FOREIGNERS’ INTEGRATION AND LANGUAGE LEARNING IN ADULT EDUCATION IN CANADA: EXPERIENCE FOR UKRAINE

Abstract

The article deals with the research of special features of foreigners’ integration and language learning in Canada as an integral part of adult education. The paper outlines a complex of basic scientific approaches such as system, structural and functional, andragogical, axiological, intercultural, and competency-based approaches. The study analyses a number of programmes for immigrants’ integration in Canada, as well as language learning by adults. Critical overview allowed assuming that “Language Instructions for Newcomers to Canada” is the most popular programme among immigrants in this country. Taking into account the lack of similar programmes for foreign students in Ukraine and positive experience of Canada in this sphere, Lviv Polytechnic National University developed an elective course for international PhD students aimed at their adaptation in Ukraine. The article focuses on the features of the course which is based on the “Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada” programme. Its content component is based on the demands, individual needs and involves the acquisition of language skills and acquaintance with the culture of the country. At the end of the course, the PhD students took part in a survey. The results of the survey showed that in spite of some difficulties, it appeared to be quite effective and informative.

Keywords

• adult education
• Canada
• immigrant
• immigrants’ learning
• integration
• programme