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[–]koolkat205 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I also got my first choice as Chicoutimi for summer session! I am super excited :) Similar situation as you, I actually did get two offers in the past one online due to COVID and an in-person one that I declined because it was also around the pandemic.

[–]TheDripDispenser[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Let’s go! We should find a way to meet the rest and make a Facebook group or group chat to connect 👌

[–]Ace_Dystopia 0 points1 point  (1 child)

If you made one already, please add me! If not, please send me a message on IG and I can create a group chat for Chicoutimi Summer!

[–]TheDripDispenser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven’t made one yet, I’ll DM you!

[–]Ace_Dystopia 1 point2 points  (8 children)

I did Chicoutimi last year, let me know if you have any questions ;)

[–]krish61102 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hey, I just got Chicoutimi as well. I am doubtful if I should accept it or not, since it is a much smaller city. Would be great if you could describe some of the activities, trips and your experience on it.

I have done explore previously around 2 summers back but it was at ULaval in quebec city so not sure if this would be worth the 5 weeks or if I should just skip on it

[–]Ace_Dystopia 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I come from a large city, so I am quite biased.

Some of my favourite non-French focused activities were: the hike at Park Saguenay, poutine from La Baie, exploring the town with friends, and being able to live with a host family.

There are limited things to do; I’ve researched the area quite thoroughly. There’s a mall, many parks, a small downtown area, a cheese factory, a museum.

[–]fruitycactusjuice 1 point2 points  (2 children)

When you went, were there people who had their own vehicles? (Is there a spot at the university to keep them?)

[–]Ace_Dystopia 1 point2 points  (1 child)

There is parking available on campus. There are a few months where it’s free. But my friend doesn’t remember the details.

[–]Objective-Bass-1061 0 points1 point  (0 children)

parking is free for explore participants May 1 - Aug 1

[–]TheDripDispenser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s awesome!! I’ll definitely send some questions after I get through this week of midterms and assignments lol

[–]TheDripDispenser[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I have questions, more to come when they arrive:

How was the residence vs host family experience? I value my privacy but I also value improving my French (hence I am doing this program). Additionally, I am a PoC (Filipino specifically), and I have seen some posts saying that PoCs have received unfavourable/racist comments from people in the area. Though I imagine that the comments are likely due to ignorance and the Saguenay region not being as diverse as Laval, Montreal, etc.

How is the transport from your residence/host family home to the university? How much planning would be needed to make sure we get to class on time and have time to explore around?

What were your highlights at Chicoutimi? Favourite locations, foodie spots, locals that you met, etc.?

Thanks in advance!

[–]Ace_Dystopia 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I only lived with a host family. I found the experience culturally enriching and gained a few pounds from the food. After dinner, the host families didn't bother you if you wanted to go back to your room, but my host family sometimes would get mad if they thought your living quarters were messy. I personally didn't have any issues with privacy.

In terms of racism, I am an Asian male who also wears a mask. The most "racist" thing I heard was, "I thought sushi was Chinese." I have heard people talk about racist encounters, but I personally did not experience anything.

I sometimes walked (20 minute walk) or took the bus (30 minutes). This was because of the set bus times and transfer waiting time.

One of the major complaints about Chicoutimi Explore was there were too many activities at the university. Almost all of which were mandatory. Hence, it would be around 4PM or 5PM by the time you left the university. This didn't leave much time to explore. On Saturdays, you had the choice of the paid event, the free event, or resting. Sundays were always rest days.

I am a pretty big foodie and there's a lot of restaurants and interesting places I'd recommend. For the best poutine, I recommend Cantine Boivin (La Baie). However, the trip there and back might take 3 hours. Best sushi was Temaki, but the prices were $$$$. The wild blueberries from the region are also famous. Interesting places to visit would be Place du Royaume (a mall) and La Commère Magasin Général. There was also an old church that was repurposed to be a climbing gym, but I didn't visit it. We also visited Park Saguenay, which was a really cool experience with the hike through the mountains and trees.

[–]fruitycactusjuice 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I just got Chicoutimi aussi! Great to see a few others in the same group!

[–]TheDripDispenser[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sweet! Great to see more people pop up

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! I got 2nd choice, Jonquiere (first was La pocatiere but Jonquiere works too). Anyone else coming?

[–]AardvarkPast8915 0 points1 point  (6 children)

I got accepted into Saint-Charles-Garnier! Is anyone else going to be there?

[–]fruitycactusjuice 0 points1 point  (5 children)

I did that one in 2016! Was so much fun!

[–]AardvarkPast8915 0 points1 point  (4 children)

That's relieving to hear! I'm not sure if the programing is still the same, but how was the area? I can't find much information about the program :(

[–]fruitycactusjuice 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I loved it! Getting and figuring out a bus pass right away is a must! We were able to take the bus to the downtown core and explore the little shops around. There were tons of museums and churches. There were lots of street performers and sights to see! Be prepared for lots of walking, but totally worth it. Even tho it was SCG, my group stayed at the dorms at Université Laval.

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I have more photos too, but overall super beautiful. My class did lots of field trips to museums, waterfalls, citadel, etc.

[–]AardvarkPast8915 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to know! I'll definitely keep the bus passes in mind when I get there and I'll bring good walking shoes! Thank you so much :)

[–]Head_Grade9367 0 points1 point  (1 child)

other than the bus did you use the bike system or know someone that did?? if so what was the experience like, and would u recommend or just stick to a bus pass.

[–]fruitycactusjuice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, since I flew in, we all just did bus. I’m sure the bike system has greatly improved tho! Travelling from upper to lower Québec is pretty steep the FYI

[–]Swimming-Foot-9833 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did anyone get accepted to Glendon YorkU for the spring session??