English lessons in Ottawa

Find the Best ESL Classes in Ottawa

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and is one of the most popular to learn. It has roots in the Germanic languages, with many influences from the Latin based romance languages originating from Latin. It is no surprise that English as a Second Language (ESL) courses can be found in almost every country, as proficiency in English can enable people to pursue careers in a global economy. 

Why learn English in Ottawa? Ottawa is the national capital of Canada, one of the last strongholds of the British Empire. If you learn English in Ottawa, you will be surrounded by a large English speaking population and the international, cosmopolitan atmosphere that comes with being in a capital city. Embassies from all over the world line the main streets, and world-class schools draw in students from across the globe. The fastest way to speak English proficiently is to be completely immersed in the language, which you will certainly be in Ottawa. Ottawa also straddles the provincial border between Ontario and Francophone Quebec, making it a fascinating place to undertake the study of any language. 

Unlike the larger English-speaking cities of Toronto and Vancouver, Ottawa has a relatively low cost of living when it comes to housing. This is great if you are part of one the city’s large student population attending the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, or Algonquin College, just to name a few. Rents are cheaper and the compact size of Ottawa’s downtown - not to mention its spectacular Parliament buildings - make it a beautiful place to learn languages.

How did English Become a Global Language?

The English language has a strong influence on world culture as a direct result of hundreds of years British colonization. In order to make England a world political and economic superpower, the British sent explorers around the world and the language spread through its government officials, sailors, missionaries, and traders. English eventually became the de facto language of business, administration, and education. 

Even after the decline of the British Empire, many countries once colonized by the British became multilingual and kept English as part of the linguistic milieu. Different dialects and accents formed in Britain’s former colonies, like the USA, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Barbados, and India. As American media and music dominated the world, English became synonymous with Western culture, further extending the cultural influence of the English language. Arguably, the spread of English has resulted in negative consequences, from the erasure of indigenous languages to the reinforcement of cultural hierarchy. 

For better or for worse, English stands as one of the world’s most spoken languages and is an entry way for many people into job opportunities in Canada. In fact, a significant percentage of Canadians speak English as a Second Language, and multicultural cities like Ottawa are filled with classes for English Language Learners. 

English Proficiency Qualifications in Canada

Many ESL students have a goal of passing an English proficiency test in Canada to apply for immigration or post-secondary education. Let’s take a closer look at the most established organizations offering English language tests.

IELTS

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System and is offered around the world. It is one of the world’s most popular tests for education and migration, and is recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities. The test involves a one-to-one speaking test, which tests your natural conversation skills. There are General Training and Academic options - depending on your goal, you will pick the one that is most relevant.

CELPIP

CELPIP stands for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index program, and was designed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. It focuses on Canadian English and accents and vocabulary. Test takers can choose between the General and General LS tests. The General test is intended for those applying for permanent residence, and the General LS is designated for Citizenship applications.

Other Academic English Tests

There are numerous other English tests you can take to apply to Canadian colleges and universities. Tests like CAEL, TOEFL, Cambridge, CANTest, CXC, Duolingo English, GCSE, International Baccalaureate English, and ELDA are widely accepted by universities to show you have enough academic English proficiency to study in Canadian post-secondary institutions. How do you know which one to take? Check out the pages for international students at universities you are applying for to find out which tests will be accepted.

Where to Take ESL Classes in Ottawa

Because Ottawa has a significant newcomer population, as well as students and foreign government workers coming to live in the city with their families, Ottawa has plenty of schools that offer ESL classes. If you are on a budget, you can find plenty of free ESL classes funded by the government, and continuing education programs in local school boards that provide instruction at low to now cost.

The Ottawa Carleton District School board offers free ESL/LINC (Language Instructions for Newcomers to Canada) programs for kids and adults online. Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa also offer ESL programs, and private schools like GEOS and the Canadian Language Learning College offer great options for English Language Learners. While in-person instruction is always the ideal because it is best to speak in natural situations, online options are offered widely if you prefer to learn from home.

Get a Private ESL Tutor

Another great option for English language learners is to find a private English instructor on sites like Superprof. Here, you can find local tutors with experience in teaching English to newcomers, and will give you the conversational practice you need to speak English with ease. A private ESL tutor can work with your schedule and tailor instruction to your needs - whether it’s Business English or academic writing that you need help with, the right private tutor can help you to achieve your unique goals. If scheduling is an issue because of work or family obligations, a private tutor may have the flexibility to work with your schedule and plan classes at times that work for you.

Check out Superprof for a local ESL tutor in Ottawa!