Improve your English or French

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Unama’ki – Cape Breton has several Francophone (French) communities, including Cheticamp and Arichat. To communicate effectively in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, it is recommended that you have Basic English or French skills. 

Language Testing 

Many immigration streams at the Federal and Provincial levels require specific scores in one of Canada’s official languages. Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) are scores used across Canada to place you at a language level at a national standard. The CLB or NCLC required varies by immigration program. You are encouraged to review the minimum required score for your specific immigration program. 

You can access English or French language testing through the following institutions: 

Inside Canada:

English
French

Outside Canada:

English
French

French and English Learning Options

In this video Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides an overview of the importance of language learning and how to access free classes for learners of all levels. 

Online Platforms to Improve French or English

Mauril – Free

Mauril is a free language-learning platform from CBC/Radio-Canada that helps you learn French or English using real Canadian media. Watch shows, listen to podcasts and news, and build your listening skills and vocabulary at your own pace while being exposed to Canada’s linguistic and cultural diversity, including a variety of accents and everyday language. Mauril is available on phones, tablets, and the web. Learn more here: www.mauril.ca

Duolingo – Free and Paid Upgrade Options

Duolingo is a free, multi-language learning platform that makes learning a new language fun and accessible for all levels. Through interactive lessons, quizzes, and games, users can develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Learn more here: www.duolingo.com

Resources to Improve French

University Sainte‑Anne

Université Sainte‑Anne offers French as a Second Language (FSL) courses for adults of all skill levels. Options include part‑time classes, full‑time immersive programs, online courses, one‑on‑one tutoring, conversation groups, and specialized courses for exam preparation or professional contexts. Learn more here: www.usainteanne.ca

CLIC – Permanent Residents and people with refugee status

The Canadian Citizenship Language Evaluation (CLIC) is a free program for Permanent Residents and people with refugee status that prepares beginners for the Canadian citizenship language evaluation. Intake is ongoing, so you can register at any time. Learn more here: www.usainteanne.ca 

Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

The Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development offers French-language education programs for students (children and youth) across the province. 

  • French First Language programs are available through the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) for eligible francophone students from Primary to Grade 12. 
  • French Second Language options in English schools include Core French (Grades 4 to 9 mandatory, 10 to 12 optional), French Immersion (Early in Primary or Late starting in Grade 7), Integrated French (Grades 7 to 12), and Intensive French (Grade 6 in some schools).

Learn more here: www.ednet.ns.ca

Find a nearby school offering French programs here: www.csap.ca 

Raveston Music School (Chéticamp) – In Person Only

Raveston Music School in Chéticamp welcomes learners of all ages with a wide variety of beginner French classes. Their fun, interactive setting helps learners explore the French language, with a glimpse into the Chéticamp Acadian dialect. Classes are typically in person, but offerings may vary. Click the link to learn more:www.raveston.com or by calling: 902-224-7749

Raveston Music School (Chéticamp) – In Person Only

Raveston Music School in Chéticamp welcomes learners of all ages with a wide variety of beginner French classes. Their fun, interactive setting helps learners explore the French language, with a glimpse into the Chéticamp Acadian dialect. Classes are typically in person, but offerings may vary. Click the link to learn more:www.raveston.com or by calling: 902-224-7749

La Picasse (Petit-de-Grat) – In Person Only

La Picasse is a cultural community centre in Petit-de-Grat on Isle Madame that supports the local Acadian and Francophone community through a variety of programs and activities, including occasional conversational drop-in sessions. Visit their website to see current offerings: www.lapicasse.ca, call 902-226-0149, or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CentreLaPicasse/

Étoile de l’Acadie (Sydney) – In Person Only

Étoile de l’Acadie is a francophone community centre offering French-language classes for all ages at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, in partnership with Université Sainte-Anne. Classes are typically held once a week in the evenings on weekends for 10 weeks, with each session lasting two hours. As of December 2025, the program costs $150. New courses are announced regularly on their social media. To learn more, follow them on Instagram at @cceasydney, email cceasydney@gmail.com , or call 902-564-0432. Click here to learn more: www.etoiledelacadie.com

Resources to Improve English

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) provides English language courses to newcomers. For people living in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, some of these courses may be available online through their LINC Home Study program. Learn more here: www.isans.ca

Libraries – In Person Only

Many local libraries offer drop-in conversational English and other English language support. Find the library nearest to you here: www.library.novascotia.ca 

Cape Breton Island Centre for Immigration (CBICI)

Free English language support available for newcomers in Nova Scotia. Learn more here: www.cbici.ca

YMCA / YREACH

Offering free in-person and virtual options to support newcomers, including Temporary Foreign Workers, with language skills to better express themselves at work and in community. Contact the coordinator nearest you here: www.ymcahfx.ca

Cape Breton Language Centre (CBLC)

Cape Breton Language Centre (CBLC) is the school language centre of Cape Breton University (CBU), located on the Cape Breton University (CBU) campus in Sydney. The centre offers English for Academic Preparation to international students who wish to enter university but lack the required English proficiency. Learn more here: www.cblcentre.ca

Mi’kmaq language and the Gaelic language

Learn more about Mi’kmaq and Gaelic languages here: www.welcometocapebreton.ca

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Last Modified: January 6, 2026