New to French? Don’t go it alone!

Despite living in the world’s second largest francophone metropolis, learning French can be difficult for some students. Between classes, jobs and adjusting to a new life in Montreal, finding the resources and time to improve your language skills is not always straightforward.

The good news is that the Centre d’apprentissage et de promotion du français (CAPF) — which opened its doors last term — is an on-campus, one-stop shop for learning French and discovering the diversity of the Francophonie. 

CAPF is the brainchild of the Département d'études françaises, which saw a need for increased French promotion and support on campus.

“We created this learning centre for students who wish to improve their French, who need help with learning this beautiful language and who want to learn more about Quebec and francophone culture,” says Denis Liakin, department chair.

French conversation groups are one of the very popular programs offered by CAPF. They are available to anyone registered in a French class through the department and are free of charge. Offered once a week and composed of 10 to 12 students, these discussions permit beginner- to intermediate-level speakers to express themselves outside the classroom setting.

“Students sometimes freeze up when it comes to speaking in class because they feel like they are being evaluated,” explains Maria Trigueiro, department administrator. “Conversation groups are designed to alleviate this stress so that they can speak freely and not worry about making mistakes.”

Those registered in department classes can also drop by the centre to receive tutoring and help with their course work. 
 

Not taking any French classes right now? CAPF also offers numerous resources to all students. It is equipped with a library full of books of simplified French classics as well as DVDs, graphic novels and workstations with the latest learning software.

“Our collection of pedagogical and learning resources is growing every month and all this is freely available to our students for use at the centre,” says Liakin.

The equipment and resources were entirely funded by profits generated by the French department’s TCFQ (Test de connaissance du français) center.

Watch the opening of the Centre d’apprentissage et de promotion du français: