Canada: Chicoutimi Summer

University of Quebec in Chicoutimi

Since its establishment in Chicoutimi in 1969, the Universitè du Quèbec 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 Quèbec 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 Québec 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

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. 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

"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

French Immersion
Session 1
5-week Session: May 11-June 14
5-week French and music: May 11-June 14 (offered in Alma )
Session II
3-week Session: July 6-July 26
5-week Session: July 6-August 9

Application Deadline(s)

French Immersion
Session I (5 week): March 15
Session II (3 week): March 15

Costs

Session I (5 week): $4,665
Session II (3 week): $3435
Session II (5 week): $4665

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, room and board with a French-speaking family, fees, orientation, instructional materials, email access, airport pick-up, health insurance coverage. Students electing to stay in the student residence should add approximate

Costs Not Included

Airfare ($700), personal costs ($150-$375), optional excursion package ($190)

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.