English Language Learning

English Language Learning

Learning English is hard, but we're here to help—for free.

When you sign up for our English Language Learning (ELL) sessions, we match you with a volunteer tutor who can help you practice your conversation skills and learn about the local community.

Once a week, you'll meet your tutor or tutors for an informal 1-on-1 or small group session that usually lasts 2 hours. The times and locations are listed below.

Who can take ELL classes?

Our English Language Learning sessions are sponsored by Halifax Public Libraries and the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and Population Growth, opens a new window. You can participate, if you are a:

  • Permanent resident of Canada
  • Canadian citizen born outside of Canada (recent immigrants to Nova Scotia are given priority)
  • Protected person as defined in Section 95 of the Immigration & Refugee Protection Act
  • Asylum seekers and refugee claimants
  • Foreign national or their dependent who has been nominated under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, but have not yet received permanent resident status
  • Individuals who have applied for permanent residency through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, have received an acknowledgment, and currently hold a work permit
  • Atlantic Immigrant Pilot PA High-Skilled
  • Atlantic Immigrant Pilot PA Intermediate-Skilled
  • Atlantic Immigrant Pilot PA International Graduate
  • Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Dependent (for family members)
  • Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

If you're not eligible for the ELL sessions, you may want to consider joining one of our English Language Conversation Groups—they're open to everyone.

Where and when

Fall 2024 Schedule

Bedford Public Library, opens a new window
Mondays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Mondays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Tuesdays, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Captain William Spry Public Library, opens a new window
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Keshen Goodman Public Library, opens a new window
Mondays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Thursdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM (Mosaic Church, opens a new window)
Fridays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Sackville Public Library, opens a new window
Mondays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mondays, 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Virtual Sessions
Mondays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

ELL Learner Application Button Bottom

Apply to Learn Now »

Volunteers needed

We are always looking for English Language Learning volunteer tutors. Learn more about volunteering with this program.

More Resources

Rocket Languages

Learn a language online, at your own pace. Access interactive lessons for 15 different languages, and track your progress.

CBC Corner: Mauril Language Learning App

Mauril is a free English and French language learning resource. Find it under the 'Services' section of our CBC Corner online resource.

CBC Corner

Browse trusted news, local stories, TV shows, award-winning podcasts, free English/French language app, news in foreign languages and more.
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