French Language Schools in Canada

Most people can name popular Canadian clichés pretty easily: hockey, maple syrup, and the frozen tundra often top such lists. But, did you know that one province operates entirely in French? A quarter of Canada’s population calls Québec home, and it’s just the place to fully immerse yourself in la francophonie. French language learners generally have two cities to choose from when it comes to intensive language classes in Canada: Montréal and Québec City. The two largest cities in Québec, each one has a unique personality that’s sure to have you speaking French in no time.

A lively metropolis of 1.6 million people, Montréal is the economic and cultural center of Québec. Each neighborhood has a different feel, so you can check out Vieux-Montréal and its historic, cobbled streets before heading to the trendy Plateau district for a live show and some late-night poutine at La Banquise. Outdoor lovers can hike up Mont Royal or check out Parc La Fontaine, and history buffs shouldn’t miss the Pointe-à-Callière museum, complete with underground city ruins. 

Follow the St. Lawrence river and you’ll eventually arrive in Québec City. Founded in 1608, this capital city takes its history seriously. Whether you’re exploring the ramparts surrounding Vieux-Québec or touring the impressive Château Frontenac, reminders of Québec’s past are everywhere. When you’re done exploring the city’s cultural gems, head out of town and spend a weekend in the Laurentian mountains or the famed Ice Hotel.

Whether you’re majoring in French and want to get a leg up on next semester’s courses or you’ve just started doing business with a French company, intensive French language courses in Canada can boost your understanding and start you down the road to fluency.

The most common way to learn French in Canada is at a language school. Courses at language schools in Canada will be tailored to your language level, and typically be offered as morning or all-day classes, Monday through Friday. Most French language schools in Canada will also organize cultural and social excursions throughout the week, so you can try your hand at skiing or cooking en français. Teens who want to learn French in Canada also have the option of spending several weeks at a summer language camp, where they can practice newly-learned slang with other students from around the world.

For those that crave transferable credits, longer commitments, and a real campus setting, university French classes exist as well. University French language courses are usually more structured, with specific start and end dates and a less customizable schedule. However, sometimes it’s nice to feel like a local college kid and then take a paper copy of your language acquisition successes back home. While university French classes (whether during a quick summer session or a semester-long program) tend to cost more than French courses at language schools in Canada, sometimes signing up directly, instead of through a third-party provider, can save you some money.

Language programs in Canada typically offer two types of accommodations: homestays and residence halls. Homestays are perfect for those who want full immersion; you’ll be thinking in French from morning until you say bonne nuit. Not only will your language skills progress at lightning speed, but living with locals will also help you understand daily life in Canada. Residence halls are another common accommodation option, offering language students dormitories with shared bathrooms and cooking facilities.

How fast you’ll progress depends on your language level and how much effort you put into speaking French every day. Plan to spend at least several weeks in class to see big improvements, especially if you want to jump from conversational to proficient. It may be easy to switch to English when the going gets tough, but you’ll improve by leaps and bounds if you do everything in French, from ordering that bagel at St-Viateur to visiting a cabane à sucre with your classmates.

French explorers first brought their language to Canada in the 17th century, and it has been evolving there ever since. While any French you learn in Canada will be understood by other French speakers, you’re sure to pick up phrases and accents that are specific to the region.

Most Québécois speak in varying registers of speech, which is a fancy way of saying they use a lot of slang. While standard French is taught in school and used in formal situations, you’re likely to encounter informal dialects while out and about, which may be confusing at first. You may question if what you’re hearing is, in fact, really French, but soon enough you’ll be nodding enthusiastically when your host asks you, “Vous voulez-tu manger?”

As speech becomes more informal, the amount of slang used rises proportionately. The Québécois have developed their own vocabulary since splitting from France 400 years ago, and there is a lot to learn. Some words were invented in Canada and have no meaning in France, such as magasiner (to go shopping) and mon chum (my boyfriend). Other words may mean one thing in Québec, but something else entirely in France, such as char (car in Canada, chariot in France). Knowing local slang will help you get around while studying French in Canada, but be aware of the differences if you plan to use your French elsewhere. 

Something you’ll definitely notice is the distinctive accent that most Québécois possess. You’ll quickly find out that regional accents can be difficult to understand for the untrained ear, but if you keep at it, you’ll be mistaken for a local in no time!

French language programs in Canada are a great way to pick up a new language in a relaxed atmosphere. Compared to the United States, Canadians have a similar standard of living, and you’re likely to experience minimal culture shock upon arrival. In fact, you may feel so comfortable that when a shopkeeper asks, “Je peux vous aider?” it’ll be a firm reminder that you’re not in Kansas anymore!

Choosing to study French in Canada instead of another destination, such as France or Guadeloupe, is also smart for practical reasons. Living in Canada is relatively affordable, and prices in Montrél and Québec City are similar to urban areas in the United States. As an added bonus, those coming from North America will also benefit from cheaper airfare (or if you’re coming from New England, you can simply drive across the border!).

However, having so much English within arm’s reach can be tempting, especially in Montréal where most residents are bilingual. Don’t be tempted to speak English during your stay, whether with your server, your classmates, or anywhere else in the province. It will only hinder your progress. Besides, knowing you ordered that tourtière all on your own, en français, will be super rewarding.

Québec is often overshadowed by France’s legendary reputation, and its winters can be downright arctic, but don’t let these reasons dissuade you from making this amiable province your French classroom. Canadians are warm, welcoming folks and before you know it, you’ll feel right at home among them. Attache ta tuque (get ready)!