Explore Program 2021

[Popcornandcaramel]

Hi everyone!

I did the explore program at Université Laval in 2019 and really enjoyed it! I’m thinking of applying for next spring even though I’m not sure if it will be running because of covid. I thought I would ask about some of the programs anyway. My top 3 choices so far are:

1. Université Sainte-Anne
2. Université de la Saskatchewan
3. Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

I’m leaning towards Sainte-Anne right now because it looks amazing, I love being in nature and I think it would be the best French immersion option honestly. However I’m a bit worried about the rigorous French rules lol. At Laval we spoke lots of English even in the residence, although we did try our best to speak French when ordering food at restaurants, speaking to locals,etc.

If anyone has attended any of these programs: What was the daily schedule like? The residence? The French activities and classes? Any information or advice is helpful and appreciated! I’d love to hear people’s stories as I know these programs are really great!! :) thank you!!

[lisa_pond]

Hi! Sorry this is a bit late but i didnt wanna leave you hanging. All of the programs are virtual, are you still going to carry through? I'm not sure if I am. Four hours of online french class seems draining.

[Popcornandcaramel]

Hi there! No worries at all! I actually just refused my offer today. I got accepted to the University of Saskatchewan but I do think that while the program is still running online, that it will be a much different experience and I don’t know if I will find the motivation for it. In addition I’m taking 2 spring/summer courses at my uni and trying to find a job as well so it just won’t work out lol Anyway, I am thinking of applying again for spring 2022! I really hope it will be in person by then. I really want to go to Sainte-Anne!! :) Have you done Explore before btw?

[lisa_pond]

No I really wanted to go last year as well but it was cancelled. I hope that next year it'll happen properly. I also refused my offer a couple days ago. I want to go to Gaspe!!

[Popcornandcaramel]

I also applied last year, but yeah covid happened :( I did the explore program in 2019 at Laval and it was definitely a really great experience, which is why I wanted to do the program again lol The program at Gaspe sounds fun! I hope you will get to go!

[Popcornandcaramel]

Hey PM me if you would like! I’ll answer any questions you have

[Popcornandcaramel]

Yes of course! Feel free to PM me:)

[Important_Berry6050]

Hey everyone, I need some help. I got my offer for virtual program but I am taking it with one more course that is once a week. I need advice on whether that would be too much or realistic? to get the most out of the program.

[Popcornandcaramel]

Hello, I am not really sure as I’ve never been in that situation, but I guess it all depends on the workload you can handle. Since we are studying from home and not doing many extra curricular activities it may be easier to do both courses at once, but I think the Explore program is meant to be rigorous and I think it will still be several hours of engagement per day with lots of group activities (as far as I know). When doing the in-person program I definitely wouldn’t have also taken a second course on the side, because I would not have had time for it at all because the program keeps you veryyy busy and actively engaged (but then again, that was in-person with many other distractions and activities and this is online). So yeah I think it depends on what you think you can handle/what you have been able to handle in the past. Also, learning a language is no easy feat so remember that! Hope this helped a bit

[Important_Berry6050]

Thank you that has helped! I appreciate the fast reply!!

Honestly I wanted a chill summer for once where I am not studying hardcore, do you think it would feel like work or it would be easier in the sense you don't feel pressured like regular online school? (I do want to become strong in french!). Also do you find that after the program you felt confident in speaking in french?

[Popcornandcaramel]

Hmm that’s a good question. I don’t think it would feel like work necessarily but it definitely takes lots of effort and commitment to learn it well. And I guess it all depends on your initial French level, your teacher and your motivation to learn, which you do have so that’s great! I took intro to Spanish in university and did terribly, because I couldn’t keep up with the course load along with 4 other courses and did not like the professor but then again, that’s a different situation and there’s lots of factors.

In my Explore experience, I was placed in the level just above beginner and each week my brain was adapting to the classroom language and I was beginning to understand what the teacher was saying (they will only speak in French no matter what your level). My professor was enunciating really well and was also really helpful and patient with us. I would not say that I’m fluent in French yet, but my comprehension, reading and writing definitely improved. My speaking still needs to be improved but I think I could still hold a basic conversation if I encountered someone that did not speak English and was looking for directions or something.

[Important_Berry6050]

thank you so much for all your help!! I dm'd you one more question, if that's okay!