Haven improves your English in three ways
Classes with teachers
Individual and small group online classes with professional ESL teachers.
Chats with Canadians
Practice your English through conversations with Canadian volunteers.
Individual study
Receive personalized materials from your teacher to continue learning.
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Canada’s system for teaching English needs to change.
Newcomers in traditional programs are placed in classes of 20–30 students. Schedules are inconvenient, with lessons during work or in exhausting evening sessions. Students rarely get to build confidence by practicing with real Canadians.
What makes Haven special?
A Flexible Schedule
Our program fits your life, with schedules including evenings and weekends.
Personalized Teaching
Our small groups make sure that your teacher gives personalized instruction.
Practice with Canadians
Build your confidence and have fun learning through chats with volunteers.
Are you eligible?
This includes all adults (18+) who are the following:
Refugees and refugee claimants
Arrivals under Canadian humanitarian programs (e.g., CUAET holders, evacuees from Gaza)
Newcomers from other conflict-affected countries
We are not able to help newcomers who are not fleeing conflict, or anyone outside of Canada.
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In Canada?
Fleeing Conflict?
Over 18?
More than 600 students have been helped by our program.
Olena
Haven student from Ukraine
This program has truly made a difference for me. It gave me a clear and consistent system for studying English. I had access to useful resources that kept me focused on what really works. Most importantly, I overcame my fear of speaking!
Lidia
Haven Teacher
My classes are focused on topics that actually matter to newcomers. My students also have time to ask me any questions they have in a safe space. I love to see the big improvements students make after 20 weeks of classes!
Our Frequently Asked Questions
What level of classes do you provide?
Our program is for students with speaking and listening levels between CLB 0 and 7. This covers beginner and intermediate levels of English and is equivalent to approximately a B2 level. You will be assessed at the start of the program. Students of all levels are welcome to meet with Canadians for free conversation practice, even if they are not eligible for our classes.
How long is the program, and what is the commitment?
The program is currently for 20 weeks (5 months). If you join our program, you are committing to attending classes, speaking with Canadian volunteers, and completing your individual work. The program requires, on average, one hour of study per day. Please do not apply if you cannot commit to this commitment, as this is the minimum work needed to make progress in English.
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What is the cost of the program?
Most of the program is free. Only for classes with teachers, Haven charges a small participation fee. This is meant to ensure your attendance and commitment. The participation fee is between $2.50 and $7.50 per class, depending on your situation. Please note that this is almost a 90% discount from the average cost of classes.
I’m a complete beginner. Will I understand my teacher?
Yes. Most students up to CLB 4 study with a teacher who speaks their language, so you can follow the lessons and feel comfortable while learning English.
What will I learn?
You will develop your speaking, listening, and grammar skills, with a focus on real-life English for living in Canada. Lessons cover everyday communication, employment, housing, healthcare, and other practical topics to help you speak confidently in daily situations.
Do you help with CELPIP or IELTS preparation?
We do not offer specific CELPIP or IELTS preparation courses, but improving your speaking, listening, and grammar in our program will help you build the skills you need for these tests.