Welcoming newcomers to Cape Breton Island

At its core, the English Language Program provides clients here on Cape Breton Island-Unama’ki with language supports that will improve their English through flexible EAL ("English as an Additional Language") programming. Whilst not solely curriculum focused, rather client focused, the program addresses client needs in a functional way.

The Language Lab adopts an adult-education model and as such takes a participatory and experiential approach to learning. The classes are based on a blend of academics and community building and attend to the four main pillars of language (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) while placing emphasis on life skills, integrative language, situational application, and practise learning.

The New Dawn Newcomer Centre is dedicated to welcoming international students to Cape Breton Island. We work to orient, support, connect, advocate on behalf of, and otherwise meet the needs of international students in service of their successful settlement in Cape Breton.

The Newcomer Centre can offer many supports and services to students and graduates in an effort to help them settle and/or stay on the Island. These include (but are not limited to):

• Making social and cultural connections between students and graduates and long-time Cape Bretoners
• Helping students connect to social and cultural groups and networks across the Island including events, volunteer opportunities, and services
• Connecting students with employment and entrepreneurship resources, opportunities and networks across the Island
• Organizing tours of the Island’s five municipalities and Mi’kmaq communities to aid students in connecting with employment and business opportunities in these jurisdictions
• One-on-one case work/support
• Other services as requested

These offerings will change over time with the needs and aspirations of students and graduates.