1. I want to study English at ICA. What should I do? After you register at ICA, you can apply for the LINC program. You need to complete a language assessment. After you complete the assessment, you will be put on a waitlist for an English class. When there is a space available, we will contact you.

2. How long will I wait? The wait time depends on what level you are placed in and the time of day you want to study. The class might start right away, or you might be put on the waitlist and wait 6 months or longer.

3. What is the class time and how many days per week?

Morning: (9 – 11:30 am) and afternoon (12:30 – 3 pm) classes are held five days a week, Monday to Friday.

Evening: (6 – 9 pm) classes are held two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays.

4. Are there any online classes in the LINC program at ICA? Yes, there are online classes for some levels. They are held five days a week, from Monday to Friday, 9 – 11:30 am.

5. What will be an assessment like? You will be assessed in four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

6. How long is the assessment and when can I get the results? The assessment could take two hours or longer. After completing the assessment, you will receive the results.

7. How can I study for the assessment? You cannot study for the assessment because it tests your current knowledge in four skill areas: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

8. Can I use the assessment report for work or a citizenship application? You need a LINC certificate or a CELPIP result for the citizenship application. If you are enrolling in some of ICA’s employment programs, they will ask for your assessment report.

9. Can I do an assessment remotely? No. For the time being, all the assessments for the ICA LINC program are in person.

10. How long will it take to move to a higher level? On average, it takes 9 months or more to finish one level.

11. What can I do while I wait for a spot? There are other language schools in Victoria that you can study at. ICA also has a variety of workshops where you can learn new skills and improve your English. See the link below to get more information.

Workshops & Training – Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria (icavictoria.org)

12. Are there other free or low-cost English schools in Victoria? Yes. Camosun College is another English school in Victoria that may be free.  Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre has low-cost classes.

13. Are there any holidays or breaks? Yes. There are three breaks every year. Winter break, spring break and summer break.

14. If I need to work, can I miss some classes? Yes, but there is a minimum attendance requirement.

15. Do you have childcare services available? Yes, we have childcare services for LINC students. However, there is a long waitlist.

16. What will happen if I move to another city? You can continue with your studies at a different LINC location close to your new home.

17. How many students are in each class? There are 10-16 students in each class.

18. Do you use textbooks? No. Teachers prepare materials based on the needs of their students. Students will receive a binder to organize their papers.

19. What’s the difference between ICA LINC class and Camosun ELD? In LINC classes you learn about Canadian and workplace culture and improve your English skills to easily access health, education, legal, family, and social services. Camosun ELD prepares students for post-secondary studies and teaches general English.

20. Are classes at ICA free? And do I need to buy anything? Yes, all the services at ICA are free. You should come prepared with paper, a pencil, and an eraser.

21. Can I take my kids to the assessment/class? No, kids are not allowed in classrooms.

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