The Centre pour étudiant·es francophones helps students transition to studying in English

According to Concordia’s Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis, as of fall 2024, a quarter of the university’s students identify French as their first language or  the language they use at home — including 28 per cent of undergraduates.

The Centre for Francophone Students, or le Centre pour étudiant·es francophones (CÉF), launched last year. It supports these students’ transition to studying in English — particularly for those who have undertaken most of their previous studies in French.

“Francophone students are such a big part of our student population, and we can help them get support for their specific needs. We want them to know they have a place here at Concordia,” says Sophie Mailloux, manager of the CÉF.

Olivia-Jade Tribert, MA 23, coordinates the centre and is herself a Concordia alumna. “The transition can be difficult at first and I can understand what they’re going through,” she says.

“There’s also a sense of pride for these students, realizing that they can study in their second language.”

At the CÉF, students get connected with resources from across the university that can help them succeed. The centre also coordinates tailored support like writing assistance drop-ins, orientation events and social activities to meet other francophone students.

Three students who have been involved with the CÉF share their experiences and why the support is important.

Clément Lechat: Revitalizing Concordia’s French student media

Before attending Concordia, Clément Lechat studied at the Institut d'études politiques de Rennes, in France. After a year studying abroad in Toronto, he chose to pursue graduate studies: in Montreal for its French, and at Concordia for the chance to study in English.

After completing a Graduate Diploma in Journalism, Lechat is now pursuing a master’s in Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies. In his research, he interviews journalists who are working in French in Quebec and presents his findings in both English and French.

Entering the graduate diploma program, Lechat says he initially felt nervous about the demands of producing journalism in English.

“You’re setting high standards for yourself because you feel like you’re starting at a different point than other students,” he explains.

Mutual support from peers who felt similarly eased his concerns. “It’s easy to think that it’s all your responsibility,” he says. “But we have to talk about it — with our profs, and between us as students.”

Lechat has since earned top awards in his programs, including the Gordon Fisher Prize for Journalism for the most outstanding graduating student in the Graduate Diploma in Journalism.

At the CÉF, Lechat says he finds a source of community spirit. He’s used the centre as a launchpad for his work as the coordinator of l’Organe, Concordia’s French student media platform, collaborating with other francophone students on the project.

Established in 2002 as Concordia Français, l’Organe had gone dormant in recent years. Preparing to relaunch l’Organe, Lechat went back to its archives. He saw that, from the first editorial, there was an emphasis on bridging linguistic communities.

“I really understood that the way forward was to emphasize the community aspect of l’Organe and the inclusivity,” he says.

Scot Louis: A passion for language and connection

Scot Louis has always had a passion for language, speaking French, English, Spanish and Creole. This interest has shaped his education from a young age. He fondly remembers his English-intensive program in primary school, travelling to Peru to learn Spanish, and attending CEGEP in French for the opportunity to do an internship in Senegal (a plan disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic).

For university, Louis knew he wanted to study in English and was drawn to Concordia for its vibrant student life.

“There's just an energy on campus and there’s always something going on,” he explains.

Louis chose to study Community, Public Affairs and Policy Studies, a program that bridges his interests in law, advocacy and policy and has allowed him to further develop his skills in communications.

When Louis first arrived at Concordia, the CÉF didn’t exist. He sees its presence now as a vital resource for students like him.

“The first two months, I was a bit lost. It’s not only that I had difficulty integrating — it’s that I was stressed about being able to,” he says. “Having this resource available would have calmed me down.”

Developing his support network was key, and Louis encourages other students to prioritize building community and embracing career opportunities to make their university experience more meaningful.

As a Montreal native, he says being part of Concordia has also deepened his connection to the city.

“I think as a francophone student, you learn a lot about the city, about Quebec and about Canada by being here.”

Éléna Gagnon: Bridging languages in engineering

Originally from Quebec City, Éléna Gagnon knew she wanted to study industrial engineering in Montreal but was unsure whether to pursue her studies in English or French. The welcoming atmosphere at Concordia’s Open House solidified her choice.

She remembers her first term as an intense experience: moving, adjusting to the pace of university and attending lectures in English for the first time.

By her second term, Gagnon found her footing academically with support from student services like the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities. Afterward, “what really switched my mindset was joining student clubs and associations,” she says. She credits getting more involved on campus with improving her communication skills and increasing her motivation, which in turn boosted her grades.

In her connections with other students, Gagnon appreciates the linguistic diversity of her program. “Many people speak three languages, at least. It’s a mix of English, French and many people’s native languages. It’s really fun,” she says.

Her bilingualism has afforded her new opportunities. As a member of the Troitsky Bridge Building Competition, Gagnon makes recommendations to ensure the competition can run bilingually. During an engineering internship, she wrote procedures for employees across Canada in both French and English, and Gagnon is sure she’ll continue using both languages professionally.

Soon, she’ll be starting a role as a student ambassador at Concordia, where she will be speaking to many prospective francophone students. For those who are nervous about studying in English like she was? “I’m going to be talking a lot about the CÉF,” she says.

Learn more about Concordia’s Centre pour étudiant·es francophones.