I had the time of my life at the Explore program! Five weeks of eating, learning, and even dreaming in French, all the while forming life-long friendships! My french is much better, and I've learned more about Quebec culture in these five weeks than I ever thought possible. I would highly recommend this to everyone, regardless their level of French! More »
This honestly was the best experience of my life. I never had so much fun meeting interesting people and exploring the community. I was especially fond of the festivals that occurred during my stay, especially the Jazz Festival. I would redo this experience any time as I met so many interesting people. THANKS SO MUCH, EXPLORE! More »
My experience in Trois-Pistoles was absolutely amazing! Everyone that works at the school is super nice and really try hard to make all the students happy. I have never felt more comfortable at a school than I did in Trois-Pistoles. The excurions on the weekends were really fun even though the weather wasn't great! Staying with a host family really helps improve your French as well. You are constantly talking... More »
This program is probably the most effective for teaching that I have ever seen. It gives you a great passion to want to learn French and immerse yourself in the culture. You learn so much more because you want to connect better with others, and being in a place where you are in constant contact with people and working together, you are guaranteed to progress further than what you can ever imagine. More »
Explore was more than I ever could have expected. More powerful than the leaps and bounds I made in improving my French language skills were the friendships that I made. Explore 2011, je me souviens. More »
I quit Grade 9 French and received the bare minimum to pass the course. As I got older, like everyone else, I began to regret dropping it. My second year of University, at 20 years old, I decided to pick it back up through this bursary program. I went to Trois-Pistoles for 6 weeks, thinking I would return home bilingual. Although I was not bilingual, I could certainly communicate in the language. It made me... More »
Having not taken any French courses in high school, I was skeptical of the value of learning a second language. However, after attending the program and spending a month learning and living in French, my entire outlook changed... It's not just a language, but a culture and way of living. Learning French in the heart of rural Quebec gave me an understanding that had eluded me before. Explore is a great program and I would highly recommend... More »
My friends at home get tired of me talking about my summer at Explore. I gained confidence in my French and in myself in general. I had the best summer of my life with a bunch of amazing people! The only bad part is how much I miss it. More »
My five weeks in beautiful Trois-Pistoles was an incredible and unforgettable experience that I will cherish. The welcoming ambiance and unique spirit of the town's residents, combined with the natural beauty of the region, made it the perfect setting to learn and discover. Having the opportunity to be immersed completely “en français” was the absoloute best way to learn. If you do the program and choose to use French as your only language for the... More »
Would you rather spend a summer parked on your couch sweating away, or make friends and memories that last a lifetime while travelling around the country on a budget that's almost entirely paid for? Participate in Explore! More »
Hey I'm Bree! Explore is a great way to meet new and life long friends. I went to the Centre linguistique du Collège de Jonquière in Jonquière and since I left, I am constantly in contact with my companions from the program! This program really helped my French skills and I highly recommend it! It was so much fun and I would not have wanted to spend my summer any other way! More »
Explore at Jonquière was the best experience of my life. As well as increasing and expanding my knowledge of the French language, I was able to make new friends and experience cultural changes. The things I learned were invaluable, and I was able to meet people from all over the world, including Spain, Finland, Ireland, and Brazil, who all shared a common love of French. I would recommend this experience to anyone! More »
J'ai bien aimé cette expérience. Même si on est timide, on peut faire des bons amis. Moncton est une très belle ville et j'ai beaucoup appris en demeurant à l'Université. Si vous voulez découvrir le français, la culture acadienne, le homard, l'indépendance que la vie en résidence offre, vous devriez participer à Explore! More »
This was the best summer ever. I met some of the most amazing people from all over North America and made some great friends. The program really helped me gain confidence while speaking French. The teachers and animatrices were supportive, kind, and amazing. This was five weeks of adventure, learning, and cultural experiences that I will never forget. More »
I participated in Explore at the Université Laval, and it was one of the most amazing experiences in my life! Every day was a new adventure and always exciting. I met friends that will last a lifetime and became fluent in French. Whenever I hear of anyone remotely interested in learning French, I immediately recommend the program to them. If you get the opportunity, do it, because my reapplication is proof that this program is... More »
It was a great experience, and living with a host family greatly improved my french skills. I learnt to be more confident in speaking French. More »
Explore at the Université de Montréal was one of the best experiences of my life. Most importantly, I improved my French, but I also made friends for life, all over Canada! More »
During my five weeks in Explore, I met some amazing people. I became very close with my roommates and was rarely seen without them. I went out with my classmates and even hung out with our animators a few times. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. It took a while to get used to using French at all times, but we learned to work with it and have fun! I... More »

Signing up for this program was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. My speaking has improved so much I cannot even explain it. Total immersion was fantastic, and I left with so many memories and new friends and a whole new understanding of the culture. Am I signing up again? Yes! Do I recommend this fantastic spring or summer to remember? Definitely! More »
I had a great time in Trois-Pistoles in the spring of 2011! I definitely improved my French conversation skills: I could form more complex phrases and I could speak faster. The rural setting encouraged me to speak French and communicate with local residents. I learned so much about Quebecois culture and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the cabanes à sucre! The school also rigorously encouraged us to speak French and it... More »
My Explore and Langues et Travail experiences in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec, marked a very significant period of academic and personal development for me. I became very smitten with this quaint little town of 4,000 people located on the St. Lawrence River. In five weeks, I grew strongly attached to my very hospitable host family and my counterparts from all across the country. This program allowed me to gain a better sense of identity and my role... More »

Explore was probably my best experience ever. At first, no one knew what to expect, but after just a week we really started to bond. I’ll never forget the people I met thanks to Explore. The program was very well organized, the morning classes went by quickly, and the teacher always made sure we had fun in the classroom. I loved my summer program and if I could, I’d do it over again tomorrow. More »
Explore was the best thing I have ever done in my life. Explore didn't just teach me French, with the people I met, it showed me what the real world out there feels like. The fact that I was going to live with people I didn't know in a month was such a crazy thought and learning French in the summer was a decision but it taught me how to budget money on the weekends. I... More »

Explore... What a great opportunity to learn French and meet people not just from Canada, but around the world! I did the program in Quebec City at Université Laval and I had the best time of my life! I was able to attend the Festival d'été, watch a free Cirque De Soleil show, go on a cruise ship on the St. Lawrence River, learn salsa, and so much more! The Explore program made me appreciate... More »

In May, I got drenched under the Montmorency Falls. I carb-loaded at a sugar shack, hiked up a mountain, went on a riverboat cruise along the St. Laurence, and spent every cent I had at the biggest shopping mall I’d ever seen. I made tons of friends, clogged my Facebook account with gloriously stupid photos and did my darndest to communicate consistently in un francais terrible. Did I mention all this was free—not to mention... More »

Ah, le Québec — c’est vraiment « la belle province »! And what makes it « plus belle »? Exploring everything it has to offer with friends from all across Canada! I learned French everywhere — from classes to festivals and everything in between! So what are you waiting for? More »
Best experience ever! I couldn't speak french until the program. For people who are applying, this will be one of the best experiences ever with many great memories that will stay with you. Bonne chance et amusez-vous bien. More »
I loved every second of it! I would go back every summer until I turn 100 if I could. J’adore le programme avec tout mon cœur ! More »
Best summer I've ever had. Not only did I greatly improve my French with TOTAL immersion in all aspects of life, but I made so many new friends! I now have friends all over Canada that I still keep in touch with and visit whenever I travel. Every young person in Canada should take advantage of this amazing opportunity. More »
Explore was such an amazing experience. I met a lot of amazing people, whom I have close ties with now. My French started off a little shaky, but the confidence I got within myself is outstanding. Explore isn’t just a bunch of kids learning French. I’ll never forget it! More »
Explore is literally the experience of a lifetime. All the testimonials that say "if you're even considering the program, do it" are 100% correct. Had I not gone to Explore, I would not have met 250 other students who wanted to have the same experience I did. I would not have travelled to a province that I otherwise would not have been able to go to. I would not have learned more french in 5 weeks than I ever... More »
Just over a decade has passed since I attended the Summer Language Bursary Program, and the memories linger today - from talent night (which included everyone from Newfoundland in doing a skit with cod!), to weekend trips around the city, to Roy Rogers night, just to name a few. I had the best time of my life, and I honed my oral communication skills (in French) along the way. Just out of high school, I... More »
My professor of the Explore Program in 2010 completely transformed my life in just 5 weeks! He taught me so much more than just French; he taught me about life! As a youth living with a disability he helped me by making me feel as though I was no different than the other students in his class. He has forever shaped my life. More »
This was a unique experience that really improved my French speaking skills, and I have forged friendships for which I am constantly grateful! I recommend to all my friends to Explore! More »
My first Explore experience (2001—back when it was still called SLBP) got me hooked on the whole experience—over the span of the next seven years I participated another two times (2002, 2008) and lived in Montreal to study at McGill (2003-2007). These summers were formative: I improved my French, grew into my adult-self, and—most importantly—fell in love with the Québecois! Not too shabby for a farm girl from Alberta! More »
UQTR and Explore helped me find out what I want to do for the rest of my life. Before Explore, I wasn’t confident to speak French and now, it’s hard to get me to shut up. I plan to be a French and drama major and had discovered my love of theatre before Explore, but I did a French theatre workshop there and it just felt right (I’m the girl on the far right sitting... More »

The Explore experience in St. John’s, Newfoundland, is one of the best opportunities ever for a student to learn English. We arrived at Memorial University in July, and we discovered an environment where learning our second language was really encouraged. Instructors were very understanding and were just as eager as we were for us to make progress. There were a number of monitors, and they offered us a lot of activities where we could discover... More »
Explore is one of the best things I could have done! I was hesitant about applying, and even after I was accepted I was not sure if I would follow through and go, but I am so happy I did. My confidence in speaking French dramatically improved and I was able to make some life-long friends. Being completely immersed in the language and culture is an incredible way of learning. More »
This experience was one of the best that I have ever had. After high school, I found that I wanted to keep up with my French, so I decided to try this program. I also enjoy music, which is why the opportunity to improve my French and my music was the best thing I could have found. I learned so much through the schooling there. The teacher I had, Marc-André, was the best teacher I... More »
This really is the best program ever. More »
The full immersion in the French language truly made me more confident in my French skills and helped me further perfect the language. The experience was amazing: meeting new friends and having fun is what this program is all about! More »
Through Explore, I was able to reinvent myself and discover a part of me that I never knew existed. More »
This was the best summer of my life! My French improved so much and I made so many life-long friends along the way! More »
The best summer of my life! Not only did I meet amazing people, I received the opportunity to immerse myself in the beautiful Quebec culture! More »
This was the most enriching experience of my life! Getting to explore another region, learning another language and meeting some fantastic people were all part of the program. I've fallen deeply in love with the French language and the Quebecois culture! This was a very beautiful experience. It was fantastic to see how much importance this program places on improving itself and looking for feedback. The only problem I've found is that I have nothing to say... More »
My five weeks in the Explore program were the most condensed BEST weeks of my life! Making friends across the country, learning what residence life is like, and having weekend excursions were unforgettable. Being in a francophone community and adapting to the French culture was extremely educational. Explore helped me to realize that I want to continue my studies in French at university, and someday, hopefully, be a French immersion teacher! I highly recommend this program to... More »
L’Université Sainte-Anne à Pointe-de-L’Église, en Nouvelle Écosse était incroyable! I was hesitant at first about the strictness of the French-only rule. Are the animateurs really going to sneak up behind me and check my headphones for English music? The French-only rules were strict, but they worked! Everyone spoke French all the time, and we had so many opportunities to improve our knowledge of the language. It was five weeks of an amazing, nurturing French environment... More »
It’s been three years since my summer spent at Jonquière, and here I am on their Web site still thinking about that summer three years later! Beyond amazing program! More »

Lesleigh Von Dyne My B.A. program at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, includes an immersion requirement. I’d already done French immersion, but while searching the Internet for other opportunities, I discovered Explore. Explore participants work in small groups and get a lot of opportunities to speak French, which students in normal courses don’t have. Although the program includes written work, the real benefit of the program for me was the chance to practise my verbal skills... More »
Explore was the best experience of my life. I met amazing people, I learned a lot, and I have memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Before Explore I was really shy to speak French, and now, I just can't stop. The animateurs were amazing, and all the activities were just great. I would totally encourage everyone to do this at least once in their life. More »
My time in Chicoutimi was fantastic. The directors of the program were encouraging, and living in an immersion environment was just what I needed to confirm my love of the French language. I took my excellent experiences in Québec with me on my travels to France, and am now using my French every day teaching. I would highly recommend this program to anyone that would like to learn the language while having... More »

My mother is American so I’ve been surrounded by English since I was little. But I’m finding that my English is too stilted and I want to become more fluent, that’s why I applied to Explore. I’m a pianist and when I signed up, I was afraid that I wouldn’t get to practice during the program. But thanks to the team at Humber College, I have access to a piano and can practice on evenings... More »

I was a bit nervous applying to this program, but now I wish more than anything to relive my five weeks at cégep. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to not only learn French, but also have a taste of Quebecois culture while having a blast! With a welcoming atmosphere from the fantastic moderators and the close bonds made between roommates and classmates, no other word could describe this but “home” — aside... More »

I had a very good experience. It’s very exiting to speak English every day in class, in the street and having fun with my friends from all over Canada. I am completely immerged. I decided to participate in the Explore program to have the opportunity to improve my writing and speaking English. I have an English test in July, and I want to be successful. Explore gave me the chance to understand grammar and learn new... More »

Explore gave me the experience of a lifetime. They provided me with the tools, through the help of our federal government, to learn about, engage with, and experience a new culture and language, all while making new friendships that will last a lifetime and open up a new set of doors on a bright and open future. In my soon-to-be-profession, I will be able to travel the world and work in health-care teams that may... More »

I decided to participate in Explore in order to broaden and improve my knowledge of English. I love to travel and, in fact, I do travel a lot. Improving my vocabulary and grammar is really important to me. Explore is excellent and the program is far better than I’d expected. The people at Humber College are great, and the participants are really friendly. A friend of mine was in the program before and she told... More »
The Explore program was the perfect program to get around the city while immersed in the language. I would recommend this program for people willing to learn French and practice French at the market, grocery stores, or even at the mall. Montreal is an amazing city and the program was a lot of fun! Definitely an unforgettable experience. More »
This summer I spent five weeks in Trois-Rivières and was fortunate enough to experience the best five weeks of my life. The people I met, the friends I made and the memories I now have are priceless. Not to mention how much my French improved, and I've been taking French courses for 12 years. The best way to improve is by being immersed in a French environment. I would 100% recommend this. Words cannot describe my... More »
When I first got there, I honestly didn't know what to expect. But as soon as the program started, I was exposed to so many new experiences and met people from literally all over the world. It gave me a whole new outlook on my future and made me so much more confident in my French speaking skills. I never knew I could do it until I went to Explore. I've recommended and continue to... More »
Trois-Pistoles was hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had. I got to experience a different culture while learning French at the same time. I would recommended anyone who is trying to learn French to do this program, no matter what level you have. I made some really good friends while there and there's no doubt that you will too. Bon voyage! More »
Best time EVER! I went to Montreal not knowing what to expect... I read over these reviews prior to my departure but you honestly don't know until you've lived it. These were the best five weeks ever! I met so many amazing people and had so much fun learning french! I can't believe I even doubted going. Go for it! More »
A week before my departure, I wanted to back out completely. I was nervous and at the time, didn't believe it was worth missing my summer at home for. Boy was I ever wrong! The first day was nerve- wrecking but everyone was there for the same reason: to have a good time, meet people and learn French. The first days were extremely difficult. I didn't know more than bonjour going into the program... More »

Honestly, Explore was the best time of my entire life :) The first week was really difficult as I was in the lowest level possible, but every day after was a blast, and changed my life! I went into the program without any particular interest in French, and came out loving the language. Don't hesitate. Just apply and you will not regret it! More »
Made fabulous friends, improved my French, and learned lots about French Canadian culture, all while having the time of my life! Definitely the greatest adventure! More »
Trois-Pistoles is situated in a beautiful location surrounded by solely quebecois culture. Prior to the program, I was unaware of the progress I would achieve in devoting myself for five weeks. Much to my surprise, I am much more confident now and can communicate better. The program is enriching in countless ways, it was a lovely experience! More »
The Explore program is an amazing opportunity to learn French and experience something new. I had an amazing experience with Explore, from the classes, the workshops, the trips and the people. Everyone is there to help you! It is an amazing opportunity that will only build upon your knowledge of French whether you are beginner or advanced. I recommend the Explore program to anyone who wishes to gain a very valuable experience. More »
This summer was THE BEST SUMMER OF MY LIFE!!!! Not only did I learn a TON of French, but I went and saw 20+ concerts on the Plains of Abraham, saw a beautiful waterfall, went to awesome clubs, ate REAL poutine!, learned how to swear in another language :), met amazing people, AND earned a FREE credit for doing it! VIVE LE QUÉBEC!!!! More »

I had the best summer last year with the Explore program — I recommend it to everyone who wants to learn French. The program is really focused on the French language and the culture revolved around it. The teacher I had was very friendly and helpful, and the outings were fun and helped you practise your French. There was a lot of free time given, and I used this time to explore Montreal with friends... More »
One of the most memorable experiences of my life! I met amazing people, had so much fun and improved my French language skills. I would do it again and again! More »
Explore at UBC was one of the BEST adventures and learning experiences I’ve had. My French got better and I am still continuing to learn the language. I came out of the program with amazing friends from almost every province who I still talk to, and a new-found love for the west coast of this beautiful country! I will never forget the summer when I was 19! Tu me manques Explore 2009! Bisous! More »

I started French classes in first grade and barely made it beyond “bonjour.” In junior high, I rationalized this by saying I’d never need French. Turns out I was wrong. During a post-high school tour of Europe, my best friend and I stayed with her family in France, where I was reduced to communicating with grunts and gestures, cavewoman-style. It wasn’t an especially social two weeks. I thought taking English in university would protect me from... More »
I have to admit, when I walked off the plane in Bagotville, QC, I was nervous. It was my first time away from my family for more than a week, my french had a ridiculous immersion/Franco-Albertan accent, and I just wasn't ready to speak french 24/7. By the end of my 5 weeks, however, I did not want to go home! I met the coolest people, I did so many activities that I would... More »
This was the best summer of my life! I made lifelong friends and had the experience of a lifetime. The 5 weeks went by way too quickly! More »
A chance to live, learn and make friends in Quebec City? Who could ask for more? I enjoyed every minute of Explore! More »
The program never stopped.....It was always going and there was so much to go for! From trips to the beach, delicious food, meeting people from around the world, and continuing my studies in the French Language. There was always encouragement from the staff and the friends I made to speak French for the whole session and I got through it! I have to say this was the best summer so far :) More »

Grâce à Explore, I now have the knowledge and confidence to do my university studies partially en français, despite never being enrolled in any French immersion program before! C'était génial! More »
Explore is one of the best things you will ever do. I was really nervous before going, but everyone made me feel at home right away. Not only do you learn a ton of French, but you learn life lessons, and you discover yourself. If you have the chance to do Explore, take it! You won't regret it. More »
Explore Laval was one of the best experiences of my life. The program was well organized with more activities than I could ever have had time for. The animateurs were very helpful and encouraging and the classes, although traditional, were effective. I stayed with a beautiful host family who really helped me improve my French and provided a true immersion experience. Québec is a lot of fun in the summer with many festivals and activities... More »

I will forever be appreciative of my time spent at the University of Montreal in the summers of 2009 and 2010. Until my first session with Explore, I had very little training in French. In the days before my scheduled flight to Montreal, I was nervous and questioning my own potential for the Explore program. Despite the nerves, I arrived in Montreal to a welcoming group of fellow Explorers waiting for a shuttle to U... More »
Doing the Explore program was the best choice I've ever made. I was really nervous going in, especially being out of province for 5 weeks. By the end, I didn't want to leave. You will never EVER regret this experience. Embrace it with all you have. More »

My experience in Explore three years ago was, without a doubt, one of the best times of my life. I met many friends, some of whom remain close friends, and, incredibly, the love of my life. Learning French has served me very well. Explore gave me the confidence to hitchhike around Quebec, a fabulous opportunity that gave me the chance to further my French and my understanding of Québécois culture. I work in the cultural sector... More »
This experience was beyond amazing. I went not knowing a word of french and I learned so much there. I met friends so quickly there (french and english ones) and our group became so close in just those 5 weeks that we felt more like a family than anything. We now have a group on facebook called "Explore withdrawal" and we all want to go back. So if you do go, enjoy every minute because... More »
Two weeks before the program, I was so nervous and wanted to back out — but after my experience in Quebec, I take that right back. This program was probably the best five weeks of my life — meeting new and lifelong friends, learning a new language immersed in it all over the city, learning about a new culture and city, and experiencing the nightlife, of course! I would definitely return and do it all... More »

Before I joined Explore at La Maison Française in Victoria, I had never really spent that much time away from home. My first choice had been Montreal, so I was kind of disappointed at first to be going to my second choice instead. Am I ever glad it happened that way! The program was small enough that I was able to build really great relationships with both the participants and our monitors. Five months later, I... More »

My mother’s family comes from this quaint little town in northern Quebec called Alma (20 minutes from Jonquière). Her father had originally come from there before moving to Toronto, where he raised his family. I got my first taste of real northern Quebec in the summer of Grade 5 and quickly made it my second home. So when I heard about a program — in my Grade 11 year — put on by the government... More »

Explore was by far the best experience of my life. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about something that I took from that trip, may it be the culture, education, language, or the endless friendships and bonds I made while in Quebec. It is such a marvellous opportunity to be able to learn a second language and experience the culture of Quebec at the same time. The activities... More »
After hearing so much good feedback about the program from my sister, I decided to apply for this program to find out for myself; I ended up not getting any of my three choices but rather a school in Toronto - Glendon College. At first, I was skeptical of being able to learn French in a city predominantly English such as Toronto, but I was proven wrong. The campus was great for learning your target language... More »
Explore is definitely a worth while experience. Everyone there was awesome and I've met a lot of friends from all over Canada. It was the most memorable summer by far. I loved it! More »
Wow! By far the best way I could have spent the first five weeks of the summer. Sainte Anne’s was amazing, I highly recommend applying for it. I entered as a débutant 1 (very, very beginner) but by the end, I was able to carry on a conversation — and not just a “Bonjour, comment ça va,” but a REAL conversation! Jean-Douglas (the director) said it best, speaking two languages is really a feeling of power! More »
Explore in Montreal was absolutely AMAZING. It was even better than I had imagined. It was so easy to meet so many great people within the program and just around the city itself. It was so much fun and definitely 5 weeks I will never forget! DO IT! More »
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I guarantee that anyone who applies to this program will have fun, so bonne chance!
Maria Lam, ON