This is the first of two courses aimed for those who are new to Canada and those who plan to study full-time and/or immigrate to Canada. The course’s main purposes are to introduce the Canadian environment and various aspects of ‘how we do things’, as well as increase the student’s comfort in a Canadian learning environment whilst building their communicative skills in the English language. For a student who may be considering further studies in Canada, this also prepares him/her for the Canadian educational environment. This course will help develop basic academic reading skills, express thoughts and convey information in an academically appropriate written form, prepare students for the listening needs they will have in college, and develop speaking skills essential for academic success. Emphasis is placed on developing comfort in a classroom environment by applying the four language skills in an interactive and communicative form, integrating the functions of grammar, mechanics, and punctuation, complemented by practicing the English language in community settings.

Upon completion of this course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and challenges of Canadian communities. They will be able to analyze community dynamics, engage in informed discussions about Canadian society, and contribute to community development initiatives.

• Canada: A Brief Overview
• Sources of Information in Canada
• Employment and Income in Canada
• Money and Finances
• Resume Building
• Canadian Law and Justice
• Improving Your English

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe Canadian geography and climate, the types of Canadian people, and the Canadian economy and government.
• Source information from libraries, government services, and the Internet.
• Describe the rights and freedoms endowed upon Canadians and visitors to Canada.
• Identify and describe the Canadian legal system.
• Find (and complete applications) for various documentation.
• Express the various types of employment, income, and job market in Canada.
• Use various instruments and institutions related to money and banking.
• Apply the four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in an interactive form.
• Integrate important essential English skills such as grammar, mechanics and punctuation.
• Notice, learn and practice English in various Canadian community settings.
• Understand the similarities and differences in communication styles that happen in different relationships and different situations.
• Extend learning outside of the classroom to improve communications skills in real life situations.

• Lecture/presentation
• Discussion
• Individual assignments
• Slide presentations, videos, and visual representations
• Group and collaborative work
• Computer/tablet activities