By Gates Guarin

ESL opportunities limited in the city

Apr 20, 2022 | 12:41 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Canada welcomes thousands of immigrants every year, some choosing to settle in Medicine Hat. The opportunity to learn English as a second language is critical to help ease new Canadians into life in the country.

The city however does not offer as many ESL opportunities as one may think.

Medicine Hat College is the only institution in the city that offers intermediate level courses and classes to teach English as a second language. These classes are often government-funded, such as the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program.

Timothy Spielman, dean of business & continuing studies at Medicine Hat College, says the school works closely with the government to make sure classes are readily available to those who want to take them.

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“You think of Medicine Hat, you think of the region including Brooks- tremendous amount of newcomers,” Spielman says. “We’re sort of a focal point that helps direct that education, and provide the services required.”

Spielman says the continuing studies program offers classes for different skill levels, as well as programs for basic literacy education.