How to Learn English as a Second Language in Victoria
If you want to become a Canadian resident, in the category designated as "skilled workers and professionals," you will have to take a language test. After taking the test, you will be placed in a proficiency level of high, moderate or basic in the categories of speaking, listening, reading and writing. This will then be converted into points, which will affect your chances of gaining Canadian residency.
Some Canadian provinces, such as Quebec, primarily speak French. However, in British Columbia, the province that Victoria is the capital of, the primary language is English. A high score on the English language test will prove that you have the language skills necessary to succeed in your new country.
Victoria International Academy
Fortunately, there are many resources available in Victoria for helping you learn English as a second language. One of these is Victoria International Academy. It is aimed at students from other countries, particularly China, Korea and Japan, who are studying abroad in Canada. However, its courses on Business English and preparing for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam can be utilized by anyone. If you are just visiting Victoria and don't have a permanent residence there, the school can also find you a home stay experience with a Canadian family.
Four Corners Language Institute
You might also try the Four Corners Language Institute, which offers small class sizes and takes students out on regular outings to practice their English in public. You can choose between full-time, intensive, 25 hours a week language training, or part-time programs in the morning or afternoon. The school also offers courses for TOEFL prep, business English and university preparation, with emphasis on logic, argument and persuasion.
GEOS Language Academy Victoria
Or, check out GEOS Language Academy Victoria, which brings the advantage of the internationally recognized GEOS language learning brand name. The program gets very specific about English language acquisition, breaking students into 6 levels, from Beginner to Advanced and everything in between, based on TOEFL and TOEIC scores. An Advanced student should be able to "understand complex formal instructions in various settings." If you are so inclined, you could even learn Japanese.
Victoria is a popular location for English learning due to its scenic surroundings and relatively small size, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby metropolises like Vancouver and Seattle. If you attend one of these language programs and practice every day, you will be speaking fluent English in no time.