English Learning Tips for International Students in Canada: 10 Practical Ways (2026)
Living in Canada gives you a lot of English practice, but only if you use it. These 10 tips help international students learn faster, and each one shows how St. George International College (SGIC) in Toronto and Vancouver can support you.
››› 1. Know your level first
Start by finding out where you are. SGIC offers a free online English test, and new students also take an oral and written placement test so they join the right class.
››› 2. Speak every day
Ten minutes of real conversation each day is better than one long session a week. Talk to classmates, your homestay family and people in cafes and shops.
››› 3. Join a conversation club
A conversation club is a relaxed way to practice speaking and meet people from around the world. SGIC has a Conversation Club for its students.
››› 4. Learn phrases for daily life
Start with the subway or SkyTrain, grocery stores, cafes, pharmacies and asking for help. Write 10 new phrases a day in your phone notes.
››› 5. Use English outside class
Change your phone to English, read signs on your way to school and watch shows with English subtitles.
››› 6. Make friends from other countries
English becomes your common language, so you practice without going back to your own. SGIC students come from more than 70 countries.
››› 7. Take part in school activities
Tournaments, daily activities and monthly all-day excursions give you real conversations in a relaxed setting.
››› 8. Check your progress regularly
Each General English level lasts 8 weeks, and a grade of B (70%) or higher moves you to the next level. Online students write a practice Cambridge test every second week.
››› 9. Ask your teachers for feedback
SGIC teachers are available for consultation. Ask what to improve next and how to reach your goal.
››› 10. Do not wait for perfect grammar
Mistakes are normal. Teachers expect them, and speaking is how you improve.
Tip | How SGIC helps |
Know your level | Free online test and placement test |
Speak every day | Level-based classes and classmates from many countries |
Practice speaking | Conversation Club and Speaking for Success (SSP) |
Real-life practice | Activities, tournaments and monthly excursions |
Track progress | New level every 8 weeks; Cambridge practice test every second week online |
Want help choosing a course that fits your level and goal? An SGIC advisor can help.
SGIC facts are from the official SGIC website. Activities and course details can change; ask an advisor for the current information.
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