Beginner classes are designed for students with little or no knowledge of English. These classes focus on building a solid foundation of English skills, such as learning the English alphabet, counting, and basic vocabulary and grammar. Beginner classes are conducted in small groups to ensure that each student receives enough attention from the teacher. Students who arrive with little or no English ability will typically spend two - four HAFTA in beginner classes before moving on to our specialized higher-level classes

Conversation classes focus on speaking and listening in typical conversational settings. These classes are conducted in small groups to give each student lots of speaking practice. Classes are student-centered and based on the communicative approach to language teaching. Some textbook exercises, such as giving directions, or using the phone, are used at the lower levels, but the primary source of material is real world topics. A conversation class at Hansa is a dynamic dialogue, where students will do everything from telling jokes to talking politics, or discussing anything else that the group chooses. Strong, life-long friendships are often forged in conversation class, as this is frequently where students get to know each other by conversing about their lives. Often, the members of the class will choose to meet at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant to increase the 'reality' of the class.

Grammar is undoubtedly one of the most important subjects for students in their English curriculum. Our Grammar teachers use the latest grammar textbooks and communicative techniques involving written, verbal, and interactive classroom activities to make learning grammar interesting, comprehensive, and useful. It's important to continue reviewing the rules of grammar all the way through one's English studies.

Perhaps the most important part of learning a language is acquiring a practical and functional vocabulary. Hansa's Vocabulary classes focus on increasing a student's mental dictionary while helping the student to properly use and retain vocabulary in different contexts. Hansa's dynamic instructors use a variety of resources including current events, business reports, and relevant social topics. Students are encouraged to view English as a tool for future endeavors in life, business, and higher education.

Proper pronunciation is essential to understanding others and to being understood. The Pronunciation classes at Hansa teach much more than the correct sounds of consonants and vowels using the 'repeat after me method'. Our experienced teachers use the latest multimedia devices, voice recordings, listening methods, phonetics, and speech and breathing exercises. Students learn how to speak with the proper tongue and mouth positions as well as rhythm, stress, and intonation. Pronunciation classes will make you sound more like a native English speaker.

You think that you speak English well and then "out of the blue" a native English speaker says something that you don't understand. You may simply need to attend some Idioms classes at Hansa. Even though idioms may seem informal and include elements of slang and phrasal verbs, they are essential to understanding and mastering the everyday usage of the language.

The ability to understand what you are hearing is a vital part of learning any language. At Hansa, we understand that there is a big difference between being able to understand when words are slowly and clearly pronunced as opposed to when words are spoken quickly with contractions and regional accents. Listening classes incorporate the latest multimedia equipment, television, and music to train the student's ear to pick up the subtle differences in tone, intonations, and rhythms.

Reading Comprehension classes allow students to explore the structure and meaning of the language in a deeper context. Students learn to put vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation to practical use. Hansa's Reading Comprehension classes combine the use of textbooks and novels with everyday material, such as newspapers and magazines. Intermediate level students develop skills such as using context clues to discover the meanings of passages. Advanced level students are taught to look for hidden or secondary meanings and understand literary techniques such as simile and metaphor.

Writing classes teach students to write proper essays, letters, business correspondence, short stories, and personal CV's or resumes. Students have the opportunity to use what they know of grammar, vocabulary, and structure to focus on the writing skills they will need to attend a Canadian University, do business internationally, or keep in touch with friends.

A phrasal verb, such as "take on" or "take off" is an extremely common grammatical form that combines a preposition, called a particle, and a verb. Phrasal verbs are essential because there are many different ways to use and understand them. Hansa's teachers make learning and using phrasal verbs fun and relevant to a student's daily life.

Business English students will learn Business Writing, Business Terminology, Finance, Documentation, Effective Sales and Presentation skills, and Negotiation and Interview techniques. Students who complete a minimum of 60 hours of Business English classes as part of Hansa's Intensive or Executive Programs will also receive a certificate in Business English.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language is an English proficiency test required by most universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. Hansa has a long-standing reputation of excellence in preparing students for the TOEFL exam.

The Test Of English for International Communication is an English proficiency test required by many employers in fields where English is an important language for business communication. The TOEIC exam is comprised of Listening and Reading or Writing and Speaking and can be taken at Hansa Language Centre, which is an official testing centre.

The International English Language Testing System is a language proficiency test accepted by many universities, colleges, businesses, and governments. Hansa offers preparation classes for both formats of IELTS exams, the Academic Module and the General Training Module.