Where are language clubs for newcomers held?

Calgary offers newcomers an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem of language clubs, courses, and programs, allowing everyone to find the right option for developing their English skills and integrating into Canadian society. From government programs like LINC to informal language exchanges, the city offers a wealth of opportunities for language improvement and socialization.

Main government organizations for language assessment and training

Immigrant Services Calgary: Language Assessment Center

The Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARC) at Immigrant Services Calgary is the main center for language testing and referral of newcomers to appropriate programs. The organization provides free English language testing for permanent residents, refugees, and Canadian citizens. The center administers various types of tests, including the Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) and the Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA).

Details of services:

  • Address: #1401, 910 7 Avenue SW, Calgary
  • Phone: 403-262-2656 or 403-265-1120
  • Testing is by appointment only and can take up to 3 hours
  • All LINC programs in the city require a pre-assessment at CLARC

Centre for Newcomers: comprehensive language programs

The Centre for Newcomers offers the city's most comprehensive Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs at levels CLB 2 to CLB 6. The organization has several locations in Calgary and offers both daytime and evening classes.

Main locations and services:

  • Main office: #125, 565 – 36 Street NE (inside Northgate Mall)

  • Phone: 403-569-3325

  • Additional office: Village Square, 2623 56 Street NE

  • Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Special programs:

  • LINC Literacy for newcomers without formal education

  • Community-Based LINC for Seniors for seniors in three language groups: Hindi/Punjabi/Urdu, Dari/Pashto/Farsi, Mandarin Chinese/Cantonese

  • Free childcare for children aged 19 months to 5 years

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society: the longest history

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) is one of the oldest language service providers in Calgary with 21 day and evening LINC programs. The organization specializes in working with people at various levels of English proficiency.

Programs and schedule:

  • Weekly conversation classes: Fridays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Genesis Centre

  • Genesis Centre address: 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE #10

  • Registration: 403-970-5187

  • Special programs for Ukrainian refugees: “Espresso” English conversation classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Library network: free practice for everyone

Calgary Public Library: the largest network of conversation groups

Calgary Public Library has the largest network of free conversation groups for newcomers to the city through its Drop-In English Practice and English Conversation Groups programs. Programs are held at 10 different locations throughout Calgary.

Schedule at main locations:

  • Nicholls Family Library: Sundays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Judith Umbach Library: Mondays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Memorial Park Library: Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

  • Village Square Library: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Central Library: Wednesday and Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Louise Riley Library: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Quarry Park Library: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Seton Library: Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Signal Hill Library: Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Program features:

  • Completely free classes for all levels of English
  • Experienced volunteers lead interesting conversations in small groups
  • Programs focus on language practice, not formal learning
  • 6-week sessions with ongoing enrollment

Special programs for immigrant women

Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association: a safe environment for women

The Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) offers a unique program called New Friends and Neighbourhood Groups, designed specifically for immigrant women. The program provides a safe and supportive environment for practicing English and building social connections.

Locations and schedule for in-person meetings (January–June 2025):

  • Monday: Judith Umbach Library (1:00–3:00 p.m.) and Seton Library (1:00–3:00 p.m.)

  • Tuesday: Sunalta Community Association (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) and Shawnessy Library (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

  • Wednesday: CIWA Downtown Office (5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.), Calgary Co-op Macleod Trail (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.), Saddletowne Library (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

  • Thursday: Crowfoot Library (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Online groups:

  • Monday and Thursday: mixed groups (men and women)
  • Other days: women only

Contact information:

Women’s Centre of Calgary: conversation practice for women

The Women’s Centre of Calgary offers free Practice English classes for women in a supportive group environment. The program focuses on conversation skills and pronunciation, with opportunities to discuss everyday topics.

Program details:

  • Time: Tuesdays, morning classes
  • Online option: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Focus on conversation and pronunciation
  • Grammar is taught only as needed for better understanding
  • Socialization and networking as an important component

YMCA Calgary: A comprehensive approach to integration

Language programs at three locations

YMCA Calgary offers LINC programs at three centers with a focus on communication skills and integration into Canadian society.

Locations:

  • Saddletowne YMCA: 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE
  • Shane Homes at Rocky Ridge YMCA: 11300 Rocky Ridge Road NW
  • Shawnessy YMCA

Program features:

  • All four language skills taught: listening, speaking, reading, and writing

  • Themed classes on Canadian culture, banking, education, and family

  • Field trips, computer skills, volunteering

  • Health and wellness programs as part of the YMCA

  • Free tuition for eligible participants

Contact information:

The Immigrant Education Society (TIES): 30 years of experience

Comprehensive language services

TIES offers the widest range of language programs from beginner to advanced levels with a focus on practical skills for life in Canada.

Programs offered:

  • LINC (levels from Foundation Literacy to CLB 4)
  • Drop-In ESL
  • LINC Literacy for beginners with no formal education
  • LINC Home Study for online learning (CLB 3 – 8)
  • English for Employment for job seekers
  • Workplace Online Retention Class (WORC)

Locations:

  • Forest Lawn: 3820 32 Street NE, phone: 403-235-3666
  • Whitehorn: phone: 403-291-0002
  • Westwinds: phone: 587-392-4177

Additional services:

  • Free childcare for children aged 12 months to 11 years

  • Free one-on-one reading and writing support through the Reading Room

  • Support in over 10 languages: Arabic, Cantonese, French, Hindi, Mandarin, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog

YW Calgary: Over 105 years of experience teaching newcomers

Programs for women and men

YW Calgary has one of the longest histories of teaching English to newcomers in Calgary, offering LINC programs at CLB levels 1–4.

Class schedule:

  • Morning classes: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (CLB 1–4)

  • Evening classes: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 6:30–9:00 p.m. (CLB 2–4)

  • Online and in-person options available

Program features:

  • Focus on confidence building and integration
  • Support in finding other needed services
  • Free childcare during class

Contact information:

Language clubs by cultural affiliation

Korean Conversation Community: 15 years of experience

Korean Conversation Community (KCC Calgary) has been hosting free Korean-English language exchange sessions since 2010.

Program:

  • Time: Mondays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

  • Location: Central Library, Calgary Public Library (800 3 St SE)

  • Format: small groups rotating every 30 minutes, 2-hour sessions divided into segments for practicing each language

  • Registration via website: calgarykcc.wordpress.com

Calgary Japanese Community Association: Japanglish program

Japanglish is a vibrant Japanese-English language exchange program that began in January 2024 and has already welcomed over 400 participants.

Program details:

  • Schedule: Fridays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

  • Location: Calgary Japanese Community Association, 2236 29 St SW

  • Cost: $5 per visit (free for CJCA members)

  • Format: interactive sessions without a formal teacher, divided into two 15-minute segments for each language

Reward system:

  • Japanglish Passport for $4
  • 1 stamp per session
  • 5 stamps = sticker, 15 stamps = T-shirt, 40 stamps = food reward

Calgary Japanese Language Meetup Group

The group meets about 5 times a month to speak Japanese, mostly in coffee shops with occasional special and social events.

Features:

  • All levels of speakers from beginners to native speakers
  • A “one-room school” atmosphere where advanced speakers help beginners
  • Meetings are not formal classes, so additional study of grammar and vocabulary is required
  • Contact: [email protected]

Meetup groups and informal meetings

Calgary English Conversation ESL Groups

Several active Meetup groups offer regular meetings to practice English in an informal atmosphere.

Main groups:

  • Calgary English Conversation ESL for Intermediate: meetings at the Central Library with structured activities
  • The Calgary English as a Second Language Meetup Group: a general group for all levels
  • Calgary Language Nerds: language exchanges in English, French, Spanish, and other languages

Typical meeting format:

  • Group chat in groups of 2-5 people
  • English games and quizzes for 30 minutes
  • Repeat group chat for conversation practice
  • Duration: 2 hours

North Calgary English Conversation Group

The group offers hybrid meetings, combining face-to-face and online formats.

Schedule:

  • Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time
  • Alternating: in person at Boston Pizza Party Room (388 Country Hills Blvd NE #600) and online via Zoom
  • Discussion of Bible passages and topics such as travel, gardening, pets, culture, food, and hobbies

Private Language Schools

Global Village English Centre Calgary

Global Village Calgary is an accredited international language school with a wide range of English language programs.

Programs:

  • General English at 8 levels
  • English for Academic Pathways (EAP)
  • IELTS and Cambridge First Certificate preparation
  • Business English
  • TESOL for future teachers
  • Private lessons

Location and features:

  • Address: 734 7 Ave SW #360 (downtown)
  • 23 air-conditioned classrooms
  • Computer lab and web classroom
  • Free internet and coffee/tea
  • Official IELTS test center

Equilibrium School

Equilibrium School offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs with an emphasis on conversational skills.

LINC Program:

  • Levels: Pre-Benchmark to CLB 4
  • Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30–3:30 p.m.
  • In-person and online options available
  • Address: 707 14 Street NW

Semester dates (2025):

  • April 1 – July 17, 2025
  • July 28 – November 14, 2025
  • November 17 – March 19, 2026

Columbia College

Columbia College offers LINC programs with flexible schedules and ongoing enrollment.

Study options:

  • Day programs: Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  • Evening programs: Monday–Thursday, 6:30–9:00 p.m.

  • CLB levels 2–6 in all language skills

  • Limited childcare (12 months–5 years)

Religious and church programs

Cooperative ESL Ministries

Cooperative ESL Ministries coordinates the largest network of church-based ESL programs in Calgary, not by running its own classes, but by providing a directory of programs in all quadrants of the city.

Major church programs by quadrant:

  • Northwest Calgary:

  • Agapé Language Centre: ESL and LINC programs since 1997

  • Bow Valley Christian Church: free conversation classes on Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

  • Foothills Alliance Church: various ESL classes

  • St. Luke’s Catholic Church: conversation drop-in programs on Mondays, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

  • Southeast Calgary:

  • First Alliance Church: Sunday ESL classes, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

  • Salvation Army: ESL Café classes

  • Downtown:

  • Calgary Chinese Pentecostal Church: Saturday programs, 9:30 a.m.

  • Centre for International Learning Calgary (CILC): day and evening classes

New Canadian Friendship Centre

New Canadian Friendship Centre offers structured English classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels with the support of Centre Street Church.

Program details:

  • Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $5 per class
  • Address: 3851 54 Avenue NE
  • Phone: 587-390-0770

Additional programs:

  • Creative classes (knitting, embroidery)
  • Bible studies
  • Sewing classes
  • Play area for children

Specialized programs for refugees

Ukrainian ESL Programs

In response to the Ukrainian crisis, several organizations have developed special programs for Ukrainian refugees.

  • Centre for Newcomers

  • English Programs for Ukrainians for adult Ukrainian refugees 18+ years old

  • Program details: formal instruction in all four language skills, flexible schedules, free classes, open to those waiting for regular LINC classes

  • Contact: Alyssa English, [email protected], 403-648-2231

  • Calgary Welcome Centre

  • Special services for Ukrainian refugees and immigrants

  • Programs: English at three levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced), conversation, individual and group practice, online and in-person options

  • Schedule: Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  • Address: Room 24, 833 44 Street SE

  • Phone: 587-943-3971

Special summer programs

Ready to Study Ukrainian Summer School has been helping Ukrainian children prepare for the Canadian school system by combining language learning with socialization.

Private Sector Agencies

Agapé Language Centre

Agapé Language Centre has been serving the northwest community of Calgary since 1997, offering both LINC programs and private ESL classes.

LINC Programs:

  • CLB Levels 1–4 with a focus on low-level and literacy
  • Morning classes in person, afternoon classes CLB 2, 3, 4 online
  • Rolling admission throughout three semesters: fall, winter, spring
  • Minimum of one year at each level

ESL programs:

  • Basic, intermediate, advanced levels
  • Morning classes Monday–Friday
  • Paid program for those who do not qualify for LINC
  • School closed in July and August

Maple Leaf Academy

Maple Leaf Academy offered programs from beginner to advanced levels, including TOEFL preparation and business English.

Cultural Centers and Multicultural Associations

Alliance Française of Calgary

The Alliance Française of Calgary is the only specialized French language center in Calgary, founded in 1947.

Programs and services:

  • French classes for all ages and levels
  • Private lessons and online courses
  • Free French language assessment
  • French language proficiency exams
  • Access to a French multimedia library
  • Over 200 cultural events per year

Locations:

  • Marda Loop: 1721 29 Avenue SW (cSPACE Marda Loop)
  • Downtown office for cultural events

Phone: 403-245-5662 Email: [email protected]

Membership and fees:

  • Annual membership: $60 for individuals, $90 for families
  • Classes are paid, cost varies
  • Over 1,000 students per year

Chinese Language Schools

Calgary has an extensive network of Chinese language schools to preserve cultural heritage.

Main schools:

  • Calgary Chinese Cultural Society: (403) 282-5370

  • Calgary Chinese Public School: elementary (403) 264-4941, secondary (403) 264-2233

  • The Chinese Academy: North (403) 777-7663, South (403) 870-7669

  • Chinese Heritage Language Society: (403) 295-3498

  • Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre: (403) 262-5071

Ukrainian Language Classes

Ukrainian language classes are offered by St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Levels and schedule:

  • Beginner: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

  • Level II: Wednesdays, 7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

  • Level III: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

  • Level IV (advanced): Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Cost: $140 for adults, $80 for youth Phone: 403-249-4818 Address: 4903 – 45 Street S.W.

Finnish Cultural Association

The Calgary Finlandia Cultural Association offers Finnish language classes at three levels.

2025 Program:

  • Beginner: Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  • Intermediate: Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

  • Advanced: Mondays, 7:30 p.m. (90 minutes)

  • Free with CFCA membership

  • Suomen Mestari textbooks ($100)

  • Registration closes March 28, 2025

French-language programs for newcomers

Francophone Newcomers Centre

The Centre d'Accueil pour Nouveaux Arrivants Francophones de Calgary provides assistance to French-speaking newcomers.

Services:

  • Orientation to community resources and services
  • Translation of documents related to employment, health care, education, and legal issues
  • Referrals to counseling services
  • Housing support
  • Resource center with computers, fax, and telephone

Address: 840 7 Avenue SW Phone: 403-532-6334

Eligibility:

  • Francophone newcomers with less than 5 years as permanent residents
  • Individuals currently seeking asylum

University and College Programs

University of Calgary Programs

The University of Calgary offers several programs to improve language skills.

English Corner:

  • Every Wednesday in the summer, 7:30–9:00 p.m. MST
  • Sponsored by Bahá’ís of Calgary

SAIT Programs

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology offers an English Conversation Partners Program with a minimum requirement of CLB 7 or IELTS Band 5, with registration in August for the fall semester.

Challenges and limitations of the current system

Funding issues and waiting lists

In 2024–2025, language programs in Calgary face serious challenges due to cuts in federal funding.

Key issues:

  • Waiting lists for LINC programs are up to a year long
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has cut funding to some organizations
  • The Centre for Newcomers has approximately 900 people on its waiting list despite program cuts
  • Bow Valley College, Maple Leaf Academy, and Lethbridge Polytechnic have canceled their LINC programs

Demand statistics:

  • According to Immigrant Services Calgary, as of April 2, 6,199 new Calgarians were waiting for LINC classes
  • Waiting lists have grown significantly since the Afghan and Ukrainian crises

Practical tips for finding and participating

How to choose the right program

For beginners:

  • Start with a level assessment at CLARC
  • Consider free LINC programs as your first option
  • Try drop-in programs at libraries for immediate practice
  • Join church programs for additional support

For intermediate learners:

  • Meetup groups for intensive conversation practice
  • Cultural language exchanges to deepen understanding
  • Church conversation groups for regular practice
  • CIWA programs for immigrant women

For advanced learners:

  • Academic programs for university preparation
  • Specialized professional courses
  • Volunteering as a way to practice and contribute to the community
  • Preparation for official exams (IELTS, CELPIP)

Financial support and free options

Completely free programs:

  • All LINC programs for eligible participants
  • Calgary Public Library conversation groups
  • Most Meetup groups and language exchanges
  • Church programs and religious organizations
  • CIWA programs for immigrant women

Programs with minimal fees:

  • New Canadian Friendship Centre: $5 per class
  • Cultural centers: $5–10 per visit
  • Japanese Community Association: $5 (free for members)
  • Private language schools: cost varies

Financial assistance:

  • YMCA Calgary offers financial assistance for those in need
  • Many organizations have needs-based discount programs
  • Centre for International Learning Calgary offers funding on a needs basis

Child care

Most major programs offer free child care during classes.

Child care organizations:

  • TIES: free childcare for children 12 months – 11 years

  • Centre for Newcomers: licensed childcare for children 19 months – 5 years

  • YW Calgary: childcare program during LINC classes

  • New Canadian Friendship Centre: childcare during morning classes

  • CIWA: childcare for children aged 6 months to 6 years

Transportation and accessibility

Public transportation:

  • Central Library: best connection to CTrain and bus routes

  • Genesis Centre: accessible by bus routes

  • Downtown locations: close to CTrain stations

  • Most YMCA locations have good access to public transportation

Parking:

  • Most churches have free parking

  • Libraries usually have limited free parking

  • Cultural centers often have their own parking lots

  • Downtown locations may have paid parking

Accessibility for people with disabilities:

  • CIWA: ramp, elevator, accessible bathroom, special parking
  • Most Calgary Public Library locations are fully accessible
  • YMCA centers are fully accessible
  • Korean Conversation Community: wheelchair accessible

Online and hybrid options

In the post-pandemic era, many programs offer flexible learning options.

Fully online programs:

  • TIES LINC Home Study (CLB 3–8)

  • YW Calgary hybrid programs

  • Equilibrium School online classes

  • Women’s Centre Practice English via Zoom

  • North Calgary ESL Group hybrid format

Advantages of online learning:

  • Flexibility for those who work or have family responsibilities
  • Access for people in remote areas
  • Ability to combine with in-person programs
  • Lower transportation costs

Conclusions and recommendations

Calgary offers one of the richest and most diverse networks of language clubs and programs for newcomers to Canada. From government-run LINC programs to private initiatives, religious groups to cultural associations, the city provides options for every language level, schedule, cultural need, and financial ability.

Key advantages of the system:

  • Comprehensive approach from basic literacy to academic level

  • Culturally diverse programs that take into account the specific needs of different groups

  • Strong support infrastructure with childcare and transportation accessibility

  • Active volunteer network with over 200 volunteers in some organizations

  • Innovative programs that combine language learning with cultural integration

Challenges to be addressed:

  • Long waiting lists due to insufficient funding
  • Need to expand programs to meet growing demand from new immigrants
  • Need for a more coordinated approach between different organizations

Recommendations for newcomers: Start with an assessment at CLARC to understand your level, register for LINC programs as a foundation, while joining free conversation groups at libraries for additional practice. Consider cultural language exchanges to deepen your understanding of Canadian culture and build social connections. Don't be afraid to combine several programs at once—this will speed up your progress and expand your social network.

Successful integration into Canadian society through language learning depends not only on formal education, but also on active participation in community life and the creation of strong social ties, which are provided by Calgary's multifaceted language programs.