English Conversation Circles are a free resource for all refugees and newcomers to take advantage of to practice their English skills, make social connections and learn about Canadian culture. For those eligible for LINC, this is a great supplemental resource and for those not eligible for LINC (for example Refugee Claimants who are awaiting a decision on their case), this is a great resource to begin learning and enhancing English skills until PR status is received and they become eligible for LINC classes.
For more information on the LINC program for newcomers and eligibility criteria, click here.
The following is a comprehensive listing of English Conversation Circles available as of July 20, 2020.
NOTE: some activities may have switch to online due to COVID-19 – check with each organization before attending.
ISSofBC – Settlement Orientation Services (SOS):
Details:
MOSAIC:
Details:
Agassiz-Harrison Community Services
Burnaby Local Immigration Partnership – Resource listing from a variety of organizations with specialized ESL and English Conversation programming
Burnaby Public Libraries – Multiple locations
Campbell River Community Literacy Association
Immigrant Welcome Centre – Campbell River Office
Chilliwack Community Services:
Comox:
Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Centre
Immigrant Welcome Centre – Courtenay Office
City of Delta – Free programs and activities listings, including Conversation Circles, ESL Book Clubs and settlement support
Experience Delta – Listings of conversations circles
Okanagan Regional Library – English Corner
Okanagan College – Kelowna: One-on-one free tutoring service for English skills
Project Literacy – Central Okanagan Society
Encompass Support Services Society – Listing of all Langley Adult Literacy Programs and Activities including Free English Conversation Circles
Langley Community Services Society
Mission Community Services: Let’s Talk – English Practice Sessions
Literacy Central Vancouver Island
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
New Westminster Public Library – Listings of conversations circles
North Vancouver District Public Library
North Shore Multicultural Society
Okanagan College – Penticton: One-on-one free tutoring service for English skills
Pemberton & District Public Library
Okanagan College – Revelstoke Centre
Richmond Multicultural Community Services – Multiple circles on different themes and topics
Smithers Community Services Association – Weekly Group on Saturdays from 10:00 – 11:30am at Lalazar Café in Smithers. Contact Petra Kost: 250.847.9515 ext. 2012 / [email protected]
Squamish Immigrant Settlement Services & Welcome Centre
ISSofBC Surrey Welcome Centre – Variety of levels
MOSAIC – Variety of circles
Umoja Operation Compassion Society
Get in the Know – Resource listing from a variety of organizations with specialized ESL and English Conversation programming
Surrey Public Library – Variety of activities and resources for newcomers & Education/ESL and Citizenship program listings
ISSofBC – Multiple Locations: Lincoln & Cottonwood
Terry Fox Library – Port Coquitlam
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
Vancouver School Board – High School level English Language classes and other subjects
Vancouver Public Library – Multiple Locations and listings guide of settlement language services
NewToBC – The Library Link for Newcomers: List of English Services for Newcomers. Includes LINC classes and English Conversation Circles
Okanagan College – Vernon: One-on-one free tutoring service for English skills
Vernon and District Immigrant Services Society
West Vancouver Public Library – Variety of online and in-person resources including English Conversation Circles and Book Clubs