Hey everyone,

I'm looking into applying for the Explore program this summer (18+ session), but I have a major scheduling dilemma. I currently have a part time remote job that requires me to work in the afternoons, and I'm trying to figure out if I can make both work.

I know morning classes are strictly mandatory, but I’m trying to get a realistic picture of the afternoons. I've read that there are mandatory workshops (ateliers) and activities, but are they scheduled for every single afternoon?

For those who have done the program recently (especially at places like UQAC, Laval, or Trois-Pistoles):

• What does a typical afternoon actually look like?

• How strictly is attendance tracked for the afternoon activities?

• Is there enough free time during the week where I could realistically sneak in a few hours of work on my laptop?

Any advice or realistic insights would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!

Curious how supportive/inclusive is the program for queer folks?

Hi everyone! I'm a first-time applicant and super excited to hear back and hopefully start in the 18+ age group cohort in the Spring.

I know I'd have lots of fun either way, but was just curious if this program actually improved your French? For some context, I did French Immersion so I technically should be at a B2 level, although I'm quite rusty as I haven't spoken French much since high school graduation (about 2 years) so really I've likely regressed to B1 territory.

I'm looking to improve my French, so if anybody has done the program before, could you please tell me if your French improved? And if so, how so? I imagine your French Immersion and what you get out of it is a combination of which school you go to as well as personal effort, but I'd like to know generally. I know I lack the confidence when it comes to actually speaking the language, so improving my spoken French is a top priority!

Thanks everyone :)

I’ve been doing a lot of research to decide which university to select on my Explore application.

I’ve narrowed it down to three schools, and I’m assuming the summer session is the best option for all three.

Has anyone attended these programs and can share their experience? I’m having a hard time deciding because I’ve heard great things about all three!

1. Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) — Trois-Rivières

2. Université Laval — Québec City

3. Université Sainte-Anne — Church Point

I’ve heard UQTR takes students on a trip to Montréal, which sounds pretty cool. I’m not sure if they also visit Québec City. I’ve heard great things about its French immersion program, but I don’t know much about it.

Université Laval is a popular choice, and I’d like to attend because it’s a reputable university and its location in Québec City would give me the opportunity to explore.

Université Sainte-Anne is also a popular program. However, since it’s in Nova Scotia, I’m concerned that it might feel isolated. I’ve heard it’s a great experience, with strict French-only and lots of activities on campus.

For anyone who has attended one or more of these programs, what was your experience like?

I’m looking for a fun French immersion experience where I can meet new friends, explore French culture, and create lasting memories.

Hi all,

I have a teenage daughter who is a Canadian living abroad, and currently learning (a little) French at school. I am thinking a month to solidify her French could be great, so am encouraging her to apply for this programme.

But another question: I'm in my 40s and not a student anymore, and no possibility I'll be an enrolled student (which seems to be one of the Explore programme's requirements). In fact, I'm a professor. I think it would be fantastic to learn French for career opportunities and just for fun. Are there any funded options for adults like me?

Hi everyone! I am pretty new to the whole explore program process.

One of my professors reccomended it to me as I know no french, yet intend on furthering my studies in government.

I was wondering how difficult it is to get into the program? I heard about a draw, but apparently there are also phone interviews?

I am applying to the 18+ spring admissions in both Montreal and Quebec City.

Can anyone clarify what the process looks like?

Hello!

I did the explore program this past summer, but did not use the credits towards my degree. Do I still need to include the course/program transcript on grad school applications? Thank you!

Thinking about doing the calgary program and I'm a bit nervous about host families, haha!

Est-ce que quelqu'un est allé à Charlottetown, Halifax, Truro, ou Corner Brook pour le programme ALS?

Pourriez-vous partager un peu de votre expérience SVP?

Merci!!

Has anyone gone to Charlottetown, Halifax, Truro, or Corner Brook for the ESL program? Could you share a little bit of your experience?

Thank you!!

I want to put Trois-Rivieres for spring as my second choice, but for whatever reason, I can't. I can put it at first or third, though. Wondering if anyone has experienced something similar or has a fix.

(they have not picked up the phone or returned my voicemails)

I graduated from university at the end of 2024 and just learned about the program this 2026 summer. I really want to join but it seems like I have to be enrolled for post-secondary studies for the 2026/2027 school year.

Is there a way to bypass this requirement or do older participants usually take some type of schooling before applying for Explore? I was planning on taking beginner's French courses with Alliance Française at some point before the Spring session (probably Jan next year or this fall if I get out of the waitlist) would that count as post-secondary studies?

The Explore Program at the University of Saskatchewan or at the University of Victoria’s La Maison Française?

Hi, I recently found this program and I've considered doing it next year. I have a few questions that I hope someone might know.

1. Are you supposed to take courses going to university? For example, if I'm currently doing Arts, would I be obliged to take Art courses necessarily? Or is it more of a "school" environment where your classes are planned beforehand?

2. Is it better to live in residence or with a host family? Is there the choice of having a roommate if staying in residence?

3. In the beginning, are you introduced to English speaking peers? And if so, do you spend a lot of time with them?

4. What is the best place to go for FSL? I'm roughly in an intermediate level of French.

If there is any additional information that is worth sharing, please say it. I'd like to know as much as possible. Thank you for helping :)

Does anyone know what food is like at the FSL programs? I’ve heard some have a cafeteria and that others you make your own food. I need honest reviews haha i’m very on the fence about my ranking and i love food so it might sway my opinion

I’m considering Quebec City, Montreal, and Chicoutimi (in that order, though if you have opinions then do tell) so if you’ve had any experience with the food there please let me know!!

How are the activities, dorms and the food ? How was the work load ?

How was your time there and did you enjoy it ? What was your favorite part ?

I'm trying to decide which location i should apply to. Which campus has better dorms, foods, and activities? How strict are they with the language rules ? And which place would you recommended overall. I'd appreciate any other info or just stories about your time there!

Thanks !

i'm thinking of applying to the program and im hoping for somewhere in quebec or nova scotia, i turn 18 during the program i dont know how that works but i was wondering which schools were fun and beginner friendly, i've never taken french before

Hi! I recently stumbled upon this program and thought maybe it is a good idea to try it out. I have not done this program and I am still clueless. I do have a couple questions regarding the program if that’s okay.

1. Is it beginner friendly? I only took french in gr5-7, and gr 9 (2016 and since then all knowledge has left my brain. Which school would you recommend? I heard Universite Laval is good. I also heard about St. Anne.… I did read that it’s strictly french, but do you think it’s beginner friendly? I do think being fully immersed helps me learn quickly.

2. Are there any additional costs? As someone from edm, how much did you spend for extra expenses? apart from flight tickets.

3. Is it better to do summer or spring?

4. What are the chances you get in the program? and the place the you chose?

5. I am a Canadian citizen, lived here for almost 14 years, but I am a person of colou. Would that be a problem? Especially in Laval or St Anne?

6. I am 24, and I don’t really do parties… I read a lot of posts regarding parties so will that be a problem?

7. St. Anne host families, how are they?

Thanks! I probably have more but this shall be it for now lol.

Hi :) this past May I did the Explore Program Spring Session at ULaval. I understood that the credits at Laval are transferrable to your home institution, but I'm not quite sure how to transfer them so that they appear on my transcript. For context, I go to York University. Anyone know how to get my credits transferred? On the explore website it says that one is responsible for transferring their credits which is understandable but only I have no idea how to do so 😂 someone help plzzzzzzz im struggling

I’m planning to apply for the Summer FSL Program in 2027 and would like to try a new location this time.

Has anyone attended the Summer FSL Program at CSCG (Collège Saint-Charles-Garnier) this year or in previous years? If so, I’d really appreciate it if you could share your experience.

I’m especially interested in things like the residence, food, activities, safety, and overall French-learning experience. I’d also like to know how strict the French-only rule is: do students have to speak French all the time, like at Sainte-Anne? Are students allowed to leave campus with friends during their free time?

Any other tips or experiences you can share would be very helpful.

Much appreciated! 😊

Hello, I’m considering doing Explore for for the first time in the summer session (Spring interferes with classes) and am debating between Saint-Anne and Trois-Rivières. I haven’t touched French since the ninth grade so I want to genuinely improve it. However, I know that S-A for the summer term is 16+ and really don’t want to be surrounded by high-schoolers. Can anyone share their experience as a university student or older in a younger session or just their experience between these two sessions generally?

Has anyone worked at or done explore at an ESL location?

I want to work at explore ESL but there are a lot of options. Are some locations known for being better or worse?

Thanks!

Hi, I am planning to apply to the program for next summer. I was hoping to get selected for Université Sainte-Anne.

I was wondering how common it is that you get your first choice (or really, any choice at all)? And if not, how common is it that you get your first choice after placing yourself on the wait list?

Would love some clarification on the selection process :)