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The IRCC has released new guidance for study permit holders impacted by COVID-19 who wish to do a co-op work placement under the heading “Co-op Work Permit.” It adds information on possibilities for doing work placements overseas if the student’s school and employer agree, as this type of work does not require a work permit.
For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational…
It is now a legal requirement for all air passengers five years of age or older to be tested and receive a negative result for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to travelling to Canada from another country.
Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.
IRCC has announced a temporary public policy has been put in place to help agricultural workers from Trinidad and Tobago who are stranded in Canada due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions in their home country.
For more information.
(Please link “For more information” to https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/public-policy-stranded-worker… )
With the holidays looking a little different this year, it is time to get creative and still make this most of this amazing time of year!
The news started to come in mid-November that our amazing town Santa Parade was cancelled, the Craft Shows, the Lighting of the Trees by townhall and even the Lighting of the Vessels. These events draw many people from surrounding communities and it was simply too risky to go ahead with them. I don’t know who was more disappointed; my 8 year old daughter or me! I was so looking forward to showing our incredible students some of our town’s Christmas traditions.
Typically, the festivities start the last weekend in November and carry us through to Christmas. Lunenburg is an exceptionally wonderful place during the holidays.
So how do you make Christmas still special when everything has changed? You make new traditions and alter the old ones! You can still walk around, or drive by, the beautifully lit trees by town hall. You can still stroll the waterfront and see the amazing Bluenose II lit up, as well as other boats, trees and more. You can still grab a hot chocolate and go for lights drives and see over 115 lit up homes in Lunenburg in just 30 minutes! Yes, we counted. You can still sing carols and spread cheer. Christmas isn’t over…you just have to look a little harder.
When my daughter’s choir couldn’t go ahead with their annual performance, she asked if she could just sing, all by herself, at the bandstand in town. So one evening, in our matching Christmas pajamas, we belted out Christmas songs for anyone who wanted to listen. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”-Buddy the elf
So this year, whether you are near or far, find new ways, or slightly adjusted ways, to celebrate this magical time of year. You may have to try a little harder, look a little harder, but there is so much to be grateful for…so much to celebrate. So much kindness and joy to spread.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Jackie
New restrictions will come into force at on Thursday, Nov. 26, and continue for two weeks until midnight Dec. 9, with a possibility of extension.
Eurocentres Atlantic Canada will remain open in an online and in-person format while adhering to the new restrictions thoroughly.
As of November 21, 2020, if you’re flying to Canada as your final destination, you must use ArriveCAN to submit your:
You must use ArriveCAN before you board your flight to Canada.
Once you submit your information through ArriveCAN:
Online survey of newcomers to Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is conducting an online survey of newcomers to Canada on their resettlement, settlement and integration experiences. The survey will help IRCC understand which settlement and resettlement services are working well, and what needs improvement. This will help IRCC strengthen its Settlement Program to better meet the needs of newcomers to Canada.
Languages Canada announce details of the Study Safe Corridor
“The Study Safe Corridor is a proposal to save Canada’s international language education sector through innovation, in a way that ensures Canadians and international students are safe. It is an adaptation to survive and thrive in the new post-pandemic context.”
Canada offers guide for international students arriving during coronavirus
The federal government has released a guide for international students who are coming to Canada and navigating travel restrictions.
It’s called “COVID-19: guide for international students in Canada arriving from abroad.”
If you are about to further your English language skills, you may have found that there are several qualifications you can take. Let’s look at TOEFL vs IELTS so you can make an informed decision.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are the two most prestigious and widely accepted tests so it’s no surprise that most ESL/EFL/EAL (English as Additional Language) students choose one of those options.
What does TOEFL involve?
The TOEFL exam is made up of 4 areas – reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each section gives you a score of 0-30, which is then totalled to give you your final grade. The exams are not pass/fail. Your proficiency in each area will be graded, so potential employers will be able to check your proficiency in a required area is as needed for the job. For example, if you are applying to be a face-to-face salesperson, a high proficiency in speaking and listening would be needed.
TOEFL is taken online and you can do a practice test here. The whole exam takes 3.5 hours, with a 10-minute break between listening and speaking.
If you are planning on studying in the US, TOEFL is the most widely accredited.
What does IELTS involve?
IELTS is the most widely used ESL, EFL and EAL accreditation in Canada and is offered right here in historic Lunenburg. There are two variants you can take: IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training.
The Academic qualification is for those wishing to apply for further education, such as through our Pathway Program, or those going onto a professional career. General Training is more suitable for those wishing to live in or travel to English-speaking countries for work, relocation or secondary education.
The exam consists of the same four sections as TOEFL – reading (academic reading for IELTS Academic), writing (academic writing for IELTS Academic), speaking and listening. The total test time is 2 hours 45 minutes.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of IELTS tests are all completed on the same day, with no breaks in between the sections. You can complete your Speaking section, up to a week before or after the other tests. It takes just 11-14 minutes.
Each of the four sections of your test is given a score between 0-9. These are then averaged and rounded to find your overall English proficiency level.
TOEFL vs IELTS
There are benefits to both systems, but Canada have a preference for IELTS, while the US prefers TOEFL. If you are looking to move into a professional field or enroll in higher education, IELTS’ Academic certification can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
If you are looking to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system, IELTS General Training is one of the few options permitted and TOEFL is not accepted.
The exams for both have potential benefits, depending on your needs. TOEFL questions are mostly multiple-choice, while IELTS tests use a wider variety of question styles. This is one of the reasons that prospective employers in Canada prefer IELTS as they feel it offers a more reliable result. The IELTS exam is also much shorter, making the day itself less intense.
Join us for IELTS
At Atlantic Canada Language Academy, we are proud to offer both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Our students have great success in both, and we couldn’t be prouder to send them into the world as proficient English speakers. We can also offer IELTS through our online Lunenburg Live program. If you would like to discuss our IELTS courses with us, we would love to hear from you.
ACLA – Work. Study. Live.
