Canada: Chicoutimi Summer

University of Quebec in Chicoutimi

Since its establishment in Chicoutimi in 1969, the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi has served the 150,000 mostly French-speaking population of its area by offering over 80 degree and diploma programs to its 6,000 students. UQAC offers a personalized language experience through its analysis of individual student language needs, variety of communication-based French language courses, supportive atmosphere, caring, accessible instructors and lively animateurs specializing in typical Quèbècoise culture, sports, dance and music.

To ensure that every student obtains the maximum possible benefit from the immersion program, students are always expected to speak French at all times. At the start of the program, an oral and written placement test is given to all program participants. The Summer Intensive Immersion Program offers French language study from introductory to advanced levels. Courses at each level analyze the French language from the perspective of syntax, phonetics, and communicative competence. In addition, courses such as Quebec Culture and Civilization are also offered, and give us an understanding of the cultural context of language. There is a 5-week program in May and both a 3- and a 5-week program in July. There is also a unique 5-week French immersion program “French and music” offered only to music students or musicians in May.

All French programs are complemented by a wide range of socio-cultural workshops, guided outdoor recreation, excursions to Quebec City, to Tadoussac (whale watching) and to Lac-St-Jean. The minimum age for participation on these programs is 18 years of age.

Course Offerings

In the summer programs, students earn 3-6 credits, depending on the length of their program. Students enrolled in the three-week program earn 3 credits while students enrolled in the five-week program earn 6 credits.

 

Student Life

Each May and July over 225 students from all over the world come to study French and learn about Quebec culture. More than just a language course, this program is a once-in-a lifetime experience whereby you not only study the language but actually use it in everyday life situations as you make friends, go on excursions, shop, attend cultural events or partake in your favourite leisure activity.

To get a sense of student life at ELF, check out the Youtube videos below from summer 2011 programs.

May 2011 in Chicoutimi

July 2011 in Chicoutimi

Housing

Students have the choice of living with a French-speaking family or in dormitories during the summer immersion program. However, lodging with a host francophone family is part of the UQAC philosophy. Daily life with a host family allows students to reinforce the learning of the French language achieved in the classroom and from extracurricular activities. If living in a home stay situation, morning and evening meals are shared with the family, while lunch is served at the university cafeteria. There is a wide range of cultural, social, tourist and sporting activities available in and around Chicoutimi, including theater, folk dance, singing groups, and nature explorations.

Alumni Feedback

"The program was wonderful. All of the faculty and staff at UQAC were wonderful. They really cared about our success and well-being. They took care of us like family."
- Bonnie Lynn Smoude

"I was highly enlightened by this experience and continue to savor its memories and impact."
- Kyle Van Rueden

"Thanks for giving me the opportunity to experience Quebec culture and practice my French. Keep up the good work!!!"
- Joice Riedel

"Doing this immersion was a wonderful experience for me. I had a great time, made lots of friends, and progressed immensely in the language."
- Amanda Zarnowski

 

Duration

Session I (Spring term at Chicoutimi)
5-week Session: May 13 - June 16
French and Music: May 20 - June 22

Session II
3-week Session: July 2 - July 21
5-week Session: July 2 - August 4

Application Deadline(s)

Session I: March 1
Session II: April 15

Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis. 

Financial Aid

A College Constortium for International Studies (CCIS) scholarship is available to students from member institutions. CCIS students should check with their study abroad advisor for applicable campus deadlines.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum age 18
2.5 grade point average

Language

French

Costs

Session I (5 week):               $6,310 in homestay; $6,520 in dorm
Session I (French and Music): $6,585 in homestay only

Session II (3 week):              $4,775 in homestay; $4,985 in dorm 
Session II (5 week):              $6,310 in homestay; $6,520 in dorm

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, room and board with a French-speaking family or dormitory, fees, orientation, instructional materials, email access, airport pick-up, health insurance coverage.

Costs Not Included

Airfare ($700 - 1,500), personal costs ($200-$500), optional excursions ($250 approx.)

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Related Links

• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
• Wikipedia Chicoutimi, Quebec
• Wikipedia Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

 

Submit Application Materials To:

Janice M. Thomas, Ph.D.
Director

International Education Center
Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738
732-224-2799
732-224-2980 (Fax)
Email: international@brookdalecc.edu
http://international.brookdalecc.edu

How do I apply?

Step 1.
Submit the following documents to CCIS/Brookdale by March 1/April 15 

Note: Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading the forms. To download, right click on the application or recommendation form and click "save as", then save the form to your desktop or downloads. Once you have completed your form, SAVE IT FIRST!!!! DO NOT CLICK "SUBMIT" until you have SAVED your form or the recipient will receive a BLANK form. Once you have saved it, click "submit" and THEN email your completed form as an attachment to the contact email address associated with the program in which you are applying. If for some reason you do not see the email address pop up when you click "submit", then email the application to the program sponsor listed here on this page.

YOU MUST NOTIFY YOUR HOME INSTITUTIONS' STUDY ABROAD OFFICE OR ADVISOR OF YOUR INTENTIONS AND ALSO PROVIDE THEM WITH A COPY OF YOUR APPLICATION.   

1. CCIS Online Application & Instructions
2. CCIS Online Student Recommendation
3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
4. Legible copy of the biographical page of your passport
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Application Fee $35.00 made payable to Brookdale Community College

Step 2.
CCIS/Brookdale will review your application. If accepted, you will pay a non-refundable deposit to reserve your space in the program. The deposit in the amounts below are deducted from your program fee.
Host-family Housing Deposit - $275.00    OR     Dormitory Deposit - $510.00

Step 3.
Upon receipt of your deposit, you will be contacted by the École de Langue Français (ELF) and directed to a weblink to complete  ELF's on-line registration.

Note: Do not begin the ELF on-line registration until you have received specific instructions from CCIS/ELF to do so.

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.