ESL Basic
COSTI’s ESL Basic level program teaches students to improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students will learn English quickly, and have ample opportunity to speak and participate in English discussions and exercises. This program is delivered by certified instructors in partnership with the Toronto and York Catholic District School Boards.
Services Available
- basic conversational English; and
- basic grammar structures within English conversation.
Students attending the ESL Basic level program, will learn:
Students attending the ESL Basic level program, will learn: *basic conversational English; and *basic grammar structures within English conversation.
Who is Eligible
Services are available to Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, convention refugees, or refugee claimants with a study permit. Students must be 18 years of age or older.
Program Intake
Day and evening programs are available. For more information on COSTI's ESL Basic level programs, including start dates and times, please refer to the English Language Training Calendar.
This program is offered at Toronto and York Region locations.This Program is Located at:
760 College Street
Toronto, ON M6G 1C4
Phone: 416.534.7400 | edu@costi.org
Welcome Centre Immigrant Services,16655 Yonge Street, Unit 26
Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6
Phone: 289.841.3032 | esltnewmarket@costi.org
Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, 9100 Jane Street, Building H, Unit 56-67
Vaughan, ON L4K 0A4
Phone: 416.238.1025, 416-238-1033 | esltvaughan@costi.org
There is a nominal administrative fee charged for the Toronto ESL Basic program.
The ESL Basic program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
Related Resources
View Workshop Calendars
Language and Settlement Issues
Feelings of isolation and feeling like you don’t belong
Dealing with conflicting work and family responsibilities while trying to attend English language studies
Accessing outreach programs, programs to help you understand the Canadian culture
Getting in touch with community groups that share your language or culture
Accessing social services
Enrolling your children in school
Securing housing
Finding a job
Cultural Excursions, Reading and Video Resources
School Board Contacts
Toronto District School Board
263 McCaul Street, Toronto
Tel: 416.397.3000
Toronto Catholic District School Board
80 Sheppard Avenue East, North York
Tel: 416.222.8282
York Region District School Board
60 Wellington Street West, Aurora
Tel: 416.969.8131
York Catholic District School Board
320 Bloomington Road West, Aurora
Tel: 416.221.5050 or Toll-free 1.800.263.2075
What’s the difference between ESL and LINC?
The classes are open to permanent residents of Canada, convention refugees, refugee claimants who have a Study Permit issued by CIC, and Canadian Citizens. Tourists may also attend classes for a fee.
LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) is funded by the Federal Government under Citizenship and Immigration.LINC classes are intended for permanent residents and convention refugees only.
The classes are free of charge and have on-site childminding for children 18 months to 5 years old at no cost. Students may also be eligible for assistance with TTC tickets.
Students interested in LINC will need to undergo an assessment test in order to determine the appropriate level to be placed in.
To set up an appointment for testing please contact the YMCA at 416 925-5462.
For more information about English as a Second Language classes contact the Toronto Catholic District School Board at http://www.tcdsb.on.ca or call 416-222-8282 or the Toronto District School Board at http://www.tdsb.on.ca/programs/continuing_education/esl/ or call 416-338-4000.
