We have programs, online tools, and study materials to help.

Programs

ESL Conversation Circles – We have online ESL conversation circles. Practice speaking English as we discuss an interesting topic each week in a fun and friendly online group setting.

Online Tools
Learning Express — Practice tests and tutorial courses. TOEFL, GED, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT and a wide range of other subjects.

Mango Languages — Learn English or other languages online!

Road to IELTS — A practice resource for the IELTS exams.

Rosetta Stone — Learn English and many other languages online.

Study Materials
We have study materials for tests like IELTS and CELPIP. We also have books and kits for grammar, vocabulary, idioms and more.

Community Programs

English Classes @ DIVERSEcity
Tel: 604-547-1203    languageprograms@dcrs.ca
Offers a range of English classes in Surrey.  Currently offering online versions of their classes. This includes conversation circles, reading and writing classes, and LINC classes. Call or check their website for the latest classes.

English Conversation Circle @ Mosaic Surrey Newcomers’ Centre
7134 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC 
Tel: 778-591-9334
Practice your English in a group environment. Currently offering online version of their programs. Also have monthly free citizenship classes, settlement workshops, support groups, literacy classes and more.

English Conversation Programs @ Surrey Recreation
Tel: 604-501-5100 (register)  604-502-6325 (information)
Currently suspended due to COVID-19 concerns. Free programs offered by Surrey Parks and Recreation.  For more information call or ask at your local recreation centre.

English Corner @ Alexandra
2916 McBride Avenue, Crescent Beach,  BC V4A 3G2
Tel: 604-535-0015
Currently suspended due to COVID-19 concerns. Free, drop-in conversation group from newcomers.

ESL Classes @ Cedar Grove Baptist Church
10330- 144th St. Surrey BC V3T 4V3
Tel: 604-581-8933  church@the-grove.net
Classes are free, but students are required to purchase their textbook. Classes run September to June. Participation for the entire program is recommended. Registration required.

ESL Classes @ Middle East Friendship Centre
13483 108th Ave Surrey BC V3T 2K2
Tel: 604-288-5588
Currently suspended due to COVID-19 concerns. Offers ESL Classes for Beginner/Intermediate on Saturdays 10:30AM-12:30PM, and Advanced Fridays 12:00-1:00PM. Also offers Arabic classes (Saturdays 11:00AM-12:00PM), and Conversational English (Saturdays 10:30AM-12:00PM).

ESL Classes @ Options
Tel: 604-250-1766 (Martha)
Tel: 778-871-5647 (Tesni)
Currently offering a range of free online-only classes for permanent residents. Call for further details.

ESL Studies @ Kwantlen Polytechnic University
12666 72nd Avenue, Surrey
Tel: 604-599-2321
Prepares students for academic university courses. Low student fees can be covered with an Adult Upgrading Grant. Currently offering a limited number of classes online only. Learners can start at any level depending on their placement test. Offered at Surrey, Langley and Richmond campuses.  Tuition-free for permanent residents and domestic students. Nominal student fees apply.

LINC Engage Youth Program @ Douglas College Surrey
13769 – 104 Avenue, Surrey and 700 Royal Avenue, New Westminster​
Tel: 604-588-7772  lincengage@douglascollege.ca
Build your English skills in a 16 week full time course. Currently being offered online. Includes a 2-zone compass card. For people 18-29 years, who are ready for LINC 4 and are either a refugee or Permanent Resident. Gain artistic and technical skills while learning English at the same time.

Surrey School District’s Literacy Foundations
Invergarry Adult Education 12772 88 Avenue Surrey, B.C. V3W 3J9
Tel: 604-595-8218
For students (PR and Canadian citizens) wishing to attain their high school completion and whose first language is not English. Provides English instruction to prepare for academic courses. For adult students who need to upgrade skills for grade 10, 11 and 12 courses.

Umoja Adult Literacy and Life Skills
#208 – 14888 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3R 1M4
Tel: 604-581-5574
New arrivals to Canada and individuals who have been in Canada for years and want to take the first step in learning how to speak, read and write English are welcome. Life skills workshops.

Virtual Adult Literacy Program – CALP PICS
Tel: 604-596-7722   chandni.patel@pics.bc.ca
Free Virtual English Classes. Job Seekers wanting to improve their English can join free online English classes providing help with resumes and cover letters, interview skills, computer job search, and conversation skills. Extra one-on-one support is also available. Available to Canadian citizens, PR holders, or those with a work permit.

LINC –Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada

The LINC program is funded by the federal government and is free.

To qualify you must:

• Be a newcomer to Canada
• 17 years old or older
• Permanent resident
• Have at least one of the approved documents (list of these is in the online document linked below. Ask library staff if you are unsure.)

The following do not qualify:  Canadian citizens, temporary visitors, temporary foreign workers and refugee claimants who have not yet received a positive decision on their refugee status claim.

Apply at:
Surrey Language Assessment Centre
#202 – 7337 137th St. Surrey, BC V3W 1A4
Tel: 604-507-4150   Fax: 604-507-4155

Once you have been accepted you will also go here for an assessment test. After that the LINC classes are offered at a number of locations  in Surrey and they will help you find the one closest to home.

Looking for services not covered here?

Please ask at your local library. We are here to help.

You can also call 211 for a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral line to a full range of community, social, and government services. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you would like further information or if you spot a change that is needed you can contact us.

Surrey Libraries does not endorse or promote particular resources or programs, and inclusion here does not imply the Library’s endorsement.