronto, I invite you to read this article on the best second-hand stores in Toronto.
