Language Services

Through our BC Settlement and Adaptation Program Stream 1/3 Blended (Information, Support & English Language Services for Adults), PICS is able to provide multiple-barrier immigrant and refugee adults with information about BC society, guidance and support on adjustment issues, connections to the broader community and English language instruction (pre-literacy to basic proficiency) in a culturally appropriate learning environment.

Many people in Surrey speak more than one language and often their first language is not English. PICS now offers ESL classes at our Surrey location. ESL means English as a Second Language. ESL classes teach people to speak, read, write and understand English. Students can take ESL Level 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
 

Information, Support & English Language Services for Adults

Newcomers who attend our classes maintain a sense of well-being, confidence and independence. They will be more confident and willing to communicate in English. They learn a general knowledge of community, services and school, social, health, legal and employment systems. In general they get to know the Canadian system and society and learn how to contribute their skills and abilities to the society. They learn to participate and affect Canadian institutions and civil society.

This program will refer clients/students to specialized resource services in the community and get them access to government services. Clients receive support in cultural adjustments and assistance in networking. While attending our program, the clients can utilize our free childminding program. This program offers consultations and workshops for parents.

The clients learn the Canadian way of life, such as holidays, what people do in their free time, customs or general habits; they know government services, such as health, schooling or where to get a SIN card or drivers license; where to buy food, clothing or household items and how to get there; facilities in your community, such as the library, parks and recreation programs, sports or hobbies; we prepare them to face any possible challenges in Canada; we teach them the immigration process, such as making a refugee claim or sponsoring family members; their rights and responsibilities as a new immigrant to Canada; we teach them the Canadian expectations for social behaviour, such as disciplining children or the relations between men and women; the emotional effects of moving here or the impact on family relationships, where they can learn English, how to look for a place to live, how to look for a job or get job training, where to go for legal advice. We take our clients on fieldtrips around town by car or by bus where we show them some of the above mentioned services. We take them to social or community events and encourage them to volunteer.

ENGLISH as a SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) CLASSES