About HLIC
HLIC is a dynamic English school located in Halifax, the capital city of Canada’s easternmost province, Nova Scotia, and in Mi’Kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.
We provide authentic and experiential language learning opportunities that will improve students' proficiency, confidence, fluency, and accuracy, so that they may better reach their goals in a personal, academic, and/or professional capacity. Community outreach, diversity, inclusivity, and social justice are at the core of our values and are practiced within our curriculum.
Our professional, caring and highly qualified teachers will go the extra mile to help you reach your language goals. Beyond the classroom, you’ll experience the rich culture, long history and breathtaking nature of our province through exciting field trips and activities.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide students with unique communication programs that improve their confidence, fluency and accuracy in English. We strive to equip our students with the skills to thrive personally, academically and professionally.
Our students learn in a student-centered classroom environment where each student’s unique strengths, preferences and learning style are recognized and valued. Students are also taught through a task-based learning approach which allows them to practice their language skills in real-life situations, visiting sites in the city and engaging with the local community. We prioritize collaborating with various nonprofits throughout the province through volunteerism and fundraising, ensuring our students feel a sense of connectedness with their new home, beyond the school setting. The combination of these methodologies help students feel empowered about their education, living abroad, and positive about the language learning process.
Our Values
As a learning institution, we believe that we have an obligation to our students, staff, and community to support human rights and social issues.
Diversity & Inclusion
We value and honour diverse experiences and perspectives, create a welcoming and respectful learning environment, and promote access, opportunity and equality for all. HLIC is committed to educating our students with the global community in mind. Canada is a demographically diverse country, welcoming all people to celebrate their individuality in a safe environment.
The following are examples of our diversity initiatives:
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First Nations: Language, culture, history and acknowledgment. At HLIC students will participate in additional First Nations language and cultural activities during their studies.
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LGBTQ2SIA+: Support, inclusion, and celebrations. HLIC staff and students represent a wide variety of gender identities and sexual orientations and is a safe environment for all students. Students are strongly encouraged to learn about Canadian/global LGBTQ2SIA+ rights and participate in local Pride events.
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Anti-Racism Education: At our school, we are committed to providing comprehensive anti-racism education. We believe that understanding and addressing the complex layers of racism is crucial for personal and societal growth. Our curriculum includes sharing the rich history of Black Nova Scotians who settled in NS and their outstanding contributions to the province, while also acknowledging the grim history of slavery here and the tragic destruction of Africville. We do not shy away from discussing the intersectional effects of colonialism, capitalism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and racism in our classrooms. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment is unwavering, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any forms of racism or hate speech. Through education and open dialogue, we aim to create a space where students can gain a deep understanding of these issues and work toward a more equitable and just society.
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Global Cultures, Ethnicities and Religions: Students will have classmates and teachers with an array of religious/other beliefs, cultural backgrounds, traditions and celebrations. At HLIC, we incorporate events and activities for our students to have authentic and educational cultural experiences.
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Politics: HLIC provides a safe space for students to learn about and discuss local and global political issues.
Human Rights & Dignity
We are committed to honoring the rights of all people to live with security, self-esteem, and freedom of expression and protest, and to have the opportunity to provide for their own needs and contribute to society.
Social & Economic Justice
We are committed to achieving equity, opportunity, and justice for communities that have been historically marginalized, recognizing that this is tied to fair livelihoods that enable individuals, families, and communities to thrive.
Accreditations
HLIC is accredited by Languages Canada, a governing body that is recognised throughout the country and internationally. HLIC is dedicated to upholding the high education standards Languages Canada puts forth. HLIC is licensed by the Province of Nova Scotia and is a designated learning institution on the Canadian Government CIC website. As such, we maintain the standard of education and follow the rules and regulations established.
View HLIC's Certificate of Accreditation by clicking photo below:
