Newcomer Blog Project Information

ESL Information for Newcomers Blog

Homestay Edmonton

http://www.edmontonhomestayagency.com/

Visitors to Edmonton

http://www.infoedmonton.com/

http://www.edmontonevents.com/

Ethnic societies in Edmonton

http://www.edmontonmulticultural-ems.org/resource-directory/ethnic-group.html

Edmonton Public Library

http://www.epl.ca/interests/multicultural

ESL contacts:

NAIT

Kimberly Payne 471-8360 kpayne@nait.ca

Lorraine 780-378-5030 lorrnord@nait.ca  W111PB

Interview with Kimberly - Summary:

NAIT has 5 levels of English. The placement test is divided into listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, and writing and grammar components. Each level is one semester long. Level 5 = EAP, or ready to enter a university program. NAIT uses recruitment in students home countries. Ask for Jackie Su or Tina Zhao for information in Chinese. NAIT uses an academic buddy system for newcomers. NAIT also has some evening classes which educate beyond level 5.

Recently NAIT has partnered with the Chinese government. Chinese teachers are here for 6 months.

WECA

Joan Solbrekkein

ESL program 489-2579 ext. 245

Check out West Meadows Baptist Church

Check out Beulah Alliance Church

Ask for Lighthouse ph # info on Spanish ESL classes

489 – 4010 

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Edmonton's Other Festivals

Edmonton is called “The Festival City” because of the more than 30 festivals that happen here each year.
These Festivals celebrate music, performing arts, dance, sports, and film.

Family Fun -

Some special times are the International Children's Festival, Edmonton's Capital EX summer exhibition and the Santa Claus Parade.

Music -

Fests of live music include Edmonton's Labatt Blues Festival, Symphony Under the Sky, Edmonton International Jazz Festival and the world-renowned Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Sports -

Watch and cheer, or put on your gear and compete. Some of our many sports events are the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival and the rough and tumble Canadian Finals Rodeo.

Performance -

Among live theatre, dance and film fests are the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, the feats Festival of Dance and the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.

Visual Arts -

Events include The Works Art Design Festival and the VisualEyez Festival of perfomance art.

The Capital EX

The Street Performers Festival

The Dragonboat Races

The Calgary Stampede

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Heritage Festival

July 30 to August 1st are the dates of the annual Heritage Festival. During these three days 63 pavilions will represent over 85 countries from all over the world. There is food, art, performances, clothing and shops from all over the world. Come experience another culture and chat with people who would love to tell you about their cultural roots and their lives in Canada.

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Rutherford House

"Rutherford House Historic Site" was the home of the first Premier of Alberta, Alexander Cameron Rutherford. A.C. Rutherford, his wife Mattie and their family moved into this beautiful brick house near the university campus in 1911. The family shared their home with friends, relatives and politicians for more than a generation.

Today, beautiful home has the same hospitality and offers visitors a look into the past with interpreters, tours and special events.

The Rutherford House also offers tours for ESL students with a choice of beginner, intermediate,or advanced English.

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All ESL Programs in Edmonton 2011

• Institutions:
  
  • Concordia University College of Alberta
  • Edmonton Immigrant Services Association
  • Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers
  • Grant MacEwan College
  • NorQuest College
  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
  • University of Alberta (U of A)

Institution:	Concordia University College of Alberta
Programs:	Developing Academic English Language Skills This course helps newcomers develop language skills for academic work such as grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing. Must have ESL placement test from Concordia. Refining Academic English Language Skills This course helps newcomers strengthen English skills such as critical reading, analyzing, and integrated writing assignments. Academic Oral Communication (1+2) This course helps students develop oral skills of speaking and listening. Focus on pronunciation and listening for effective communication.
Address:	7128 Ada Boulevard Edmonton AB T5B 4E4
Contact Person:	Nina Padden
Phone Number:	(514) 8848-2424 ext. 2453
Email or Website:	npadden@education.concordia.ca / doe.concordia.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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Institution:	Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Programs:	Listening and Speaking (Evening and Weekend) Improve your oral communication including pronunciation ($300 for 40 hrs). Academic Discussion(Evening and Weekend) Develop oral skills in classroom settings. Topics are technology and applied science for mainstream programs at NAIT. ($300 for 40 hrs). Professional Writing (Evening and Weekend) Practice writing a variety of texts with a focus on form and grammar. Forms include paragraphs, essays, reports, resumes and emails.($300 for 40 hrs). TOEFL Preparation(Evening and Weekend) Prepare for iBT TOEFL exam. ($300 for 40 hrs). Full-Time Program 3 courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar (20 hrs a week for 15 weeks, $2490 / $4293-International). Part-Time Program Choose from: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, or Writing and Grammar (7 hrs per course each week for 15 weeks, $830 / $1431- International).
Address:	11762 – 106 Street. Edmonton AB T5G 2R1
Contact Person:	ESL Department
Phone Number:	(780) 471-6248
Email or Website:	esl@nait.ca / www.nait.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	See Above
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Institution:	University of Alberta
Programs:	Intensive Day Program Learn the skills needed to communicate well professionally and socially. 8 levels - ESL 100 to ESL 135. 2 to12 months of Full-Time study. Placement test required. English for Academic Purposes Gives students U of A's undergraduate requirements. 2 courses ESL 140 and ESL 145. Must have 70 iBT TOEFL or 5.5 IELTS score. Preparing for Graduate Studies Prepare for graduate studies at U of A. Only one course : ESL 550. Must have 76 iBT TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS score iBT for University Admission Improve your TOEFL score Part-time. One course only. Must have 70 iBT TOEFL or 5.5 IELTS or similar test. Part-Time Studies Program Focus on the specific skills of speaking, pronunciation, or writing using practical English. Classes 2 times a week. Must have placement test. Explore Canadian English 3 week summer program with no prerequisites. Learn English and experience the culture.
Address:	11487 89 ave Edmonton, AB T6G 2M7
Contact Person:	ESL Department
Phone Number:	(780) 492-3036 or (780) 492-5530
Email or Website:	elpinfo@ualberta.ca / elp.ualberta.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Application fee=$150, Placement Test fee= $80, for further details Please Contact Us.
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Institution:	Grant MacEwan College
Programs:	Full-Time Program 7 levels from beginner to Advanced. Placement test required. Each session is 315 hours over 14 weeks in four skill areas: reading writing, listening, and speaking. Part-Time ESL Many different courses offered during the year in the evenings or late afternoons. Please contact for more details. Explore! English Language Summer Session Morning English Classes and Afternoon workshops. Learn English and culture. No English prerequisites. English in the Workplace. EWP courses meet the needs of employers, employees or trainees.  For more information...
Address:	10050 Macdonald Drive, Edmonton AB T5J 2B7
Contact Person:	MacEwan Language Institute - Program Advisor
Phone Number:	(780) 497-4000
Email or Website:	esl@macewan.ca or international@macewan.ca (for all international student inquires) / macewan.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us or View Cost Estimates
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Institution:	Edmonton Immigrant Services Association
Programs:	English Language Training, Citizenship and Human Rights Adult Basic Literacy – Levels 2-3 English as Another Language or English as a Second Language – Levels 4-5 Health and Wellness Community and Personal Support Citizenship for New Canadians Human Rights Education
Address:	McKee Elementary School: 10725- 51 Avenue Edmonton Nazarene Church: 10712- 29 Avenue Edmonton
Contact Person:	N/A
Phone Number:	(780) 474-8445
Email or Website:	info@eisa-edmonton.org / English Language Training
Class Time:	Winter, Spring and Fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Morning and afternoon courses. Please Contact us for more information.
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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Institution:	Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers
Programs:	Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) LINC for Seniors Part-Time ESL Classes Community ESL Community EAL Outreach Parenting and Literacy ESL for Seniors English Through the Arts
Address:	11713 – 82 Street Edmonton
Contact Person:	Zige
Phone Number:	(780) 423-9678
Email or Website:	info@emcn.ab.ca / English Language Services
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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Institution:	NorQuest College
Programs:	ESL Bridge to Business Careers Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses TOEFL iBT Prep Youth in Transition ESL Continuing Education courses (part-time) ESL Professional Development courses (part-time)
Address:	10212 – 108 Street Edmonton AB
Contact Person:	N/A
Phone Number:	(780) 644-6000
Email or Website:	international@norquest.ca / international.norquest.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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In-Library Settlement Program

The Library Settlement Services Program is a partnership between Edmonton Public Library and Edmonton Immigrant Services Association.

Our Objectives

Settlement Practitioners work in the library setting to:

1. Assess needs of immigrant families and the possible problems
2. Increase access to programs and services of particular relevance and need for newcomers. Services are provided in a culturally competent manner, in languages specific to the needs of each family
3. Increase newcomer understanding of Canadian culture and how to function in the community at-large
4. Increase newcomer participation in the community
5. Provide newcomers with information and resources on settlement and immigration issues

Our Supports

Families are connected with many services that assist in making the transition to a new community including:

1. Accessing public transit
2. Applying for Social Insurance Number
3. Applying for Alberta Health Card
4. Applying for Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
5. Applying for Health Benefits
6. Applying for Family Sponsorship
7. Applying for Citizenship
8. Assessing work skills, accreditation and licensing
9. Finding a bank and opening an account
10. Finding a family doctor
11. Finding a place to live
12. Getting information about your rights as an employee or tenant
13. Learning English & Literacy
14. Learning about local customs, rights and responsibilities
15. Locating and accessing child care services
16. Obtaining a driver's licence
17. Resume writing and job search workshops
18. Searching for recreation programs
19. Setting up a telephone line
20. Upgrading skills and building academic credentials

Our Location

In-Library Settlement Support Services are offered at:

1. Londonderry Public Library
2. Millwoods Public Library
3. Stanley Milner Public Library

Contact

Oliver Kamau: Regional Program Coordinator
Phone: 780-474-8445 (ext. 226) / E-mail: atokamau@shawbiz.ca

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Mentorship and Host Services

The Mentorship/host Services will match newcomers who have been in Canada "less than three years" with community volunteers who will help the newcomers adjust to life in Canada and learn about Canadian ways and norms.

Volunteers will be mentors and Canadian friends to newcomers. They lend support, help with language barriers and introduce newcomers to their new community.

With the friendship and support of volunteers, newcomers will feel welcome in their new country. This experience gives both the volunteer and the newcomer the opportunity to make a new friend and to learn about another culture and language
.

Our Services

• Information sessions on various aspects of Canadian society or to provide practical guidance in specific areas of interest/concern.
• Coordinated group activities (social, multicultural and recreational) and field trips to educational and historical sites.
• Opportunity to meet socially and practice their English with others.
• Outreach to isolated immigrant seniors sessions.

Contact

Dorina Germinario: Program Coordinator
Phone: 780-474-8445 (ext. 232) / E-mail: dgerminario@shawbiz.ca

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Sites to See in Edmonton

History of Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and the sixth largest country in Canada. It has a scenic river valley and a enjoys many music and art festivals. Edmonton has North America's largest shopping mall, West Edmonton Mall. Edmonton has a beautiful and popular downtown as well as several well-known universities. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Edmonton

West Edmonton Mall

The Muttart Conservatory

The Telus World of Science

Strathcona County
Fort Edmonton Park

The Royal Alberta Museum

The Legislature

The Valley Zoo
The Rutherford House
The Heritage Festival
Edmonton's Other Festivals

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The Ukrainian Village

Visit this multi award-winning provincial historic site showcasing Ukrainian settlement in East Central Alberta (1892 – 1930). Be a time traveler and interact with costumed role players portraying real-life Ukrainian pioneers. Explore more than 30 historic buildings including three churches of Eastern Byzantine Rite, a fully-functioning grain elevator, blacksmith shop and burdei (sod hut). Sample traditional food and visit our gift shop.


Here are some pictures of the Ukrainian Village 

       A sod house  

The Ukrainian  Orthodox Church 

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The Valley Zoo

The Valley Zoo is right next to the North Saskatchewan River. It is a small and familiar zoo that provides real and interesting animal experiences.

Right now the Zoo is constructing a new exhibit called "Polar Extremes" which will hold Arctic fox, seals, sea lions and ground squirrels. The exhibit is designed to be environmentally friendly with a water recycling system, a green roof, and drought resistant planting. 

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The Alberta Railway Museum

The Alberta Railway Museum is operated by the Alberta Pioneer Railway Association(APRA). The APRA is a non-profit organization of volunteers whose interest is the collection, preservation, restoration, and interpretation of artifacts that represent the technology and history of the Canadian National and Northern Alberta Railways as well as industrial and short line railways in Western Canada.The APRA was formed in 1968 by a small group of volunteers who operated the Association's equipment out of the Edmonton Transit System Cromdale Car Barns, at 116th Avenue and 80th Street. During the early 1970's the Association moved its equipment to its current location, and created the Alberta Railway Museum. The museum opened in 1976 in an historic spot - on the former Canadian Northern Railway Coronado Subdivision. The Museum is a great place to see the old locomotive history of Canada and Alberta. 

A  picture of one of  the trains that is at the Museum

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The Alberta Legislature Buildings

Brief History of Alberta Politics 

The Legislature Building is open 362 days a year. Tours of the Legislature Building are open to all ages. Topics include the levels of government, the roles of the Lieutenant Governor, Premier, Speaker, and Members of the Legislative Assembly; the political history of Alberta; the daily Routine followed in the Chamber; traditions and ceremonies; and the art and architecture of the building. Tours last approximately 45 minutes although they may be changed to meet your needs.

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The Royal Alberta Museum

The Royal Alberta Museum opened in 1967. On the Museum’s opening day, visitors were introduced to main floor galleries: Fur Trade, and Native Peoples of Alberta. Today the Museum has four major exhibits with over 10,009,533 artifacts. The Museum even has a Virtual Gallery

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Strathcona County

 History of Strathcona County

Strathcona County is an area south of the river valley that used to be seprate from Edmonton. They joined Edmonton in 1912 and today the area is still full of old buildings and lots of history. 

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The Telus World of Science

History of the Telus World of Science 

In 1978 a group of Edmontonians began a new planetarium and science centre. The doors opened on a new universe of space science education and entertainment in 1984. This center is a place of learning and discovery for students, families, and any guests.

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The Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory is a beautiful garden to visit in Edmonton to see the natural areas from around the world in four pyramids, the Tropical Pyramid, Arid Pyramid, Temperate Pyramid and the Feature Pyramid.

The Arid Pyramid

The Temperate Pyramid

Christmas display in the Feature Pyramid

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Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park is a historical site based on the Old Fort Edmonton trading post for the Hudson Bay Company. The Fort has old streetcars, a old railway, houses and shops that were part of the fort

The Streetcar Ride

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West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall is the Largest Shopping Center in North America. It has 800 stores and 100 restaurants. The mall has an indoor amusement park called Galaxy Land, a large Water Park, a mini-golf course, and an ice rink.

Europa Boulevard in West Edmonton Mall

The World Water Park in West Edmonton Mall

Mini Golf Course in West Edmonton Mall

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