Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
LINC offers free basic English classes to help adult permanent residents, immigrants and refugees adapt to life in Canada socially, culturally and economically.
For questions and help registering call 403.750.5357 or email linc@ywcalgary.ca
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
The program builds confidence and practical language skills while introducing participants to the local community and Canadian society.
Classes are available online and in-person and are grouped by Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels; YWCA currently offers CLB 1 to 4.
“Our child’s language development was way ahead of the game thanks to the program. And some of the books we received at the end are his favourites to read. We countinue to use and implement our learnings on a daily basis.”
YWCA Early Talks Participant
“I was able to create a debt management and savings plan and also participated in the Employment Readiness program. After a couple of months I was able to secure employment. As my savings grew and my financial confidence increased I became highly motivated to continue to improve my financial situation. For the first time in my life I was able to make ends meet, had savings, was able to visit family who live out of town and was able to buy my grandchildren gifts for the holidays, all while maintaining stable housing. I never imagined I would feel so confident about my financial situation and the future, until coming to YWCA.”
YWCA Economic Prosperity Participant
"Every time I left a session it was like something lifted – I was freer. Now I'm at a place where I'm so excited to share and help others. I feel more empowered and free. If I can do it, I feel like anybody can do it. I want others to know that I was stuck, and believed that was all my life could be, but I was able to get out of that stuck place. It's just the best thing in the entire world! At YWCA, it felt like everyone knew me, I felt loved there. I wouldn't have been able to leave without the support I received at the YWCA Calgary."
YWCA Housing Participant
“After several attempts to leave an abusive relationship, including one that landed me in the hospital I was referred to YWCA to start counselling. I knew I needed help. YWCA change my life, I started to think differently, the group was a good support and it was a learning experience too. Thank you for saving my life and teaching me how to save myself.”
YWCA Counselling Participant
“Our child’s language development was way ahead of the game thanks to the program. And some of the books we received at the end are his favourites to read. We countinue to use and implement our learnings on a daily basis.”
YWCA Early Talks Participant
“I was able to create a debt management and savings plan and also participated in the Employment Readiness program. After a couple of months I was able to secure employment. As my savings grew and my financial confidence increased I became highly motivated to continue to improve my financial situation. For the first time in my life I was able to make ends meet, had savings, was able to visit family who live out of town and was able to buy my grandchildren gifts for the holidays, all while maintaining stable housing. I never imagined I would feel so confident about my financial situation and the future, until coming to YWCA.”
YWCA Economic Prosperity Participant
"Every time I left a session it was like something lifted – I was freer. Now I'm at a place where I'm so excited to share and help others. I feel more empowered and free. If I can do it, I feel like anybody can do it. I want others to know that I was stuck, and believed that was all my life could be, but I was able to get out of that stuck place. It's just the best thing in the entire world! At YWCA, it felt like everyone knew me, I felt loved there. I wouldn't have been able to leave without the support I received at the YWCA Calgary."
YWCA Housing Participant
“After several attempts to leave an abusive relationship, including one that landed me in the hospital I was referred to YWCA to start counselling. I knew I needed help. YWCA change my life, I started to think differently, the group was a good support and it was a learning experience too. Thank you for saving my life and teaching me how to save myself.”
YWCA Counselling Participant
“Our child’s language development was way ahead of the game thanks to the program. And some of the books we received at the end are his favourites to read. We countinue to use and implement our learnings on a daily basis.”
YWCA Early Talks Participant
“I was able to create a debt management and savings plan and also participated in the Employment Readiness program. After a couple of months I was able to secure employment. As my savings grew and my financial confidence increased I became highly motivated to continue to improve my financial situation. For the first time in my life I was able to make ends meet, had savings, was able to visit family who live out of town and was able to buy my grandchildren gifts for the holidays, all while maintaining stable housing. I never imagined I would feel so confident about my financial situation and the future, until coming to YWCA.”
YWCA Economic Prosperity Participant
"Every time I left a session it was like something lifted – I was freer. Now I'm at a place where I'm so excited to share and help others. I feel more empowered and free. If I can do it, I feel like anybody can do it. I want others to know that I was stuck, and believed that was all my life could be, but I was able to get out of that stuck place. It's just the best thing in the entire world! At YWCA, it felt like everyone knew me, I felt loved there. I wouldn't have been able to leave without the support I received at the YWCA Calgary."
YWCA Housing Participant
“After several attempts to leave an abusive relationship, including one that landed me in the hospital I was referred to YWCA to start counselling. I knew I needed help. YWCA change my life, I started to think differently, the group was a good support and it was a learning experience too. Thank you for saving my life and teaching me how to save myself.”
YWCA Counselling Participant
Other Services
We support LINC clients with referrals to additional programs and services offered by YWCA Calgary and community partners.
Scheduled LINC classes are part-time and offered online, in-person, or through blended learning.
Morning Classes:
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (CLB 1–4)
Evening Classes:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (CLB 2–4)
Full-Time Classes:
Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (CLB 3–4)
Registration for LINC programs is online only.
For a language assessment, please visit CLARC at Immigrant Services Calgary.
Spaces available, register today!
"*" indicates required fields
Contact us for questions and help registering.
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Funded by:
