Introducing the Columbia Immigrant Centre for Foundational Skills Training (CICFST)

Columbia College proudly announces the launch of the Columbia Immigrant Centre for Foundational Skills Training (CICFST), marking a significant milestone in the college’s commitment to empowering immigrant students and providing comprehensive support for their educational and career goals. The CICFST will be presenting foundational skills programming offered by Columbia under one umbrella to ensure a unified and centralized framework, aiming to better address the needs of immigrant learners within the community.

Equipping Immigrant Students for Success

At the heart of the CICFST lies a team of dedicated staff and facilitators who are committed to empowering immigrant students with essential foundational skills. The centre offers a wide range of programs designed to equip students with the necessary language skills for everyday life, employment, and academic pursuits in Canada. From language instruction to career counseling and employment workshops, the CICFST provides comprehensive support to ensure students thrive in their chosen careers and have opportunities for further education.

Fariba Mohammadi, Language & Foundational Skills Manager at Columbia College, expressed her excitement about the establishment of the Columbia Immigrant Centre for Foundational Skills Training, stating “For over two decades, Columbia has been a beacon of academic excellence and support for immigrants seeking to enhance their language skills and integrate into Canadian society. This new chapter in our commitment to empowering our students marks our dedication to facilitating their pathways to success and supporting their personal and professional growth.”

Columbia College extends its heartfelt appreciation to its partners and supporters who have played an instrumental role in making the CICFST a reality. The college acknowledges the ongoing support from the provincial government, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and Calgary Language Assessment & Referral Centre (CLARC). Their continuous support enables Columbia College to provide exceptional programming and resources for immigrant students, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their goals.