The Canadian Embassy in Seoul will offer English conversation classes to North Korean defectors after Ambassador David Chatterson signed a contract on Wednesday with Yoon Hyun, head of the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights.

The program is being sponsored by a foundation affiliated with the Unification Ministry that supports defectors from the reclusive state. Classes will be offered by native-English-speaking volunteer teachers from Canada to students 18 years or older who are either preparing for their university entrance exams, or who are already attending college.

The free 12-week course will be held twice a week and will begin on Feb. 22, with 13 students already selected to attend.

"The purpose of the program is not only to help them improve their English conversation skills, but also to teach them about the values and cultures of the free world," said a spokesperson for the embassy.

Those who complete the course will receive certificates from the embassy.