General Tips for Students

Tips 1 to 5

1. Get Organized

• When you are a student in a post secondary institution you will have a lot of papers and books to keep track of. Make sure you have lots of binders, shelves or file folders to keep the papers in order.
  
• A large calendar will also help you remember your assignments.
• *In some institutions, you can get a student planer to help you things organize.   
• Do not forget your deadlines for exams, fees, etc.

2. Watch Your Money

• When you first arrive at a post secondary institution there will likely be lots of clubs to join and books to buy. Think about the clubs you would like to join, and if you will have enough time or money for them.
• For books you may want to read the library copy or to purchase second hand books rather than buying your own.

3. Prioritize

• Once you know what assignments are coming up put them in order of importance. This way you know that you are getting the right things done first.

4. Study Habits

• Try to do your work when you are most alert. Some people study best in the morning while others study better before bed.
• Use all your time well. Don't waste small amounts of time doing nothing. If you are distracted by Facebook, TV, or friends study in a more quiet place.
• Set a finish date for your assignments before the due date. Then you will have time to edit and correct any errors.

5. Branch Out

• Get to know people who are different. Expect to be homesick and talk to people about it. Remember that this is a normal part of traveling to a new country.

Article Info

Information from: McMillan, Kathleen and Johnathan Weyers, Study Skills for international Students, Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited, 2011.

Edmonton's Other Festivals

Edmonton is called “The Festival City” because of the more than 30 festivals that happen here each year.
These Festivals celebrate music, performing arts, dance, sports, and film.

Family Fun -

Some special times are the International Children's Festival, Edmonton's Capital EX summer exhibition and the Santa Claus Parade.

Music -

Fests of live music include Edmonton's Labatt Blues Festival, Symphony Under the Sky, Edmonton International Jazz Festival and the world-renowned Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Sports -

Watch and cheer, or put on your gear and compete. Some of our many sports events are the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival and the rough and tumble Canadian Finals Rodeo.

Performance -

Among live theatre, dance and film fests are the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, the feats Festival of Dance and the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.

Visual Arts -

Events include The Works Art Design Festival and the VisualEyez Festival of perfomance art.

The Capital EX

The Street Performers Festival

The Dragonboat Races

The Calgary Stampede

Heritage Festival

July 30 to August 1st are the dates of the annual Heritage Festival. During these three days 63 pavilions will represent over 85 countries from all over the world. There is food, art, performances, clothing and shops from all over the world. Come experience another culture and chat with people who would love to tell you about their cultural roots and their lives in Canada.

Rutherford House

"Rutherford House Historic Site" was the home of the first Premier of Alberta, Alexander Cameron Rutherford. A.C. Rutherford, his wife Mattie and their family moved into this beautiful brick house near the university campus in 1911. The family shared their home with friends, relatives and politicians for more than a generation.

Today, beautiful home has the same hospitality and offers visitors a look into the past with interpreters, tours and special events.

The Rutherford House also offers tours for ESL students with a choice of beginner, intermediate,or advanced English.

All ESL Programs in Edmonton 2011

• Institutions:
  
  • Concordia University College of Alberta
  • Edmonton Immigrant Services Association
  • Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers
  • Grant MacEwan College
  • NorQuest College
  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
  • University of Alberta (U of A)

Institution:	Concordia University College of Alberta
Programs:	Developing Academic English Language Skills This course helps newcomers develop language skills for academic work such as grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing. Must have ESL placement test from Concordia. Refining Academic English Language Skills This course helps newcomers strengthen English skills such as critical reading, analyzing, and integrated writing assignments. Academic Oral Communication (1+2) This course helps students develop oral skills of speaking and listening. Focus on pronunciation and listening for effective communication.
Address:	7128 Ada Boulevard Edmonton AB T5B 4E4
Contact Person:	Nina Padden
Phone Number:	(514) 8848-2424 ext. 2453
Email or Website:	npadden@education.concordia.ca / doe.concordia.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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Institution:	Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Programs:	Listening and Speaking (Evening and Weekend) Improve your oral communication including pronunciation ($300 for 40 hrs). Academic Discussion(Evening and Weekend) Develop oral skills in classroom settings. Topics are technology and applied science for mainstream programs at NAIT. ($300 for 40 hrs). Professional Writing (Evening and Weekend) Practice writing a variety of texts with a focus on form and grammar. Forms include paragraphs, essays, reports, resumes and emails.($300 for 40 hrs). TOEFL Preparation(Evening and Weekend) Prepare for iBT TOEFL exam. ($300 for 40 hrs). Full-Time Program 3 courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar (20 hrs a week for 15 weeks, $2490 / $4293-International). Part-Time Program Choose from: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, or Writing and Grammar (7 hrs per course each week for 15 weeks, $830 / $1431- International).
Address:	11762 – 106 Street. Edmonton AB T5G 2R1
Contact Person:	ESL Department
Phone Number:	(780) 471-6248
Email or Website:	esl@nait.ca / www.nait.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	See Above
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Institution:	University of Alberta
Programs:	Intensive Day Program Learn the skills needed to communicate well professionally and socially. 8 levels - ESL 100 to ESL 135. 2 to12 months of Full-Time study. Placement test required. English for Academic Purposes Gives students U of A's undergraduate requirements. 2 courses ESL 140 and ESL 145. Must have 70 iBT TOEFL or 5.5 IELTS score. Preparing for Graduate Studies Prepare for graduate studies at U of A. Only one course : ESL 550. Must have 76 iBT TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS score iBT for University Admission Improve your TOEFL score Part-time. One course only. Must have 70 iBT TOEFL or 5.5 IELTS or similar test. Part-Time Studies Program Focus on the specific skills of speaking, pronunciation, or writing using practical English. Classes 2 times a week. Must have placement test. Explore Canadian English 3 week summer program with no prerequisites. Learn English and experience the culture.
Address:	11487 89 ave Edmonton, AB T6G 2M7
Contact Person:	ESL Department
Phone Number:	(780) 492-3036 or (780) 492-5530
Email or Website:	elpinfo@ualberta.ca / elp.ualberta.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Application fee=$150, Placement Test fee= $80, for further details Please Contact Us.
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Institution:	Grant MacEwan College
Programs:	Full-Time Program 7 levels from beginner to Advanced. Placement test required. Each session is 315 hours over 14 weeks in four skill areas: reading writing, listening, and speaking. Part-Time ESL Many different courses offered during the year in the evenings or late afternoons. Please contact for more details. Explore! English Language Summer Session Morning English Classes and Afternoon workshops. Learn English and culture. No English prerequisites. English in the Workplace. EWP courses meet the needs of employers, employees or trainees.  For more information...
Address:	10050 Macdonald Drive, Edmonton AB T5J 2B7
Contact Person:	MacEwan Language Institute - Program Advisor
Phone Number:	(780) 497-4000
Email or Website:	esl@macewan.ca or international@macewan.ca (for all international student inquires) / macewan.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us or View Cost Estimates
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Institution:	Edmonton Immigrant Services Association
Programs:	English Language Training, Citizenship and Human Rights Adult Basic Literacy – Levels 2-3 English as Another Language or English as a Second Language – Levels 4-5 Health and Wellness Community and Personal Support Citizenship for New Canadians Human Rights Education
Address:	McKee Elementary School: 10725- 51 Avenue Edmonton Nazarene Church: 10712- 29 Avenue Edmonton
Contact Person:	N/A
Phone Number:	(780) 474-8445
Email or Website:	info@eisa-edmonton.org / English Language Training
Class Time:	Winter, Spring and Fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Morning and afternoon courses. Please Contact us for more information.
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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Institution:	Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers
Programs:	Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) LINC for Seniors Part-Time ESL Classes Community ESL Community EAL Outreach Parenting and Literacy ESL for Seniors English Through the Arts
Address:	11713 – 82 Street Edmonton
Contact Person:	Zige
Phone Number:	(780) 423-9678
Email or Website:	info@emcn.ab.ca / English Language Services
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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Institution:	NorQuest College
Programs:	ESL Bridge to Business Careers Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses TOEFL iBT Prep Youth in Transition ESL Continuing Education courses (part-time) ESL Professional Development courses (part-time)
Address:	10212 – 108 Street Edmonton AB
Contact Person:	N/A
Phone Number:	(780) 644-6000
Email or Website:	international@norquest.ca / international.norquest.ca
Class Time:	Please Contact Us
Student Fees:	Please Contact Us
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ESL

ESL programs are arranged by location and also by type of course.

Location

• General
• West Edmonton
• St.Albert
• Millwoods
• Programs outside Edmonton Area
• All ESL Programs

In-Library Settlement Program

The Library Settlement Services Program is a partnership between Edmonton Public Library and Edmonton Immigrant Services Association.

Our Objectives

Settlement Practitioners work in the library setting to:

1. Assess needs of immigrant families and the possible problems
2. Increase access to programs and services of particular relevance and need for newcomers. Services are provided in a culturally competent manner, in languages specific to the needs of each family
3. Increase newcomer understanding of Canadian culture and how to function in the community at-large
4. Increase newcomer participation in the community
5. Provide newcomers with information and resources on settlement and immigration issues

Our Supports

Families are connected with many services that assist in making the transition to a new community including:

1. Accessing public transit
2. Applying for Social Insurance Number
3. Applying for Alberta Health Card
4. Applying for Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
5. Applying for Health Benefits
6. Applying for Family Sponsorship
7. Applying for Citizenship
8. Assessing work skills, accreditation and licensing
9. Finding a bank and opening an account
10. Finding a family doctor
11. Finding a place to live
12. Getting information about your rights as an employee or tenant
13. Learning English & Literacy
14. Learning about local customs, rights and responsibilities
15. Locating and accessing child care services
16. Obtaining a driver's licence
17. Resume writing and job search workshops
18. Searching for recreation programs
19. Setting up a telephone line
20. Upgrading skills and building academic credentials

Our Location

In-Library Settlement Support Services are offered at:

1. Londonderry Public Library
2. Millwoods Public Library
3. Stanley Milner Public Library

Contact

Oliver Kamau: Regional Program Coordinator
Phone: 780-474-8445 (ext. 226) / E-mail: atokamau@shawbiz.ca

Employment Services for Immigrants

Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers 

Services

Drop-in or self-serve:

1. Computer and Fax Services
2. Internet Job Search
3. Labour Market Information
4. Videos on Job Search Skills
5. Further Education and/or Training Information

Sign up for workshops that help you:

1. Improve Interview Skills
2. Write Winning Resumes
3. Find a Good Job
4. Make Cold Calls on How to Talk to Prospective Employers
5. Conduct Self-Sssessments & Career Research
6. Learn Excellent Customer Service
7. Understand Canadian Workplace Culture
8. Improve Workplace Communications

Book an appointment with a counselor for:

1. Assessment of Training and Education Needs
2. Assistance with Career / Employment Planning

Contact

Learn more about the programs at EMCN
Phone: 780-424-7709 / E-mail: info@emcn.ab.ca

Bredin Centre for Learning

Centre for Skilled and Internationally Trained Professionals

1. 
   

Temporary Foreign Worker Support Services

Services are available to help temporary foreign workers settle into their lives and work in Canada. EMCN settlement counsellors can provide the following services:

Our Services

• Collaborative settlement services to temporary workers and employers
• Customized cultural awareness / sensitivity presentations to groups and organizations
• Settlement information, orientation workshops and referrals in one-on-one sessions
• Settlement and integration supports including:
  
  • Assistance with issues regarding basic services (healthcare, housing, transportation, adult learning opportunities, etc.)
  • Assistance / Advocacy with government forms & offices
  • Help with translation / interpretation needs
  • Support to communities providing assistance to temporary foreign workers
• Workshop and individualized assistance to give temporary foreign workers the tools they need to find immediate employment, including:
  
  • Resume / cover letter preparation
  • Interviewing / cold calling
  • Networking
  • Hidden job markets

Informal Weekly Class

The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers hosts a free conversation class for Temporary Foreign Workers. This is an informal weekly class for intermediate English speakers to practice conversational English and improve confidence.

Date:	Every Tuesday
Open Hour:	7:00 A.M - 8:30 A.M
Place:	Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers 11713 82 street
Room Number:	Room 3-3

Contact

Learn more about the program at Settlement Counsellor for Temporary Foreign Workers
Phone: 780-424-7709

Mentorship and Host Services

The Mentorship/host Services will match newcomers who have been in Canada "less than three years" with community volunteers who will help the newcomers adjust to life in Canada and learn about Canadian ways and norms.

Volunteers will be mentors and Canadian friends to newcomers. They lend support, help with language barriers and introduce newcomers to their new community.

With the friendship and support of volunteers, newcomers will feel welcome in their new country. This experience gives both the volunteer and the newcomer the opportunity to make a new friend and to learn about another culture and language
.

Our Services

• Information sessions on various aspects of Canadian society or to provide practical guidance in specific areas of interest/concern.
• Coordinated group activities (social, multicultural and recreational) and field trips to educational and historical sites.
• Opportunity to meet socially and practice their English with others.
• Outreach to isolated immigrant seniors sessions.

Contact

Dorina Germinario: Program Coordinator
Phone: 780-474-8445 (ext. 232) / E-mail: dgerminario@shawbiz.ca

Health and Wellness

Community-Based Counselling
For many clients, coming to our offices can be difficult. Sometimes clients lack transportation, or child care. EMCN provides community-based counselling with psychologists who are able to go out to visit in the community.

Translated Topics

Translated Health and Wellness Articles
Health and Wellness public education materials are available in a number of languages and covering ten topics.
These topics are available in:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Croatian
• Dinka
• English
• Farsi / Persian
• French
• Hindi
• Punjabi
• Serbian
• Serbo-Croatian
• Somali
• Spanish
• Tigrina
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

Please visit this site to read the Translated Topics.
These articles are from the Canadian Mental Health Association website. CMHA has tried to make high quality educational resources. However, they recognize that there is always room for improvement and welcome any feedback regarding these materials.
They are eager to hear back from you about the usefulness of the information or if there are other topics or languages that you would like to see translated.

Contact

Please give some your comments
Phone: 780-414-6300 / E-mail: main@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca

Our Services

Centre for Survivors of Torture and Trauma
The Edmonton Centre for Survivors of Torture and Trauma provides counselling services for refugees and immigrants whose past traumatic experiences cause distress and emotional problems in their present lives.
Services are offered by a psychologist who specializes in this area.

Our Project

Community-based Immigrant Mental Health Project
CIMHEP focused on five immigrant and refugee communities:

• Chinese
• Somali
• South Asian
• Spanish-speaking
• Vietnamese

Mental health services provided by four health care sites

• Grey Nuns Community Hospital
• North East Community Health Centre
• Royal Alexandra Hospital
• University of Alberta Hospitals

CIMHEP provided community-based immigrant Mental Health Cultural Brokers in the mental health arena. These individuals provided one-to-one support and referrals for families and individuals struggling with social and economic issues, acting as bridges between mainstream supports and services, and community members.
Working at individual, family, community and organizational levels, the eight community-based mental health cultural brokers in the five focal communities:

• Linked community members to preventive help and health services
• Mobilized people in their communities to work together to increase health education and preventive practices
• Fostered the learning of health care system participants how to better support individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Ensured timely access by immigrant & refugee patients/families to health & mental health services, as well as continuity of care along the full continuum of services

The brokers provided direct support to over 600 individuals in the five communities though over 2500 contacts during the period April 2001 to May 2004. Another 169 individuals were able to access the support of a site-based multicultural health broker or bi-cultural counselor in one of the four mainstream sites.

CIMHEP also funded 50 community development mini-projects that addressed community-identified health issues in the five focal communities. Designed and implemented by community people, at least 2000 individuals in the five focal communities participated in projects in the areas of health promotion, accessing health and other services and developing preventive projects in the communities.

The project also translated 10 mental health articles into 13 different languages. These topics ranged from Alcohol and Drug Problems Happen in All Kinds of Families to Making Sense of Depression. These resources are now available on-line and are being well-received by a wide variety of organizations in Edmonton and across Canada.

Contact

For more information please contact us
Phone: 780-424-7709 / E-mail: info@emcn.ab.ca

Family Information

EMCN Families, Youth, and Children
Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers provides useful services and activities that help parents, youth, communities and schools foster the healthy growth of immigrant families.

Our Supports

Settlement Practitioners
Settlement Practitioners help create smooth interactions between people of different cultures and backgrounds. They help connect families, schools and communities.

1. Help communication between home and school
2. Interpretation and translation services for students, parents and teachers during meetings, conferences and interviews
3. Give information to parents and students about the Alberta educational system
4. Link newcomer families to community resources and services
5. Help teachers communicate with and support parents and students
6. Create culturally sensitive workshops and presentations to students, their parents, schools, and educational institutions
7. Provide information to parents on how to support the education needs of their children
8. Encourage parents’ involvement in their children’s schooling

Settlement Practitioners are available to all immigrant youth in Edmonton, but they are most active in serving six ethno-cultural communities: Sudanese, Karen, Somali, Kurdish, Afghani, and Iraqi.
See also: In-Library Settlement Program

Our Services

Settlement Services in Schools
EMCN's Settlement Services in Schools make communication easier and create connections between newcomer families, their communities and the school system in Alberta.
English as an Additional Language Teachers and Settlement Practitioners organize homework clubs to provide school support for students at Queen Elizabeth High School, Balwin School and Dickinsfield Junior High School. Help with education and settlement-related issues are also provided to newcomer families and their children at Balwin School.

Trauma Counselling
Trauma counselling is available for newcommer youth and children who are looking for psychological support to deal with trauma and loss from refugee experiences or while getting used to to life in Canada

Contact

Please feel free to contact us
Phone: 780-424-7709 / E-mail: info@emcn.ab.ca

Family Program

Parenting and Literacy
This is a 10 week multicultural family program for refugee and immigrant parents and their preschool children. The program happens twice each week in three different language levels.

• What will happens?
  
  • Parents and children begin by eating lunch together. This helps families connect with others and learn new recipes.
  • After lunch, family literacy activities with the parents and children include dancing, singing, and storytelling. This supports first language literacy and cultural pride.
  • In workshops and activities parents learn skills for parenting children in the Canadian context and develop their language and literacy skills.

Children 6 months- 5 years may participate in programming in the Children's Centre helps children to develop language, literacy and social interaction so they can achieve success.

Contact

For more information please contact us
Phone: 780-423-9519 / E-mail: info@emcn.ab.ca

EISA Youth Programs

Bridge-2-Success Program for Newcomer Students
This program is in various junior high and elementary schools and provides help in learning subjects and building social skills and positive self esteem. The program is designed to help newcomer students become a part of a new school and society. Each week students meet after school with program staff and volunteers. Together we learn, build skills and have fun.

• Program Activities include:
  
  • Academic tutoring from trained volunteers and professional staff
  • Recreational activities and sports
  • Social support from adult tutors and peers

Summer Camps
Summer Camps provide activities for learning and fun during the hot summer weeks. Camp includes exciting recreational activities, arts & crafts, and field trips, which are all fun and educational.

Global Youth Network
The Global Youth Network is a mentorship service to help newcomer youth adjust to life in Canada. This service matches newcomer youth with peer volunteers for friendship and support. This friendship and support helps newcomer youth feel accepted and welcome in their new country.
Both the volunteer and the newcomer have the opportunity to make a new friend and to learn about another culture.

Other services

• Academic tutoring provided by trained volunteers and professional staff
• Coordinated weekend and/or evening group activities including social and cross cultural, health and recreation
• Story Circles bring together ancient myth, cultural tales, personal stories, drama and art into a trusting circle where each person will learn to tell their own unique story
• Information sessions on various aspects of Canadian society or to provide practical guidance in specific areas of interest/concern
• Field trips to educational and historical sites

Contact

Jenika Watson: Program Coordinator
Phone: 780-474-8445 (ext. 232) / E-mail: youthprograms@shawbiz.ca

New Neighbors Program

The New Neighbors Program in Edmonton is funded by the City to help newcomers manage the stress and difficulty of moving to a new city in Canada. This program matches newcomers with volunteers in the community for support and friendship and provides other services to help newcomers settle in Canada.
.

Our Services

• Matching newcomers with volunteers for friendship and support
• Providing personal, social and recreational supports
• Linking newcomers with appropriate services
• Monthly information sessions
• Field trips to historic and educational sites
• Helping newcomers find social, government and health services
• Community participation and involvement

You will have a warm welcome, find more information about Canada, and get emotional support and friendship.

Contact

Angelica Quesad: Program Coordinator
Phone: 780-474-8445 (ext. 231) / E-mail: newneighbors@shawbiz.ca

Language Services

The language barrier is one of the most serious challenges when moving to a new country. Edmonton's Immigration Services Association provides help in overcoming this barrier.

EISA Provides

• Translation of documents such as Diploma / Marriage / Birth / Divorce certificates or other professional documents.
• Interpretation to help you understand appointments with the government or other organizations.

Must Do

• For Translation:
  • Bring Up to 5 original documents
  • Bring your Permanent Residence Card or Immigration Document
  • A completed "Language Bank Translation Request Form" (you can get this at the EISA)
• For Interpretation
  • Give EISA at least 1 week notice so they can find a volunteer to help you
  • Bring your Permanent Residence Card or Immigration document
  • A completed "Language Bank Translation Request Form" (you can get this at the EISA)
  • Please make sure you know the time and place where you will need an interpreter

Please make sure you bring your immigration document and originals of the documents you want us to translate.

Each Fee

• For Translation: FREE
  • if you have been in Canada for Less than 1 year
• For Interpretation: FREE
  • for immigrants living in Canada for Less than 3 years

If you have been in Canada longer then that there will be a small fee for each service.

Contact

Language Bank staff
Phone: (780) 474-8445 / for more information

Immigrants

If you are new to Canada there are many programs that can help you get involved in the community, reduce language and communication barriers and provide support for you and your family. Check out the categories below to find the support you need.

• Language Services
• New Neighbors Program
• Family Information
• Health and Wellness
• Mentorship and Host Services
• In-Library Settlement Program
• Temporary Foreign Worker Support Services
• Employment Services

Sites to see in Edmonton Area

• The Ukrainian Village
• The Alberta Railway 

Miscellaneous Archive

Introduction

Canadian Student Life

• Student Answers - Gr. 9
• Introduction to Canadian Student Life - Interview ...
• Answers to Alberta Student Interview Grade 11

• June (2)
  • St. Albert Heritage Sites - Instructions (English ...
  • St. Albert Heritage Sites for International Studen...

Newcomers Index

1. All Newcomers to Canada Index >>
   
   • International Students >>
     
     • Canadian Student Life
     • General Tips for Students
   • Immigrants >>
     
     • General
     • Language Services
     • New Neighbors Program
     • Family Information
     • Health and Wellness
     • Mentorship and Host Services
     • In-Library Settlement Program
     • Temporary Foreign Worker Support Services
     • Employment Services
   • Visitors
   • General Tips for Newcomers
2. All Newcomers to the Capital Region >>
   
   • Places to Visit in the Capital Region
   • ESL >>
   • General
   • West Edmonton
   • St.Albert
   • Millwoods
   • Connecting with Canadian Families and Communities >>
     
     • Homestays 
     • Visits
     • Events
     • Programs
3. Alberta Networks >>
   
   • Alberta/Japan Network  

Places to Visit in the Capital Region

• Sites to See in St. Albert
• Sites to See in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Pa...
• Sites to See in Legal and Westlock Area
• Sites to See in Edmonton
• Sites to See in Edmonton Area