For many people living in Edmonton who want to improve their English conversation skills, finding group classes can seem like a daunting task. However, the good news is that Edmonton offers a wide range of group classes, coworking spaces, and practical programs specifically designed to help people develop their English speaking skills in a comfortable and safe environment with other learners. From free community programs coordinated by churches and libraries to professional language centers offering structured classes, as well as informal group meetings focused on conversation practice , there are many ways to find group classes in Edmonton that suit your English level, schedule, and budget. This article provides a detailed overview of all the options for group classes to improve your conversational English in Edmonton, including a description of each program, its benefits, cost, schedule, and how to register, as well as practical tips for choosing the best option for your needs.
Free community programs for conversation practice
English Conversation Circles (LACE) at Catholic Social Services
Learning and Community Enrichment (LACE) is one of the most popular and accessible programs for practicing conversational English in Edmonton. The LACE program offers free conversation practice groups where students can meet with qualified native English-speaking volunteers in the often comfortable environment of local libraries.
A key advantage of the LACE program is that it is completely free and requires no prior knowledge or testing. The groups are led by volunteers who are native English speakers and have experience teaching English as a second language. As the Catholic Social Services volunteer coordinator explains, the LACE program is not an official ESL program with accreditation or testing, but it is a great opportunity to learn English from a native speaker for free in an informal and friendly environment.
The LACE class format focuses on conversational practice in a collaborative and informal environment. The groups have students from different countries, creating an intercultural and enriching environment for the exchange of ideas and experiences. The main theme of each group is to discuss current topics of interest to students in a friendly and supportive environment.
To participate in the LACE program, contact Catholic Social Services at (780) 424-3545 for information on group locations and schedules. Registration is encouraged but not required, so you can simply show up for a meeting. Groups are held at various locations throughout Edmonton, including libraries, community centers, and social services.
Conversation Circles for Seniors at the Newcomer Centre
The Newcomer Centre offers specialized Conversation Circles for seniors who want to practice English in an informal and friendly environment. These groups were launched in 2020 and allow newly arrived seniors to practice English online via video conferencing with supportive communication.
The advantage of Conversation Circles for seniors is that they are designed specifically for the needs of the older population, including a slower pace of speech, topics that are more interesting to older people, and more patient volunteers. The groups are held online, which means that people can participate from home without needing transportation.
Formal group programs
English Training Center
English Training Center is a private language learning center that offers group English classes for students of all levels. The center specializes in group classes that focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in real-life situations.
The English Training Center offers group classes for four main levels: Fundamental, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Classes are held online, so students can study from anywhere in the world. Each class focuses on conversational practice in real-life situations, including everyday life, work, and travel.
To begin studying at the English Training Center, you must take a placement test, which costs $75 Canadian dollars. The test can be taken in person at the center's office in Edmonton or online from home. ** The test lasts 60 minutes and includes questions on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and a short writing assignment. After the test, the center will send you a personalized recommendation regarding class level and available schedules.
The cost of group classes at the English Training Center is not clearly stated on the website, but the center offers personalized quotes based on the student's needs. **For pricing, you can contact the center by phone at (780) 705-0515 or by email at [email protected]*.
Newcomer Centre – Community English
The Newcomer Centre offers a Community English for All (CEFA) program, which provides group English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes at various locations throughout Edmonton. The program is designed for beginners and intermediate learners whose first language is not English.
**Newcomer Centre CEFA classes offer a fun learning environment with activities and games, opportunities to practice English in a non-judgmental environment, improve vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and speaking skills, information and access to community resources through field trips and guest speakers, and the opportunity to meet new people and make friends.
**The CEFA program runs throughout the year at various locations across Edmonton. **When students are not in class, they can connect with a Community Connector from the Newcomer Centre, who helps them access community resources, programs, and services across Edmonton.
To register for the CEFA program, you must complete an online placement test and registration form. The center strives to respond within two weeks to everyone who has completed the test and form with information about class locations and schedules. For more information, contact the Newcomer Centre by phone at (780) 945-2295 or by email at [email protected].
Edmonton Newcomers Centre – Online Group Classes
**The Edmonton Newcomers Centre offers online conversation-based group classes designed for beginners and advanced learners. **The classes focus on interactive learning and building friendships and a sense of community to help learners achieve their goals.
In addition to group classes, the Edmonton Newcomers Centre also offers one-on-one online mentoring during the week after each class. Mentoring includes vocabulary practice and conversation practice. In addition, the center offers a private Facebook group for students where they can practice with peers and get additional support, resources, and mentoring.
English as a Second Language Programs (ESL/EAL) at public institutions
Various government institutions in Edmonton offer free or subsidized group English classes for newcomers. Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a federal program that offers free English language training to permanent residents of Canada. ** LINC classes are available at three levels: Morning Classes (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday-Friday), Afternoon Classes (1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday), and Evening Classes (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday).
To register for LINC, you must first take a placement test at the Language Assessment, Referral and Counselling Centre (LARCC) at Catholic Social Services. After the test, you can register at the Newcomer Centre Gupta Resource Centre at 11713 82 Street NW in Edmonton, bringing your placement test, permanent resident card, and ID.
Other institutions also offer ESL/EAL group classes, including EISA Edmonton (Edmonton Immigrant Services Association), Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, CCI-LEX (Cultural Connections Institute), NorQuest College, NAIT, MacEwan University, and others.
Informal group meetings and language exchanges
Edmonton English Meetup – Good Morning English Club
Edmonton English Meetup is an active community on Meetup.com that organizes group meetings to practice English. The most popular event is the Good Morning English Club, which is held daily online and focuses on daily conversation practice.
**The Good Morning English Club format is very interesting and effective for conversation practice. Each session lasts approximately 30-45 minutes and includes a 5-minute vocabulary review and 12 minutes of conversation practice with another person at the same language level. This process is repeated 3-4 times, allowing students to practice with different partners and on different topics.
Most importantly, Good Morning English Club is completely free and open to everyone, regardless of their English level. Classes are held in Speakduo Classroom, not Zoom, so participants need a good internet connection. People can come and go as they please, so there is no strict schedule or commitment.
To participate in Good Morning English Club, find the event on Meetup.com and RSVP. Participants will receive a link to Speakduo Classroom and can join the session.
Edmonton Language Meetup (ELM) – Languages and Beer and Languages and Hiking
Edmonton Language Meetup (ELM) is one of the top 3 language Meetup groups in the world and offers great opportunities to practice English in an informal and fun environment. ELM organizes two main weekly events: “Languages and Beer” every Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at EPIC Market (8115 Gateway Blvd) and “Languages and Hiking” every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Emily Murphy Park.
The format of the “Languages and Beer” event is very interesting: the organizer sets up language tables, each marked with a flag of a different country, and people sit at the tables of the language they want to practice. At the table, you can only speak the language of that table, but people can move from table to table if they want to practice several languages. The main requirement is that participants must be able to speak at least a little of their target language, otherwise they may not have a good experience. Any drink (not necessarily alcoholic) can be ordered at the event out of respect for the venue.
Languages and Hiking is a less formal event where people walk in the park and practice languages in a natural environment. This format is great for those who want to walk and talk at the same time.
Both ELM events are completely free and open to everyone. To register, find the event on Meetup.com called “Edmonton Language Meetup” and RSVP.
Tandem – Language exchanges and conversation partners
Tandem (tandem.net) is a mobile app for language exchanges that allows people to find conversation partners in Edmonton. The platform has hundreds of people in Edmonton looking for conversation partners. People can find a partner who shares their interests and language level, and then practice the language through video calls, messaging, or in-person meetings.
Tandem allows people to describe themselves, their language goals, and topics of interest, which helps them find the perfect conversation partner. The platform is completely free for basic use, although there is a premium version with additional features.
My Language Exchange – Language exchanges and group meetings
My Language Exchange (mylanguageexchange.com) is a website that offers tools and recommendations for organizing language exchanges and group meetings for conversation practice. On the site, you can find other people in Edmonton who want to practice English and organize language exchanges or group meetings.
Specialized Programs for Specific Groups
ASSIST – Informal English Programs for Adults
ASSIST offers informal English programs for adult newcomers, designed to help them overcome language barriers and develop basic English conversation skills in Canada. The company offers two levels of classes: ELL Essential Classes Level 1 (Basic) and ELL Essential Classes Level 2 (Intermediate).
ASSIST classes are held in person at the ASSIST LINC Building and online via Zoom, depending on the student's choice. The program is completely free and open to all newcomers. To register, contact ASSIST by phone at (780) 429-3112 or by email at [email protected].
EISA Edmonton – English as a Second Language Classes
The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) offers group English classes for adult newcomers at various levels. EISA offers classes at levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 (from beginner to advanced). Classes are held in person and online via Zoom, depending on the term and time.
A key feature of the EISA program is that all instructors are members of Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL) and have many years of experience teaching ELL courses and working with newcomers. Classes are offered three times a year: fall (September-December), winter (January-March), and spring (April-June). Regardless of the schedule chosen, students have six hours of class each week.
Programs at libraries and community centers
Edmonton Public Library – Beginner Grammar & Conversation
The Edmonton Public Library offers free group classes called “Beginner Grammar & Conversation” for people who want to learn English. These classes are designed specifically for adult beginners who want to develop basic conversation skills.
The library also offers free Vocabulary Club: English Conversation Classes, which focus on vocabulary practice and conversational English for people who want to learn basic English vocabulary.
For information on class schedules and locations, visit the Edmonton Public Library website or contact your local library.
English for Daily Life Program
The Edmonton Public Library offers the English for Daily Life program, which is designed to help newcomers to Canada overcome language barriers by developing language skills for comfortable and confident communication with others in their new home. The program offers opportunities to practice conversational English in real-life situations.
Choosing the right group class for your needs
Assessing your language proficiency
Before choosing a group class, it is important to realistically assess your current level of English. Most programs offer different levels, from beginner to advanced. If you are unsure of your level, you can take a free placement test at LARCC or at one of the programs you are interested in to help you choose the right class level.
Consider your schedule and format
It is important to consider your schedule and choose a program that suits your needs. If you have an irregular schedule, online classes at the English Training Center or Good Morning English Club may be the most flexible. If you feel that one-on-one learning is better, group classes at EISA, ASSIST, Newcomer Centre, or the library may be a better option. Some people prefer informal and fun environments, such as Languages and Beer or Edmonton English Meetup, while others prefer more structured classes.
Considering cost
Cost is also an important factor when choosing a program. If you are on a tight budget, free programs such as LACE, LINC, ASSIST, library classes, and Edmonton English Meetup are great options. If you can afford to pay, paid programs such as English Training Center, EdLingo, and CCI-LEX may offer more personalized instruction and more structured courses.
Consider your learning style and motivation
Some people are motivated by a solid structure and formal program, while others prefer informal and fun environments where they can relax and practice conversation. If you are more of a Type A person, classes with a formal structure may be the better option. If you enjoy a fun and informal atmosphere, informal language exchanges and Meetup groups may be better.
Conclusion: many options for conversation practice
Edmonton offers a wide variety of group activities to improve your conversational English, from free community programs to professional language centers, from formal classes to informal language exchanges and Meetup groups. Regardless of your English level, schedule, budget, or learning style, there is a group class option in Edmonton that will suit your needs and goals. The key to success is to start by assessing your current level, defining your goals and needs, considering the various options available, and choosing the program that is best for you. From free English Conversation Circles at Catholic Social Services to fun Languages and Beer meetups, from structured classes at the English Training Center to informal Good Morning English Club sessions , Edmonton has a great group program for anyone who wants to improve their conversational English and feel more confident communicating in English.