Your child can learn a new language or strengthen their home language in a fun and social environment. The OCSB International & Indigenous Languages Program unlocks a world of opportunities by developing language skills and promoting a sense of community. Learning a second language also builds acceptance of world cultures, fosters empathy, enhances cognitive abilities, and encourages students to think with a global mindset. The program takes place on Saturdays throughout the school year and is offered for both Elementary and Secondary students.
International & Indigenous Languages Program – Elementary
The International & Indigenous Languages Program – Elementary is committed to promoting language proficiency and embracing cultural diversity, and it is free for Ontario residents. Students may participate in many fun activities such as storytelling, role-playing, writing/speech contests, dance, conversation practice, sports and more!
Who is this program for?
The language classes are open to all Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, regardless of their school board. This program is perfect for children who want to enhance and advance their skills in their native language or learn a new language altogether.
See the full eligibility requirements
Languages Offered
This school year, we are offering American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Blin, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Creole, Croatian, Dari, Dutch, Farsi, Igbo, Inuktitut, Italian, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Korean, Kurdish, Lingala, Mandarin (Simplified), Mandarin (Traditional), Pashto, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, Yoruba.
Many spots are available in our Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Korean, Kurdish, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish and Ukrainian language classes!
Locations, Dates & Times
The program runs on Saturdays from September 7, 2024, to June 14, 2025.
Saturday Morning Classes: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, in-person and virtual options. In-person classes take place at various OCSB sites around the city.
Saturday Afternoon Classes: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm, virtual beginner-level classes.
See the full list of locations and languages
Registration
Registration is on-going throughout the year. Registration is required before attending classes.
Learn more and register today!
International Languages Secondary Credit Program
Did you know that Secondary students can learn a language and earn up to three credits toward their Ontario high school diploma? Join us this school year and learn or maintain a language (other than English and French) with our OCSB International Languages Secondary Credit Program!
Our program aims to foster a global perspective and give students the tools to succeed in various fields, including business, trade, and communications. Plus, we equip students with the communication skills necessary for international travel, student exchanges, and global job opportunities. The program is available at no cost to Ontario residents and runs every Saturday morning from September to June.
Who is this program for?
This program enables students in Grades 9 – 12 and adult students to learn and maintain a language. Students can earn up to three credits towards their Ontario high school diploma.
See the full eligibility requirements
Languages Offered
This school year, we offer American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Farsi, Hungarian, Igbo, Italian, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified), Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Yoruba.
Locations, Dates & Times
The program runs from September 21, 2024 – to June 7, 2025, on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am – to 12:30 pm, with in-person and virtual options. In-person classes take place at various OCSB sites around the city.
See the full list of locations and languages
Registration
Registration deadline is October 19, 2024.
