Training Materials

COA Adult Participant Workbook

The Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) Participant Workbook presents practical information that refugees need to know before they resettle to Canada, so they can make informed decisions about their new life. Information contained in the workbook is presented in simple language and in a visual manner that both conveys meaning and aids in retention. It is a tool used during in-person pre-arrival orientation sessions and during refugees’ self-study.

The COA Participant Workbook was developed in consultation with IRCC, external partner organizations who assist refugees, field experts and refugees themselves.

The workbook covers topics, such as travel preparation, initial settlement and life in Canada, which includes services, housing, health, education, employment, budgeting and transportation. It contains tailored information on mental health, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sexual characteristics, as well as information about people with disabilities. It also includes a section on the linguistic duality of Canada and information about Francophone communities. Throughout the workbook, content on diversity, rights and responsibilities, family law and cultural norms is included.

Canadian Orientation Abroad: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

The COA Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Participant Workbook presents practical information that economic migrants need to know before they settle in Canada, so they can make informed decisions about their new life. Information contained in the workbook is presented in simple language and in a visual manner that both conveys meaning and aids in retention. It is a tool used during in-person pre-arrival orientation sessions and during refugees’ self-study.

The COA Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Participant Workbook was developed in consultation with IRCC, external partner organizations who assist economic mobility pathways pilot migrants, field experts and migrants themselves.

The workbook covers topics, such as travel preparation, initial settlement and life in Canada, which includes services, housing, health, education, employment, budgeting and transportation. It contains tailored information on mental health, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sexual characteristics, as well as information about people with disabilities. It also includes a section on the linguistic duality of Canada and information about Francophone communities. Throughout the workbook, content on diversity, rights and responsibilities, family law and cultural norms is included.

O-Canada Mobile App

The O-Canada mobile app is a self-learning tool for refugees selected for resettlement to Canada that provides relevant and accurate information. With this application, refugees can learn about Canada, supports and services available, and much more! Learning content is now available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Kiswahili, Somali, and Tigrinya.

For iOS devices: Click here.
For Android devices: Click here.

O-Canada Conversations Audiobook 

O-Canada Conversations is an audiobook designed to help refugees learn practical information to know before they resettle to Canada in a conversation format.

It consists of 37 dialogues which begins with three main characters who are refugees who meet in a Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) session and become friends. The dialogues follow their resettlement journey covering the topics from the COA Participant Workbook: overview of Canada, travel, supports and services, housing, health, education, employment, budgeting and transportation.

This audiobook is a free self-learning tool that can be played on YouTube or downloaded for free on any device. After download, no internet connection is necessary to listen.  It is available in English and French. 

Listen to O-Canada Conversations on YouTube in English or French.

Download O-Canada Conversations on SoundCloud in English or French.