Five Week Credit Program

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There's no better way to learn French than by immersing yourself in the language and culture of Quebec.  

The Department of Canadian Heritage offers the Explore Program which it has sponsored since 1970. Under this Program, Western University's French Immersion School in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec is provided funding for students who wish to learn or improve their French skills.   

The Program

Patricipants of the Explore Program in Trois-Pistoles are enrolled in a French course from Western's undergraduate calendar. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have earned a full-year (1.0) French credit from Western. Courses are offered at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Aside from the French course, students participate in workshops and sociocultural activities, and live with a local host family, to enhance the immersion experience. 

Funding

The Explore Program offers funding which covers most of the program costs:

  • Course tuition
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Workshops and most sociocultural activities 

The application fee ($275), which is only required if you receive and accept the funding, as well as any travel costs and personal spending, are the responsibility of the student.   


Am I Eligible?

In order to qualify for funding, you must meet BOTH of the following criteria:

  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (those studying on a student visa are not eligible); and
  • meet the minimum age requirement for Trois-Pistoles by the time Explore begins (18+).

You must also meet ONE of the following criteria:

  • have been a part-time or full-time student for at least one term during the current school year; or
  • have been an Odyssey participant within the last two years.  

Not eligible? 

We accept participants of all ages (18+) who are not eligible for Explore funding. Click here for registration details for our Five Week and Three Week University Credit Programs. 

 

Application Process

It is free to apply! To be considered for Explore funding, please follow these three easy steps:  

  1. Apply online at englishfrench.ca. Be sure to list our school as your first or only choice when applying to increase your chance of being awarded a spot in our program.

  2. Follow the application instructions on the Explore website and submit any required documents, including the signed Declaration Form, to the Explore portal. 

    Western Students:     Explore will accept a copy of your Statement of Account from Student Center as proof of enrollment in lieu of getting the Declaration Form stamped by the Office of the Registrar.  Students are still required to sign the bottom of the Declaration Form - under Conditions for participation - and submit it to the Explore portal.

  3. Wait for the draw results. If you have been awarded a spot in our program, you will be notified by both your provincial coordinator and by the French Immersion School. You might be put on a waiting list but, don't despair! There are additional draws every week until all spots are awarded.

If you are awarded funding from Explore to attend our program in Trois-Pistoles, we will send you an email with a link to our registration page. At that point, you will be asked to provide the following information:

  1. SIN number
  2. Placement test score (%) and previous French studies (if any)
  3. Course code for the course you wish to take
  4. Accommodation requirements, including allergies and dietary restrictions
  5. Travel information, if known
  6. Application fee ($275) non-refundable

 

APPLY FOR FUNDING NOW AT ENGLISHFRENCH.CA
Deadline: February 7, 2023

 

 

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SPRING SESSION

May 8 - June 9, 2023

Arrival: Sunday, May 7

 

SUMMER SESSION

July 3 - August 4, 2023

Arrival: Sunday, July 2

 

 

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Program Testimonial

The Explore program in Trois-Pistoles is unparalleled. Being the fourth person in my family to come to Trois-Pistoles with Explore, I had extremely high expectations for the program, yet I did not expect them to be met, let alone surpassed. From the high quality of academic instruction, to the variety of extra-curricular activities, to the discovery of the culture and, most importantly to the relationships formed, Trois-Pistoles has been an unforgettable experience. It has reinvigorated my appetite for learning, rekindled my love of French and opened my eyes to so many new possibilities. Trois-Pistoles has undoubtedly changed my life and the laughter, the memories and the sunsets will be forever etched on my heart.

- Laura Sandre, St. Francis Xavier University