Communication and Languages

Communication and language learning with a global perspective! As the world gets smaller, a key strategic asset has become language proficiency. When preparing today’s learner for the challenges of the world they will lead tomorrow, Fanshawe College Continuing Education courses and programs are an essential part of the learning equation. The language offerings are based on the communicative approach to language learning, rather than the simple memorization of grammatical rules and lists of words. This educational approach encourages interaction and the use of language skills in real situations. It is recommended by linguistics experts from around the world and is used in some of the largest universities globally.

Each language program delivers cultural texts, workshops - a robust, multi-sensory learning experience. Major areas of language learning include: speaking, comprehension, reading and writing – leading to better language skills and higher retention rates. Offering the latest in language learning technology, the courses are designed to engage students in a fully interactive online environment, fostering language mastery. Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication to position themselves for success.

Along with individual courses Continuing Education offers numerous programs including:

• Corporate Communications
• French Language
• French Translation in the Workplace
• Public Relations

Fanshawe College Continuing Education has numerous offerings designed specifically individuals that are new to Canada. One of these offerings is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) where Fanshawe College is an IELTS Information Centre in partnership with Conestoga College. Through this partnership Fanshawe College offers a workshop to prepare prospective IELTS candidates for the examination. The workshop is designed to prepare students for the IELTS test by targeting the basic language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in order for candidates to achieve scores needed for citizenship, college, and university applications. Register today and boost your scores on an upcoming test!

• IELTS Preparation Course

Another of these offerings is Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) designed for individuals new to Canada and interested in improving their workplace communication skills. The OSLT program consists of no-charge occupation specific language training courses that will give you the skills you need to communicate effectively in your industry. To be eligible for this program:

• Participants must be CIC eligible as Permanent Resident or Protected Persons
• Language assessment by an approved CIC assessor in the range of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 6-8.

Note: Students must write a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre prior to the class start.

Fanshawe College is highly experienced in meeting the language needs of Newcomers and has a strong track record in designing and delivering occupation-specific language training. Newcomers to Canada often encounter barriers to employment. These barriers are well documented and include lack of Canadian work experience, language barriers, differences in workplace culture, difficulties in obtaining recognition for foreign qualifications and international experience, discrimination, and lack of workplace integration and diversity programs. Funded by Citizenship & Immigration Canada and in partnership with Colleges Ontario, Fanshawe continues to identify an unmet demand for occupation-specific language training for newcomers to London, Ontario. As a visible point of entry for Newcomers, the College continues to provide information on pathways to employment and further education & training.

These courses integrate the linguistic, occupational and sociocultural aspects of occupation-specific language training for immigrants into curriculum for each sector. Canadian Language Benchmarks will be used to anchor the curriculum in common descriptors of language proficiency.