Written by Yvanna Sol

In the last decades, human society has been able to communicate in a closer and more immediate way and all thanks to the benefits of the digital era, in fact, the effectiveness of global communication has increased so much that the English language has become an essential tool nowadays. This is a reality that I observe daily in my work as part of the team of Planeta Immiland, an academy dedicated to the teaching of English and French, as well as the preparation focused on foreigners who wish to immigrate to Canada through the different migratory routes that the country offers.

My name is Yvanna Sol and in this blog I will address a very important topic that has to do with English and its application according to the context. Without a doubt, speaking English opens doors, but understanding the difference between academic English and migrant English is crucial to enter the environment we actually want or need, especially if we are thinking about preparing to go to university abroad or to migrate to an English-speaking country. Below, I will share in detail the focus of academic English and the skills it requires for success in studies and the focus of migrant English for better adaptability in the cultural environment of the new country. Read on!

What elements identify academic English?

There are several elements that relate to English as applied to study, but here I mention the three most relevant ones:

• Focus on academics and academics: i.e. Academic English focuses on specific language skills necessary for success in educational settings. This includes reading and understanding academic texts, writing essays, and participating in academic discussions. This type of English is formal, with an emphasis on correct writing and proper use of terminology.

• Handling a standardized assessment: tests such as the IELTS and TOEFL measure specific academic English skills and are crucial for those seeking admission to educational institutions where English is the language of instruction, therefore, international students looking to study in Canada should prepare for these tests.

• Formal use of language: Academic English follows formal rules and structures, especially in writing, to establish communication within the classroom and its formative environment, this is the type of language with which the student will properly learn in his career, therefore, he is expected to develop a high level of grammatical accuracy and field-specific vocabulary.

What elements identify migrant English?

• Focus on daily and professional life: this type of English is adapted to the needs of daily and professional life in an English-speaking country. This is achieved by focusing on practical skills such as interacting with the community, seeking employment and understanding the local culture.

• Diversified assessment: tests such as the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, known as CELPIP, assess skills needed for daily and professional life, including communication in the workplace and common situations.

• Everyday use of the language: effective communication in everyday situations, such as shopping or simply having informal conversations, is essential in migrant English. In fact, it is this English that allows the foreigner to adapt to the new country and understand the nuances of speech that will help him/her to correctly interpret a message in different social contexts.

So, from the above elements, we can understand that, while academic English prepares you for success in an educational environment, migrant English focuses on the skills needed to successfully adapt to daily and professional life in a new country. Both types of English are valuable and complementary, but choosing the right approach is crucial and will depend on your specific goals and circumstances. Below, I would like to share with you important details about international English exams and their levels.

• Language exams:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
• Education: to enter most academic programs, a minimum level of 6.5 is expected.
• Migratory: to increase the chances of eligibility, a score of at least 7 is desirable.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
• Studies: many colleges accept scores between 80 and 100.
• Migratory: Is not as commonly accepted as IELTS for migration purposes.
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program):
• Studies and immigration: is accepted by several educational institutions and is one of the exams accepted for Express Entry.

2. English levels for colleges and permanent residence:

• Schools in Canada:
• Diplomas and certificates: a minimum level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent may be required.
• Degree programs: higher level may be required, such as IELTS 6.5 or higher.
• Permanent residency (Express Entry):
• Language skills: to score significant points, a minimum level of CLB 7 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0) is sought.
• Competitive scoring: to achieve a highly competitive score, you should aim for higher levels, such as CLB 9 or higher.

In summary, all foreigners who are thinking of coming to Canada or any English-speaking country should prepare for language exams, this is crucial for both studying and emigrating. For studies, the requirements vary according to the program and the institution. In the case of permanent residency, higher scores on tests such as IELTS or CELPIP can significantly improve the chances of success in Express Entry.

In our academy, we have several courses that are specifically tailored to what you are looking for, as we prepare you for the IELTSthe CELPIPCELPIP , the CAEL and we take your English to an Express Entry level!

If you would like to contact us for more information, please click on our contact link, hereSee you in class!

With love,

Planet Immiland