Bonjour! If you’re wondering a bit about the Government of Canada’s Explore (now named the The Official Languages Program) program and learning French, you’re in the right place! Keep reading for the first impressions of my time participating and more of the nitty-gritty’s of the program.
If you follow me on Instagram and frequent my stories, you probably know that I’ve been living in Quebec for a few weeks. I’ll be here a total of 6 weeks doing the Explore/Official Languages Program with the Canadian Government and Western University.
It’s always been a goal of mine to learn French but I never got my butt in gear to actually do it. So a few months ago, I decided to whip myself into shape and sign up for an immersion program. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?!
I’m going to answer a few questions in this post about the basics: what the program is, where I am, and why I’m doing it. I’m going to do a much more in depth review of the program later. Once I’m home in August and I’ve had a bit of time to digest it fully, I’ll write another post.
So let’s get to it!
The Official Languages Program, French and What the Heck I’m Doing in Quebec
What is Explore/The Official Languages Program?
Explore is an immersion program put on by the government of Canada to encourage people to learn the other national language, or practice their skills.
In Canada, we have two national languages: French and English. Many people are bilingual, and many are not (including me!)
It’s really important that we keep both alive and well, so every summer, people from around the country can head to a different part of the country, and learn the one they don’t already speak. There are schools coast to coast that participate, so you HAVE TO go to a province that’s different than the one you’re originally from.
The best part, almost the entire cost of the program is covered by the Canadian government! So technically, you’re getting credit for a university course, living, eating and learning a language for 5 weeks… for whatever the cost of getting to your chosen city. Which is AMAZING, obviously.
So, you basically move to another province in Canada and immerse yourself in the language through classes, afternoon workshops, and night and weekend activities. It’s a lot of stuff to be honest. However, from what I’ve heard, it’s one of the best ways to learn the language.
You can learn more about the program on their website, here.
Why did you do this program now?
The only stipulation to the program being free is that you have to either be a student, or have been a full time student in the past year. So, why now for me? Well, this past April, I officially graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta. Since that was my last year of school, this summer is my last year of eligibility for the bursary that makes the program basically free.
Since I’ve had this summer off (and traveled to Australia and South America!), I thought it was the perfect chance to take a leap, and move to try and get a better grasp on French. I mean, when will I ever get a month and a half off again?! It’ll be a LONG while, I can guarantee you!
Side note: You can still do the program and pay for it if you’re not a student anymore.
Aritzia Jallade Pants | Uniqlo White Tee | Birkenstock Sandals | Thrifted Bag via Goodwill | Rayban Sunglasses
Where is Trois-Pistoles and why did you choose it?
Trois-Pistoles is a small (read: tiny) town in Northern Quebec. It’s a 100% French speaking town.
And that’s why I chose it.
As a beginner at the French language, I (and the lady I was emailing with at Explore) thought that a completely French place would make it easier to learn because it basically forces me to not use English.
There are other options than Trois-Pistoles. Other smaller French towns/cities or even big cities like Montreal or Quebec City. The problem with those for me, is that I can get by in English after class is done. I wouldn’t be forced into speaking French everywhere I went.
Aritzia Jallade Pants | Uniqlo White Tee | Birkenstock Sandals | Thrifted Bag via Goodwill | Rayban Sunglasses
Half way through, how has it been so far?
I’m approximately halfway through at this point and it’s been good. It was VERY overwhelming for the first 2 weeks because everyone (and I mean everyone) speaks to you in only French. As a non-French speaker, this is obviously a lot to handle. BUT, the good thing about that is that you learn quicker. After the first week, I could understand most regular conversations and get most of my points across to those around me.
Honestly, I don’t know what I was expecting, but it’s harder than whatever that was. I wasn’t expecting easy, but I was expecting that I would somehow turn into a French whiz. That has not been the case, to say the least.
Like I said at the beginning, I’ll post again after I’ve completed the program. I’ll give a run down on my French skills, my final thoughts, and any recommendations I have for the program.
Feel free to leave any questions you have below and I’ll ensure to answer them!
xx Victoria
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