The Origin of the Jack O’Lantern

Pour yourself a cup of hot apple cider and snuggle up to the glowing warmth of your laptop monitor, because I've got a little known Halloween story to tell you. Everyone loves the Jack O'Lantern, but very few people know the legend of the man named Jack, and how the pumpkin…

Congratulations Languages Canada!

Congratulations to Languages Canada as it celebrates its milestone of 200 accredited members!Languages Canada serves a very important function in the world of English as a Second Language.  It is a not-for-profit organization that works to maintain a standard of high-quality ESL education in schools across the country.  Languages Canada's…

Halloween Vocabulary

Some scary Halloween vocabulary have double-meanings that can be used year round!  Take a look at the chart below to see the differences. Vocabulary Halloween Meaning Additional Meaning Familiar   (n.) A pet animal kept by witches that is said to change into human shape E.g. The witch's familiar crept…

Happy ESL Week

Oct. 21-25 is English as a Second Language week in Canada. It is a time to recognize the valuable work our ESL teachers do, the exciting progress our ESL students make, and the significant impact language has in transforming lives. Canada thrives on change and diversity, and the ESL field…

HAPPY ESL WEEK! (And happy everything else, too!)

It seems every time I check the calendar, there's another reason to celebrate another aspect of our lives or society.  A few weeks ago, it was National 'Hug a Drummer' Day.  I guess drummers in bands don't get a lot of respect.  And apparently there is an 'Edible Book Day'.…

Being Erica & Learning English

CultureWorks ESL teachers often tell their students to watch English TV and movies.  I know, they're pretty cool teachers.  Of course they are suggesting this for students to improve their skills.  But what shows and films are best for students to watch?  Although Canada doesn't produce nearly as many TV…

Blessed Eid al-Adha

Thinking of our Muslim friends as they celebrate a joyful day of thanks on Tuesday (Oct. 15).

School Closed Thanksgiving

Our offices will be closed next Monday (October 14th - no classes) for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen Tuesday (October 15th) at 8:30am EST.

Western University Scholarship

Alumni attending Main Campus are encouraged to apply for this assistance.Three 'CultureWorks ESL Awards' of $1,500.00 CAD are awarded annually to full-time international students in any year of any undergraduate program based on academic achievement and financial need - preference given to CultureWorks graduates.Please pick up an application form at…

Is Speeling Importent?

A man goes on vacation.  He send this email to his wife: "I'm having the best time of my life.  I wish you were her." Ok, I will keep this week's blog brief.  Or is it breef?  Beef?  Oh man.... English teachers get this question all the time: "Do we…