French immersion in Magog city

1. An Accommodating and open-minded school
2. Professional teaching
3. Magog / Orford international resort
4. Private one-to-one instruction or pre-organized groups
5. Homestay
6. Intensive French program (IFP)
7. Young at heart program (for pre-organised groups only)
8. Frequently asked questions
9. Federal Public Servants Training
10. References

An Accommodating and Open-minded School!

An approach that focuses on the student’s motivation and is adapted to the needs of individuals, provincial and federal officials, and companies!

A reputable institution

École de langues Immersion was established in September of 1993. Since then, it has developed a variety of French immersion programs adapted to everyone.

A unique approach that focuses on the student’s motivation…

The favoured language learning by the school is based on the immersion principle which brings students to become immersed in the culture of the second language thanks to social contacts, television, and newspapers. This type of learning takes place in the same spirit in which the mother tongue was learned.

By first setting the objectives to attain, then specifying the means to succeed, and finally putting them in motion, students commit to their learning and because of their motivation they increase their chances for perseverance and success. Thus, the students’ commitment to their learning is essential to ensure the smooth running of the course.

Commitment -> Motivation -> Perseverance -> Success

École de langues Immersion seeks to give students a sense of responsibility so that they can become self-sufficient quickly and have the opportunity to develop a positive attitude towards the learning of a second language as well as certain general learning skills transferable in other contexts.

The most important thing for participants is to set the objectives as clearly as possible. To help participants achieve these specific objectives quickly, the instructor will adjust his or her teaching methods accordingly.

The training offered by École de langues Immersion is based on communication. The school wishes for students to communicate efficiently and appropriately according to the context in which the second language must be used. The grammatical elements are tackled in a natural environment and in accordance with the needs that arise.

École de langues Immersion is very accommodating. The instructors prepare the lessons according to the specific objectives set by the students. This way, they can achieve these goals most efficiently. Thanks to a daily sheet with specific objectives relating to the four skills (reading, listening, talking, and writing) that students complete at the time of their first lesson, several relevant means to achieve the goals may be retained.

The school’s flexibility does not stop here as it offers either private or small-group lessons (not exceeding four people). This feature enables students to clearly express their needs and their expectations throughout the training.

Our school counts on the professionalism of its teaching staff. As far as possible, its instructors must:

• Be French-speaking or perfectly bilingual.
• Be specialized in the teaching of French (second language).
• Be specialized in one of these three fields: elementary, high school, or adult education
• Hold a Quebec teaching diploma.
• Have at least one year of teaching experience.

For example, here is a summary of Mr. Réal Bédard’s education. He is the CEO of École de langues Immersion Inc:

• Université de Sherbrooke, Master’s degree in teaching, 1993
• Bishop’s University, Specialist in the teaching of French second language, 1993
• Bishop’s University, Diplomas for advanced studies in Education, 1993
• Quebec teaching diploma, 1989
• Bishop’s University, Bachelor of Arts, 1986 Major: Foreign Languages
• 21 years of teaching experience

Mr. Bédard wrote his Master’s thesis on:

“The success of learning a second language is linked to the motivation of learning that language. This motivation is a result of the students’ involvement in their learning process according to their needs and interests.”

Magog / Orford International Resort

The Magog / Orford International Resort is located in the southwestern part of Quebec, with Magog (14,000 inhabitants) as its major city. Sherbrooke lies only20 minutes away and has a population of 76,000. Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and the New England states are also easy to reach.

This is a four-season destination with sports and cultural activities year round. Whether you enjoy alpine or cross-countryskiing, golf, camping, hiking or just plain sightseeing, you are sure to have lots to do in this area with highly developedtourist infrastructures.

For more information on the Magog / Orford region, write to:

Tourist Information Magog / Orford
5 Cabana, Magog (Québec), Canada J1X 2CY
Tel.: 1-800-267-2744 or (819) 843-2744

www.tourisme-memphremagog.com     info@tourisme-memphremagog.com

and request the quarterly brochure "Magog-Orford" describing the season's activities.

Or go to the Tourisme Québec website   www.bonjourquebec.com

Our FSL (French as a Second language) programs in Magog
Private one-to-one instruction or pre-organized groups

Our FSL (French as a Second language) programs in Magog city are designed for one to three persons maximum. Lessons last one hour and there are an average three hours per day Monday through Friday. However, this schedule can be expanded or reduced to suit individual needs.

Private one-to-one instruction with a specially tailored curriculum is the best method to achieve fast results for those wishing to learn French quickly or to brush up on their language skills.

Groups of two to three students are also effective and often more stimulating while lowering cost appreciably.

Programs begin when customers are ready to start and last from one to four weeks, or even longer depending on individual needs. The following is an example of tuition costs for one to three persons depending on the number of lessons.

* PP - Per person
* Each lesson lasts 60 minutes

The next example is the cost for one person to three persons lodging with a host family during 2 weeks and taking 15 lessons per week.

* All prices are quoted in Canadian dollars.
* Each lesson lasts 60 minutes
* PP - per person

The most cost-effective arrangement is to bring along a couple of friends or family members to make up a group of three. As you can see the above rates, the saving is substantial.

Linguistics and socio-cultural activities

Activities, excursions and industrial tours could be organized at the participant's expenses. They could be included in the French immersion program at your request. It is the best to give us notice in order to plan activities requested.

Availability

Our programs are available year-round and can be customized to suit the needs of any age group and goal to achieve.

Homestay
Most students who study at our school choose to live with a host family. Homestay placements are done by one of our full-time staff so there is always someone at school to answer questions about homestays. Our homestay coordinator visits and approves all of our homestay families before they can receive students. When you complete your registration form, you give us information such as your interests and hobbies. This information helps us match you with your new host family. Our goal is to find a family that shares your interests, where possible, so everyone will have a rewarding experience. Our homestay families are well-known for providing students with a friendly and caring environment. The profiles of our homestay families are very diverse. Some homestay families consist of a mom, dad and children while others may be a single person with or without children, or an elderly couple whose children no longer live at home.

Canadian families tend to have very active life styles. Daily exercise routines, busy work schedules and driving children to/from activities are part of normal family life here. Remember that Canadian family customs may be different from those in your own country. Participate where you can with your new homestay family.

Intensive French Program (IFP)

What is an IFP?
This program is for students who want to improve their French for personal or job-related purposes.  In this program, you will develop well-rounded French skills so you can express yourself in everyday and academic situations.

What is special about the IFP?

• Students are assessed and placed in the appropriate level.
• We use an established curriculum chosen by a supervisor with Masters level qualifications.
• Our program uses a wide selection of current instructional materials.
• We use a combination of texts produced by major publishers and in-house materials.
• Our small classes allow instructors to focus on your individual needs.
• There are free Friday activities for full-time IFP students.

Fees 2006 - 2007
PROGRAMS
Intensive French
(25 hours / week)

1 week   $ 500
2 weeks $ 1,000
4 weeks $ 2,000
8 weeks $ 4,000
12 weeks $ 8,000
24 weeks $ 16,000
36 weeks $  24,000

Lodging
Homestay
Private  bedroom
2 meals per day
$ 250  per week

REGISTRATION FEES
Registration Fee $100
Accommodation Request Fee $135
All prices are in Canadian dollars. US dollars will be calculated at the rate in effect the day the payment is received.
Prices are subject to change without prior notice

Intensive French Program Sample Schedule

Horaire-type

What is the Young at Heart Program?
This program is a one or two-week specifically for those who are 40 years or older.  Parents and children, couples, friends, French circles, etc are welcome!  Students improve their listening and speaking skills in the morning and participate in a variety of activities in the afternoon.  We recommend homestay accommodations for you (included in the cost of the program), but you may also choose hotel or bed and breakfast accommodations (at an additional cost). 

• You focus on communicating in French.
• The afternoons are full of great, learning activities.
• You can participate in a 1 or 2-week program.
• You will enjoy classes with students who are around your age.
• We use an established curriculum chosen by a supervisor with Masters level qualifications.
• Our friendly, experienced instructors will guide you in your learning. 
• You may choose to stay in a homestay, hotel, or bed and breakfast.

Program Length: 1 or 2 weeks
Class Size: Minimum of 4 students per instructor; Maximum of 8 students per instructor
Age of participants: 40 years and older
Hours of instruction: 30 hours per week (15 hours of class + 15 hours of activities)
Customized activities  on request
Price list on request


ACCOMODATIONS

Homestay
Most students who study at our school choose to live with a host family.  Homestay placements are done by one of our full-time staff so there is always someone at school to answer questions about homestays.  Our homestay coordinator visits and approves all of our homestay families before they can receive students.  When you complete your registration form, you give us information such as your interests and hobbies.  This information helps us match you with your new host family.  Our goal is to find a family that shares your interests, where possible, so everyone will have a rewarding experience.  Our homestay families are well-known for providing students with a friendly and caring environment.
The profiles of our homestay families are very diverse.  Some homestay families consist of a mom, dad and children while others may be a single person with or without children, or an elderly couple whose children no longer live at home. 

Canadian families tend to have very active life styles.  Daily exercise routines, busy work schedules and driving children to/from activities are part of normal family life here.  Remember that Canadian family customs may be different from those in your own country.  Participate where you can with your new homestay family.


Frequently asked questions = FAQ

Before arriving: Q: When should I arrive? A: You should arrive the Sunday before classes begin. Q: Can I arrive early or stay a few extra days? A: Yes, you can arrive early or stay longer; however, there will be an additional fee for the extra nights and days you will be in the program. Q: Is there an emergency contact number?     (819) 868-2656 Q: Where is the closest hospital? A: The closest hospital is the Centre de Santé et des Services Sociaux Memphrémagog  in the city of Magog . It is a 5 minute drive from the school. Q: How can my family contact me? A: You will receive the contact information if you are staying with a homestay family. Your family may contact you there. Your family may also contact you at the school: telephone (819 868-2656), or fax (819 847-2216) or mail to École de langues Immersion    135, rue des Érables     Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley      Québec Canada, JOB 1WO Q: How far in advance do I have to pay tuition and school fees? A: All fees are due 30 days before the first day of class. Q: Is it possible to cancel my program after I register? A: Cancellations made 30 days before the beginning of the program start date will receive a full refund less application and placement fees. There are no refunds on programs less than 12 weeks. Refunds on programs longer than 12 weeks will be granted for only the portion of tuition greater than 12 weeks and are subject to a $200 administration fee. Q: Should I get travel/health insurance before I arrive? A: Health insurance is necessary for students studying at our school. You can purchase it before you leave home. Q: What will the weather be like during my stay? A: Winter: a warm winter coat, boots, hat, scarf, and gloves are necessities. Spring: It is still cool in spring, so bring warm clothes, including sweaters and jackets. An umbrella is always a good idea in spring! Summer: Summer  is very comfortable. You should bring lightweight clothes like t-shirts, shorts, lightweight pants and jackets. Fall: It can be cool in fall so be prepared with warm footwear, a jacket, gloves and a hat. Accommodations: Q: What accommodations are available? A: Students usually stay with a homestay family Q: How far are the accommodations from the school? A:  Our homestays are located no further than twenty minutes away by car Homestay: Q: When will I receive information about my new homestay family? A: When our homestay coordinator receives your application, she will then find a suitable homestay family for you. Then she will send the information within a few days.. Q: How near are the homestay families’ homes to the school? A: Our families are located in and around the Magog area. Most homes are between five and twenty minutes away by car. Q: How do I travel between my house and the school? A:  You would need a car. Q: How are students matched with the homestay family? A: When you send us your application form, we look carefully at the information you include such as interests, hobbies, etc. We then try to find a family that shares your interests. Q: How many people are in most homestay families? A: The number of people in the host families varies. Some families include mom, dad and children. Others may be elderly couples whose children no longer live at home. Some families include a single parent with children. Q: What if I have special diet needs? A: If you have a special diet need such as an allergy to foods, or you are a vegetarian, please indicate this on your application form. This is important for us to know when we are trying to place you in a homestay. Q: Am I able to use the phone at my hometay family’s house? A: You should ask your homestay family about using the phone. Local calls are free; however, some families will tell you if they have house rules about the length of time you should talk on the phone. If you are making long distance call, we suggest that you buy a calling card in order to pay for the call. Also, most families prefer that you do not receive calls really late at night or really early in the morning. Ask your homestay family what is OK in their house. Q: Am I able to use a computer in my homestay family’s house? A: Many families have personal computers now. You should ask if it is OK to use the computer, if there is one in your homestay. The school has a number of computers for you to use before and after class. Q: Am I able to use my own computer in my homestay family’s house? A: Again, you should check with your homestay family to ask if this is OK. You may be able to connect your computer to the school network. Q: What about food? A: Canadian breakfast is usually at about 7:30 am on weekdays and later on the weekends. Canadians eat cereal or toast with tea/coffee, juice or milk for breakfast. On the weekends, we sometimes eat a larger breakfast or a breakfast/lunch combination called brunch. During the week, lunch is usually eaten at school around 12:00. On the weekend, lunch may be eaten between 11:30 and 2:00. An example of a typical Canadian lunch is a sandwich and fruit, along with other foods like yogurt or cookies. Snacks are sometimes eaten between meals. A snack is usually a piece of fruit, cookies, a muffin, etc. . Canadian supper time is usually between 5:00 and 6:30 pm. Meals often consist of meat, potatoes and vegetables. Of course, every family has different likes and dislikes, so you may find your family enjoys foods like pizza, fish, spaghetti, or pasta. Also, desserts are a favourite among Canadians.   Your homestay family may ask you to help with supper, such as setting the table before supper or clearing away the dishes after supper. It is good manners to offer to help if you see that the family is busy with preparations. This is also a good time to practise French! Take time to talk to your family about food likes and dislikes. Q: What do Canadian families usually do in their free time? A: Some activities families like to do are visiting friends and family, playing sports, using computers, going for walks, crafts, etc. Being a new member of your Canadian family, you will be invited to do things with the family. Please feel free to join in and enjoy the fun times with your family. Your French will improve if you get out and are active. Of course, you need your quiet time too. It is OK to say, “I need some quiet time.” School: Q: What can I expect on my first day of school? What should I bring on my first day? What time should I arrive? A: The first day of school can be a little scary, but do not worry! Our friendly staff will make you Q: How many students are in one class? A: The maximum number of students in one class is 5.   Q: Will I meet students who speak other languages? A: We welcome students from a variety of areas including Asia, South America, Europe and the province of Quebec. At any one time, there are usually students who speak 5 or 6 languages at Q: What are the qualifications of the teachers? A: The teachers have a Bachelors degree, a certificate for Teaching French as a Second Language, and experience teaching FSL. Q: What are the classes like? A: Our classes are friendly and educational. In the Intensive French Program, we offer reading, writing, listening / speaking/pronunciation, grammar, multi-skills. Students practise listening and speaking. Since we have a maximum of  five students per class, the classes are warm and students receive a lot of personal attention from teachers. Q: What is the class schedule like? A: Classes start at 9:00 and end at 3:30. Q: What is the average number of students per class? A: The average number of students in each class is between 2-5. Q: What is the maximum number of students per class? A: Five students is the maximum number in all classes. Q: Do I receive a diploma at the end of my program? A: Yes, all students receive a diploma at the end of the program. The diploma indicates the course in which you participated and the length of time.

 

Federal Public Servants Training

 

Second language training offered by the Immersion school first aims to help workers do well in the Public Service Commission’s tests. Second, it encourages them to use appropriately their second language in the workplace according to their position. With intensive practice, skills are developed simultaneously during the stay and this, in four categories which are reading proficiency, writing proficiency, oral interaction, and appreciation of the French culture. The last category establishes a direct link to the local environment via activities and field trips.

Three different levels are determined by assessing the learner’s needs further to a preliminary discussion with professors and according to results produced in past evaluations. Beginners or workers who have not been tested yet are welcome to Level A. Level B is for public servants who have already obtained A results in evaluations of the Public Service Commission and are aiming for B results. The advanced Level C is suited for those who already have B results and want to succeed in getting the highest results. Note that a person may learn each category at a different level.

Here are some examples of the skills that learners will have to acquire further to their training in the three levels:

Reading Proficiency

Level A:
- Understand texts on simple topics.
- Grasp the main idea in the text about current topics.
- Read and extract information such as dates, numbers, or places from
  relatively more complicated texts.

Level B:
- Understand most descriptive material.
- Grasp the main idea in most texts.
- Locate specific details useful for work.
- Distinguish main ideas from secondary ideas.

Level C:
- Understand texts on a variety of topics.
- Identify and understand most of the complicated details.
- Understand inferences and shades of meanings.
- Read easily with good comprehension of specialized material.

Writing Proficiency

Level A:
- Write limited units of information.
- Make full sentences on everyday topics.
- Use correct words related to time, place, or people.

Level B:
- Write short descriptive texts.
- Master the vocabulary on work-related subjects.
- Use efficiently grammar to communicate detailed information.

Level C:
- Write descriptions and explanations on a variety of work-related situations.
- Write texts in which ideas are developed and presented in a coherent manner.
- Master the appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and spelling that require few corrections.

Oral Interaction

Level A:
- Ask and answer simple questions.
- Give simple directions or instructions.
- Handle concrete work-related situations.

Level B:
- Give simple explanations.
- Give full descriptions of people, places, or things.
- Understand the speaker easily.
- Relate past, present, or future events.
- Handle work-related situations that have difficulties.

Level C:
- Give detailed explanations and descriptions.
- Handle hypothetical questions.
- Interact with other speakers fluently.
- Voice an opinion, hold a point of view, or justify a decision.
- Pronounce all used terms appropriately.
- Give advice and opinions.
- Handle complex work-related situations.

Appreciation of the French culture

According to the learner’s personal interests, the following activities can be done in nearby communities:

- Visits to museums and historical quarters
- Visits to local food and wine producers
- Seasonal festivals and celebrations
- Theatre and music shows
- Visits to art galleries and craft workshops
- Contemporary Quebec literature readings
- etc.

Professional teaching

Our school counts on the professionalism of its teaching staff. As far as possible, its instructors must:

• Be French-speaking or perfectly bilingual.
• Be specialized in the teaching of French (second language).
• Be specialized in one of these three fields: elementary, high school, or adult education
• Hold a Quebec teaching diploma.
• Have at least one year of teaching experience.

For example, here is a summary of Mr. Réal Bédard’s education. He is the CEO of École de langues Immersion Inc:

• Université de Sherbrooke, Master’s degree in teaching, 1993
• Bishop’s University, Specialist in the teaching of French second language, 1993
• Bishop’s University, Diplomas for advanced studies in Education, 1993
• Quebec teaching diploma, 1989
• Bishop’s University, Bachelor of Arts, 1986 Major: Foreign Languages
• 21 years of teaching experience

Mr. Bédard wrote his Master’s thesis on:
“The success of learning a second language is linked to the motivation of learning that language. This motivation is a result of the students’ involvement in their learning process according to their needs and interests.”

Private one-to-one instruction with a specially tailored curriculum is the best method to achieve fast results for those wishing to learn French quickly or to brush up on their language skills.

Groups of two to three students are also effective and often more stimulating while lowering cost appreciably.

Programs begin when customers are ready to start and last from one to four weeks, or even longer depending on individual needs. The following is an example of tuition costs for one to three persons depending on the number of lessons.

	1 PERSON	2 PERSONS	3 PERSONS
Registration fee	$ 100 *PP	$ 100 PP	$ 100 PP
15 hours	$ 825 PP	$ 450 PP	$ 300 PP
20 hours	$ 1,100 PP	$ 600 PP	$ 400 PP
25 hours	$ 1,375 PP	$ 750 PP	$ 500 PP
30 hours	$ 1,650 PP	$ 900 PP	$ 600 PP

* PP - Per person
* Each lesson lasts 60 minutes

The next example is the cost for one person to three persons lodging with a host family during 2 weeks and taking 15 lessons per week.

	1 PERSON	2 PERSONS	3 PERSONS
Registration fee	$ 100 *PP	$ 100 PP	$ 100 PP
Tuition (30 hours - 2 weeks)	$ 1,650 PP	$ 900 PP	$ 600 PP
Lodging (host family) (+ breakfast & supper)	$ 500 PP	$ 500 PP	$ 500 PP
Placement fee	$ 135 PP	$ 135 PP	$ 135 PP
Book	$ 40 PP	$ 40 PP	$ 40 PP
Total:	$ 2,425 * PP	$ 1 675 * PP	$ 1,375 * PP

* All prices are quoted in Canadian dollars.
* Each lesson lasts 60 minutes
* PP - per person

The most cost-effective arrangement is to bring along a couple of friends or family members to make up a group of three. As you can see the above rates, the saving is substantial.

Linguistics and socio-cultural activities

Activities, excursions and industrial tours could be organized at the participant's expenses. They could be included in the French immersion program at your request. It is the best to give us notice in order to plan activities requested.

Availability

Our programs are available year-round and can be customized to suit the needs of any age group and goal to achieve.

 

La Tribune (Sherbrooke, Qc)
Actualités, vendredi 28 juillet 2006, p. 7

Le chef conservateur de l'Ontario apprend le français en Estrie

Gagnon, Jean-François

Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley - Est-ce la preuve que le fait français au Canada est en progression? Après Stephen Harper, dont les succès auprès de l'électorat québécois ont surpris cet hiver, le chef du Parti progressiste conservateur d'Ontario, John Tory, a également décidé d'apprendre la langue de Molière. Et il a choisi l'Estrie pour se perfectionner.

M. Tory avait-il le choix de faire un effort pour développer sa connaissance du français? Probablement pas, puisque les deux autres chefs de partis ontariens, Dalton McGuenty et Howard Hampton, maîtrisent tous les deux relativement bien cette langue.

Néanmoins, lorsqu'on lui demande s'il désire séduire une part des 600 000 francophones ontariens, le chef de parti répond d'abord que non. "C'est un petit signe de respect pour eux", lance celui qui est le chef de l'opposition officielle en Ontario.

Il explique d'ailleurs que, au cours de la glorieuse histoire du Parti progressiste conservateur d'Ontario, un seul de ses chefs ayant occupé la fonction de premier ministre parlait français. Il s'agit de Frank Miller, qui avait semble-t-il vécu un moment au Québec.

John Tory finit toutefois par admettre que le fait d'être unilingue peut réduire la présence d'un chef à la télévision, ce qui n'a rien pour l'aider à se faire connaître des Ontariens francophones de souche.

Ancien grand patron de Rogers Media et Rogers Cable, l'homme de 52 ans avoue par ailleurs que certains le percevaient, il y a quelques années, comme un candidat potentiel à la direction du Parti conservateur du Canada, mais que son manque d'aisance en français l'a empêché de songer sérieusement à se lancer dans la course.

Mieux comprendre le Québec

Dans un premier temps, dans sa quête pour maîtriser l'autre langue officielle au Canada, John Tory s'est rendu à Avignon, en France, pour un stage d'immersion intensif.

Cette fois, son choix s'est arrêté sur la région de l'Estrie et l'École de langues Immersion, située à Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley. Il a eu droit sur place à des courts théoriques, mais a aussi visité différents attraits de la région tout en prenant soin de parler le moins possible en anglais.

"Ce que je trouve intéressant, c'est qu'ici tout se fait en français au restaurant, dans les commerces et ailleurs. Ce n'est pas comme si je suivais des cours en Ontario", confie-t-il.

Son séjour dans la région, où il n'avait mis les pieds que deux fois dans le passé, lui aura également offert la chance de "mieux comprendre le Québec. Beaucoup d'Ontariens ne comprennent pas votre province. Les Canadiens en général savent peu ce qui se passent dans les autres provinces."

Malgré qu'il s'avoue relativement peu sensibilisé aux réalités québécoises, John Tory juge tout à fait important l'apport du Québec au Canada. Il considère même que la présence du Québec, au sein de la confédération canadienne, sert à démarquer le pays face à son voisin américain.

jean-francois.gagnon@latribune.qc.ca

Catégorie : Actualités
Sujet(s) uniforme(s) : Partis politiques; Chefs de partis politiques
Taille : Moyen, 352 mots

(c) 2006 La Tribune (Sherbrooke, Qc). Tous droits réservés.

Doc. : news·20060728·TB·0014


 

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All rights reserved © 2012

École de langues Immersion 
135, rue des Érables 
Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley 
Quebec (Canada) J0B 1W0 
Tel.: (819) 868-2656
rbedard@immersion.qc.ca