ISS will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 29 until 1:30 for staff training.
ISS is available virtually and in-person Mondays-Fridays during business hours.
McGill-UQAC Explore Program:
A Summer French Immersion Program
A partnership with the Deputy Provost for Student Life and Learning, International Student Services, the Student Scholarships and Aid Office, and the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi
Applications for 2023 are now closed
Spring Session: May 15th - June 16th: CLOSED
- Accepted students receive a $3,000 award to participate in the spring or summer program*
- Spring Program Total Cost: $4565.12
- 5-week experiential opportunity at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi
- 18 hours of French classes each week
- Cultural activities (ex. museum visits, cooking, improv, film, dance, etc.)
- All meals are included during the 5-week program.
- Students stay with a host family and share on average 14 meals per week with the family.
- For the other meals, the École de langue française gives students a meal card that includes 31 meals (24 lunches and 7 dinners). These meals will be served at the UQAC cafeteria.
- At the start of the program, students sign a moral contract committing to speak only French during the program.
- A for-credit option is available for additional fees. Students who are admitted to the program will receive more information about the process to receive transfer credits, which includes applying for independent study away.
*The McGill-UQAC Explore Program is considered an Enriched Educational Opportunity (EEO), a high-quality off-campus mobility or other experiential opportunities. EEOs foster self-development and help students transition successfully to the workplace. The University is striving to expand opportunities for undergraduates to participate in EEOs and to make them accessible to all undergraduates regardless of their financial capacity. As such, any student who wishes to participate in the French Explore Program but faces financial barriers may apply to the EEO Bursary Program to help defray additional costs. Visit the SSAO website for more information about the EEO Bursary Program details, how to apply, student eligibility, etc.
Program Eligibility:
- Enrolled full-time as a McGill Undergraduate or graduate student in Spring and Fall 2023
- International students in satisfactory academic standing
- Fill in the application form (available March 1st, 2023)
- Update: All levels of French Welcome: A placement test will follow in late March with instructions
Applications for Spring are now closed
Summer Session: July 3rd- August 4th
- Accepted students receive a $3,000 award to participate in the spring or summer program
- Summer Program Total Cost: $4565.12
- Student Portion: $1565.12
- 5-week experiential opportunity at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi
- 18 hours of French classes each week
- All meals are included during the 5-week program.
- Students stay with a host family and share on average 14 meals per week with the family.
- For the other meals, the École de langue française gives students a meal card that includes 31 meals (24 lunches and 7 dinners). These meals will be served at the UQAC cafeteria.
- At the start of the program, students sign a moral contract committing them to speak only French during the program.
Program Eligibility:
- Enrolled full-time in Spring and Fall 2023
- Undergraduate or Graduate International Student in satisfactory academic standing
- A placement test will follow with instructions
- All levels of French are welcome
Applications are now closed.
Deadline to Apply: Friday, April 14th at 5pm ET
- All applicants will receive a French placement test following the application deadline.
Online Information Session: View webinar recording
Additional Resources
Student Feedback:
- “My participation in the program has been a major influence for me. A desire to remain in Montreal after my graduation from McGill University influenced my decision to apply for the program and the significant improvement I made in my French at Chicoutimi has furthered my confidence in that decision.”
- “French should be a necessary part of a McGill student’s curriculum given the location and history of the university. I understand how difficult that would be, so expanding and continuing to support this program would be the next best thing.”
- “During the last week of our class, I began working at a restaurant in Montreal where it is essential to engage in basic conversational french. I believe that the class amplified and complimented my time working at a restaurant in Montreal very well.”
- “I really appreciate the fact that I was able to attend this program for free. I don’t think I could do it if it weren’t funded.”
events.iss [at] mcgill.ca (Have questions? Contact ISS)