The Eastern Canada College of Languages(ECCL), a language training institute formed through a partnership among Holland College, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Prince Edward Island Department of Education, recently entered into a joint venture arrangement with two private sector English as a Second Language (ESL) trainers.
Helen's Homestay and English School, located in Tryon, and the Atlantic Canada Language Institute, situated in Kensington, will be delivering ECCL's English as a Second Language programs in January and April. The ESL programs are 3 months in length and provide a wide range of skill level training in the English language. Basic language skills to advanced language skills training are offered as a means of preparing students for attendance at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Honorable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education, noted that the joint venture is a first for ECCL in the ESL arena in working with the private sector for delivery of language training. "We are very hopeful that this joint venture will not only satisfy the needs of ECCL's language students but that the private trainers will also benefit from the opportunity to work with the public sector in developing a strong ESL industry in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Gillan. "There are significant economic benefits to attracting international students to ESL programs, and then subsequently to Island post-secondary institutions."
Students enrolled in the January and April ESL programs come from a number of international locations, including Korea, Japan and South America.
The Eastern Canada College of Languages night course offerings, including French, Japanese and Spanish, will be offered at Holland College locations in Charlottetown.