Canada: Chicoutimi Semester

University of Quebec in Chicoutimi

All programs at the Ecole de Langue Français at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi provide a complete French immersion experience, where students truly "live French." At the start of the program, an oral and written placement test is given to all program participants to ensure that every student enrolls in the class that best matches their French language skills. To ensure that every student obtains the maximum possible benefit from the immersion program, students are expected to speak French at all times on- and off-campus. Making this experience fun and enjoyable for all students inside and outside of the classroom is the school's priority. All programs are complemented by a wide range of social and cultural workshops, guided outdoor recreation, excursions to Quebec City and the beautiful Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region. The minimum age for participants on these programs is 18 years of age.

Course Offerings

The semester 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. The program is offered in six-, twelve-week sessions during the year. Students earn 6 credits for the six-week session and 15 credits for the twelve-week session; there are 19 hours of classroom instruction per week.

The French and Snow program combines the study of French with the practice of many different winter sports, such as skiing, ice skating, and ice climbing. For this three-week program, students earn 4 credits. This program also includes an exciting two-day trip to Quebec City, and many social and cultural activities, such as dances, films, regional tours, and more.

 

Student Life

Students have the choice of living with a French-speaking family or in dormitories during the immersion program. 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. French and Snow participants are always placed with a family. If living in a homestay situation, morning and evening meals are shared with the family, while lunch is served at the universities 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

"I got to go whale watching in the St Lawrence River and hiked all over the place. I also went snow camping. The region was outstandingly beautiful. If you like clear skies, evergreens water and rocks, this is the place for you to go."
- Osualdo Ramirez Villafane

"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

"It was most definitely the most enriching experience I have ever had other than at church. I would recommend it to anyone who wanted to learn French. It was amazing to watch people who couldn't even say 'bon jour' when they arrived improve tremendously. At the end of the program, they were more than able to carry on interesting conversations with any native French speaker."
- Cindy-Ann Squires

"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

Fall 2008
12-week: September 8 - December 5, 2008
6-week(1): September 8 –October 17, 2008
6-week(2) : October 27 – December 5, 2008

Winter 2009
12-week: January 19 – April 17, 2009
6-week(1): January 19 –February 27, 2009
6-week(2) : March 9 – April 17, 2009

Application Deadline(s)

Fall: July 15
Winter: November 15

Eligibility Requirements

The minimum age for participation on these programs is 18 years of age.

Costs

6-week: $4,445
12-week: $7,610

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, instructional materials, health insurance coverage, fees, and orientation

Costs Not Included

Airfare ($700), personal costs ($150), optional excursion package ($190),

Homestay with French-speaking family (approximately $140/week, includes two meals/day), airfare, excursions, personal expenses.

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 Center
Brookdale Community College
International Center
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?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS

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.