Learning French opens new doors
Yanghuan Sun takes pride in being able to speak a bit of French to her local grocer. She came to Concordia from China only three months ago, without any grasp of the language. “After three years I’ll be able to speak French and find a job in Quebec,” says the determined finance student.
Sun is one of 102 students who received a Oui Can Help! bursary to learn French. The program, managed by the Counselling and Development Office with help from the Financial Aid and Awards Office, offers support to international and out-of-province students to learn French.
Funding for the bursaries was provided by the Quebec government’s Secrétariat à la politique linguistique and the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport du Québec.
In addition to her French course, Sun meets some francophone friends once a week and speaks exclusively in French for two hours. “It’s fun for me, and I learn a lot.”
Olliver Dyens, vice-provost, Teaching and Learning and Brad Tucker, director of the Institutional Planning Office, worked with government representatives to establish the program. Tucker says there has been strong student interest in the new program, and Concordia plans to continue it next year.
Demand for French courses has been high, and Tucker is confident the program will encourage students to take advantage of the cultural vibrancy of Montreal. “We want to help students be comfortable, to enjoy what Montreal and Quebec have to offer, and to be able to seriously consider staying here after they graduate.”
He says students living here often fall in love with the city and want to stay. This program offers them an incentive to think ahead so they start to learn French at the beginning of their academic career.
Psychology student Mariana Voronovska, who is from Alberta, has already used her emerging skills in French to open up new opportunities on the social front.
“I actually went on a date with a francophone and was able to have a conversation in French. It was great!” She plans to stay in Quebec to complete her master’s and thinks that a solid grasp of French will help her land employment here.
Theatre student Anaberta Argueta is from Ontario, and looks forward to being able to learn more about the local, vibrant theatre community. “Theatre is communicating with people, theatre is networking with people, and these language skills are vital in the Montreal community because there’s a lot of theatre going on in French that I can be exposed to now.” She plans to concentrate on her French skills this summer and participate in a five-week language exchange program in Quebec.
Related links:
• Oui Can Help! site
• "Parlez-vous français?" – NOW, October 19, 2011