English Language Services for Adults
ELSA provides English language training for adult newcomers in speaking, listening, reading and writing based on the nationally recognized Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Students learn English through immediately relevant settlement language topics such as housing, banking, transportation and community resources, and make important connections to the community through field trips and guest speakers in the classroom.
ISSofBC also offers the ELSA for the Workplace program which provides settlement English for everyday life in Canada as well as extra language skills for getting a job and communicating successfully in the workplace. Some of the ELSA for the Workplace topics include Canadian workplace culture and expectations, as well as focused computer training with a qualified computer/ESL instructor.
- The ELSA program offers literacy, level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4 and level 5 general ESL classes
- The English for the Workplace program is available at level 4 and level 5
- ELSA's Vancouver location has a licensed daycare centre for children 18 months up to 5 years
- While taking ESL classes at ISSofBC, students will also use various computer language software to learn English
- A special extra-curricular language activity available only in the ELSA program at ISSofBC in Vancouver is the Learning in Action (LIA) program, which is offered to level 2 and level 3 students. LIA pairs selected students with English speaking host volunteers for individual trip fields into the community to further practice English and learn about Vancouver
- Other services include an ESL Book Ordering service, a fully equipped computer lab, a student study room with internet, a student newsletter and various alumni social and networking events
- All our ELSA instructors have credentials recognized by TESL Canada
Who Can Apply?
Permanent residents who are 17 years or older. You are not eligible if you are a Canadian Citizen.
How to Apply?
To apply you will need to contact the ELSA Assessment Centres – Western ESL Services or Surrey Assessment Services to complete an application form and take a language assessment test.
Contact Us
Vancouver Location
#501–333 Terminal Ave
Vancouver, BC V6A 2L7
Phone: 604-684-2561 ext. 2150
Email: lc.elsa@issbc.org
#501–333 Terminal Ave
Vancouver, BC V6A 2L7
Phone: 604-684-2561 ext. 2150
Email: lc.elsa@issbc.org
Richmond (Alexandra) Location
#150-8400 Alexandra Road
Richmond, BC V6X 3L4
Phone: 604- 233-7077 ext. 1352
E-mail: jenny.zheng@issbc.org
#150-8400 Alexandra Road
Richmond, BC V6X 3L4
Phone: 604- 233-7077 ext. 1352
E-mail: jenny.zheng@issbc.org
Richmond (Cedarbridge) Location
#110-5751 Cedarbridge Way
Richmond, BC, V6X 2A8
Phone: 604- 233-7077 ext. 1353
E-mail: karen.lai@issbc.org
#110-5751 Cedarbridge Way
Richmond, BC, V6X 2A8
Phone: 604- 233-7077 ext. 1353
E-mail: karen.lai@issbc.org
New Westminster Location
#200-620 Royal Avenue
New Westminster, BC V3M 1J2
Phone: 604-522-5902
E-mail: stacy.lin@issbc.org
#200-620 Royal Avenue
New Westminster, BC V3M 1J2
Phone: 604-522-5902
E-mail: stacy.lin@issbc.org
Tri Cities (Lincoln) Location
#136-3030 Lincoln Avenue
Coquitlam, BC V3B 6B4
Phone: 604-942-1777 ext. 1552
E-mail: esther.wolfe@issbc.org
#136-3030 Lincoln Avenue
Coquitlam, BC V3B 6B4
Phone: 604-942-1777 ext. 1552
E-mail: esther.wolfe@issbc.org
Tri Cities (Westwood) Location
#204-3242 Westwood Street
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 3L8
Phone: 604-942-1777 ext. 1552
E-mail: isabel.lee@issbc.org
#204-3242 Westwood Street
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 3L8
Phone: 604-942-1777 ext. 1552
E-mail: isabel.lee@issbc.org
Funded By:
Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development: Immigration and Welcome BC Branch