English or French immersion
in Montreal city

Quality Education

We take learning seriously. Our teaching and administrative staff are highly qualified, and are dedicated to making your learning environment as conducive to learning as possible. In the English program, our three distinct classes in accuracy (grammar, reading, and writing), comprehension (listening, pronunciation), and fluency (speaking, writing) make learning the language easier. The French program focuses on developing conversational skills, and offers unique language and cultural outings.

Friendly School and Home Environment

We want you to enjoy your stay at the Language Center, so we have created an environment that helps you relax. Each official start date begins with a Welcome Brunch where new students are paired up with old students. This "buddy system" is a great way to meet new people. Your buddy can answer many of your questions and concerns about Montréal . As Montréal is a bilingual city, it is possible to live with an English, French, or bilingual family. Living with a Canadian family is your chance to meet and get to know people from different backgrounds and cultures. We encourage you to interact with your host families and learn about the differences and similarities between Canadian families and families from your home country.

Fun Social and Cultural Activities

Acvities are offered year-round. Summer months include all the festivals the city has to offer, as well as activities such as biking, in-line skating, sailing, and barbequing. Autumn brings cooler weather and the changing colors of the Canadian maple trees. It is truly a great time for hiking , horseback riding, canoe-camping, and more. During the winter, we keep warm with skiing and apres-ski, skating, ice fishing, and dogsledding. For those who prefer the indoors, Montréal has an abundance of museums, theaters, and concerts, as well as the underground shopping centers. Spring is a magical time with the melting snow and new blossoms to awaken the soul. It's also the time to visit the Cabane a Sucre, and taste Québec's tire, which is maple sugar made on snow.

Our Services

• We arrange homestay and other accommodations
• We arrange transportation from the Montréal Dorval airport, if desired
• We offer assistance with banking, immigration, doctor's visits and assistance in solving any problems that might arise
• We have small classes (maximum ten students) with professional teachers who provide individual attention.
  Students enjoy nicely decorated, sunny classrooms in a renovated building in the old section of Montréal. Classes have brick walls and hardwood floors
• Students and teachers sit at round tables, making classroom discussion easy and comfortable
• We provide access to a computer lounge to practice on CD ROM language programs
• We give students free access to the Internet
• We provide books and videos which students may borrow
• We offer the official ‘TOEIC’ and ‘Test de Français International’ exam
• We provide free grammar, idiom, and pronunciation workshops
• We organize cultural and social activities throughout the week and on weekends
• Most importantly, we offer a friendly place to study
  
  

At School

Don't miss our cultural exchanges, movie screenings, pot luck dinners, parties, special guest speakers, and student performances. In the evenings, come with us to a museum, a movie, a sporting event, or one of Montréal's many festivals.

Winter

Come see how beautiful Montréal is under a fresh blanket of snow. Head to Mont Royal to toboggan, to the Old Port to skate, or to one of the many ski hills just outside Montréal to ski and snowboard. Don't miss the sparkling lights of the Christmas season, the ice sculptures at the Botanical Gardens, the Fête des Neiges starting in January, and the Montréal Winter Festival in mid-February. Be sure to spend a weekend in nearby Québec City, which was one of the first European settlements on the continent, and is at its best in winter.

Spring

Spring is maple syrup season! You will have the chance to visit a Cabane à Sucre, where they will see how maple syrup is made, taste syrup freshly frozen on a bed of snow, enjoy a traditional Québecois meal, and learn traditional folkdances. Attend Vues d'Afrique, a festival celebrating African and Caribbean culture, or join the Tour d l'Ile, a bicycle trip around the island of Montréal that thousands of citizens participate in. There is also the Montréal Chamber Music Festival, and the Air Canada Grand Prix - the only Formula One race held in North America.

Summer

The sun stays up until late in the evening during the summer, and Montréalers stay up with it. Outdoor terraces and parks throughout the city are crowded with groups of friends enjoying the beautiful weather. Go rollerblading alongside the river, watch the free bongo jam sessions every Sunday on Mont Royal, or go canoe camping along one of the many rivers in Québec. Don't miss the International Jazz Festival, when city closes part of downtown and offers free jazz performances during a ten-day period. In summer, there are more festivals than you can imagine, including the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, the Nuits d'Afrique Festival of African culture, the Dragon Boat Festival, the International Fireworks Competition, and the World Film Festival.

Fall

In fall, the leaves on the trees turn gorgeous shades of red, yellow, and orange, while a fresh breeze sweeps through the city. This is a great season for hiking and mountain biking in the mountains that surround Montréal, and for taking long romantic walks on Mont Royal in the centre of the city. Try horseback riding in the countryside, or apple picking at a local farm. Attend the Festival of New Cinema, and the International Festival of New Dance. Finally, don't miss Halloween, the one night of the year when you can be anything you want to be!

Facts about Montréal:

• Founded by the French in 1642, Montréal retains a strong connection to its historical roots, and a European flavour that is unique in North America
• Today, Montréal is bilingual and multicultural. It is a vibrant yet sophisticated city that plays host to thousands of visitors every year
• Montréal has a population of 3.4 million, representing more than 80 different ethnic groups. Montréal has thousands of restaurants where you can taste food from around the world
• Montréalers love to celebrate; the city boasts the best nightlife in Canada, and holds countless festivals and other special events throughout the year
• Shoppers will appreciate our underground city. This network of underground tunnels extends for nearly 30 kilometres and connects most of the major shopping malls and subway stations downtown. Above ground, be sure to stroll along Saint-Catherine, Saint-Denis, and Saint-Laurent streets
• Montréal has many museums and cultural centres, as well as historic buildings, beautiful churches, and open-air markets
• Montréal has an excellent and affordable public transportation system of buses and subway trains, allowing students to get around town quickly and easily

Homestay

Homestay is the accommodation of choice for most of our students since it provides you with your own room and two meals a day. It also provides you with a unique Canadian experience. Living with a host family can be a wonderful part of your stay with us in Montréal. It is a chance to become involved with the community in which you have chosen to study. Although it can seem a little daunting at the beginning, with an open mind and a positive attitude, the experience will be a memorable one. Your host family is there to support you in a new environment and will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. However, do keep in mind that a homestay is neither a hotel nor a boarding house. It is your home away from home, and you are a member of the household. Therefore, always try to respect the rules set by your host family and have consideration for the people you are living with.

Homes are located not more than 45 minutes from the school by bus and subway so students have easy access to activities in Montréal. English, French or bilingual homes are available.

Student Residence

A student residence is an experience in cultural learning and cooperation and it is also a great place to meet many people from all around the world. At the residence, you will have your own private room, but the other facilities such as the kitchen and washrooms will be shared with other people. Our main student residence is located about 25 minutes from the school by bus or metro. The rooms are fully furnished, and are are cleaned weekly. There is also a common area with a television, where you can socialize with the others living in the residence.

Our mini-residences are a bit more cosy for those who would like a little more privacy. The mini-residences are of four to five rooms, so it is like your own shared apartment! They are located about 35 minutes from the school. A great option if you are two or three friends travelling together.

Furnished Apartments

Furnished apartments are available for the school students wishing to live on their own or with a friend. Tour Trylon offers fully furnished apartments that are located on Ste-Famille Street in downtown Montréal. The rent includes all the basic amenities as well as bedding, dishes, a hair dryer, an alarm clock, and an iron. There is also an indoor pool, a sauna, a small gym, and a laundry room. The rent varies according to the size of the apartment and the season in which you are renting, so please contact us to verify prices.

On Your First Day

Welcome Brunch
If you begin your studies on one of our official start dates (see the course calendar), you can join our Welcome Brunch, where you will be paired up with currently enrolled students who will act as your "buddy". While snacking on bagels and muffins, you and your buddy can chat and get to know each other. Your buddy will answer any questions you might have about the school or Montréal, introduce you to other students, and generally help you feel more comfortable here at the school.

Walking Tour
Students are given an orientation session, a tour of the school, and a short tour of Old Montréal to get you accustomed to the area. We'll show you some of our favorite eating spots, the waterfront and some historical sights.

Placement Tests
During the morning of your first day, you will be tested in three areas: grammar, comprehension, and fluency. Based on the results of these tests, we will place you in the accuracy class, comprehension class, and fluency class that is right for you. We want to place you in levels that you will find challenging, but comfortable.

Student Identification Card
Bring two photos and we will prepare a student card so you can enjoy student discounts around town.

Registration
Let's finish all the paperwork for your stay at the school

Language Requirement
All students must sign a contract agreeing to use the language they are studying at all times while on school premises. This contract is strictly enforced.

What to Bring?

Summer
The weather in Montréal during the summer months is wonderful. Temperatures vary from 21 - 31 degrees Celsius. It is a comfortable dry heat. Light summer clothing with a sweater and pants for cool evenings is recommended.

Fall
Fall brings beautiful natural colors and cooler weather. It is best to bring a warm coat and sweaters.

Winter
Cold but usually nice and sunny. This is a great time to enjoy all the northern sports. However, warm coat, gloves hat and winter boots are necessary. Temperatures may vary between -5 and -15 degrees, but in general the temperature is about -10 degrees.

Spring
From April on, the weather is nice and mild. Bring a sweater and a windbreaker for cool rainy days.

Banking & Other Information

Banking
If you intend to stay in Montréal for several months, it means you will also need money for your everyday expenses. If you are staying for a period of 6 months and more, we can assist you in opening a bank account. If you bring money from your home country, try to carry Traveler's checks. This is one of the safest ways to carry large sums of money.

Health
All students are required to have accident and health insurance. We have negotiated a favorable rate for POINT3 students with an insurance company if you would like to purchase insurance through the school. For students purchasing insurance in their home country, proof of this must be presented to the school administration on your first day of classes.

Safety
Montréal is a relatively safe city. However, you must always be careful as you would in your own country.

Traveling
Public transportation in and around the Montréal area is an excellent way to get around. City bus and metro passes are about $48/month and discounded fees are available for those under 25 years of age who are studying full time.Major city centers such as New York, Boston, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Québec City and Toronto are relatively close to Montréal and can be visited on weekend trips.

Handy French

As Montréal is a bilingual city, most people can speak both English and French. Here are several phrases in French that may help you when arriving in Montréal - just in case the person you approach for help does not speak English.

Airport Pick-up

Airport Pickup Service
We offer a personalized and luxury, stress-free service from the moment you arrive in Montréal. Our airport pick-up servcie greets you at the airport and brings you to your new accommodation. Transportation is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for $75 (one-way).

Bus Service
There is bus service from Dorval airport to the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Montréal. The price per person is approximately $11 one way or $21 return.

Taxi
Taxi service from Dorval airport to the downtown area is approximately $30. Be sure to confirm the price beforehand.

Intensive English Program

The English Intensive classes are geared towards improving your language level by acknowledging your strengths and focusing on your weaker areas. English classes are arranged into three distinct classes that focus on accuracy, comprehension, and fluency.

Accuracy Class
Students improve their knowledge and usage of grammar structures through reading, writing, and oral activities. Students are given many opportunitites to practice new structures while speaking about various topics of interest.

Comprehension Class
This class develops students' ability to understand native English speakers' pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation, as well as the idioms that are routinely used. Students improve their oral comprehension by listening to audiocassettes, movies, and music. Teachers also help students to improve their pronunciation through classroom drills and exercises.

Fluency Class
This class is devoted to speaking and writing; however, reading and listening activities are also included in order to promote and elicit conversation, and to provide models for fluency. The fluency class follows short themes in order to review and build upon vocabulary and expressions. Students are expected to participate fully so that they practice elements learned in accuracy class and comprehension class.

The Intensive English classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, for a total of 25 hours of English per week. We also encourage students to participate in after-school activities and workshops because we firmly believe that the best way to learn a language is to be as immersed in it as possible. Our free workshops are designed to promote better understanding of various language areas such as pronunciation, idioms, and expressions, and grammar.

TOEFL Preparation

The TOEFL Preparation course is designed for students at a high intermediate level plus, who intend to write the official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam in order to enter college or university level courses.

TOEFL program is integrated as part of the intensive program over a minimum of four weeks. During this time, this fast-paced course focuses on English grammar: the different elements of grammar, the parts of speech, and idiomatic expressions. Vocabulary-building and test-taking techniques are also a big part of the TOEFL course. As students work through the different areas to be tested, they are required to reflect upon how the language works. Reading and writing exercises are homework requirements and practice tests are given along the way to permit the students to experience a test situation, and to develop the concentration necessary to complete the two-hour test. Practice exercises on the computer allow students to become familiar with the new testing methods of the TOEFL examination.

Intensive French Program follows a 25-hour a week work schedule. It focuses on developing conversational skills, as well as the other important language skills (reading, writing, and listening).

Our program also includes a weekly two-hour practical language outing, which allows students to discover many interesting aspects of the Québecois and French cultures. These outings include trips to museums, historical sites, markets, cafés, and more. While on the outings, students are encouraged to make contact with local people and use their skills in real-life situations. Each outing is prepared in class beforehand with a follow-up activity afterwards to reinforce newly learned language. With each lesson, vocabulary increases and grammar improves to build the students' fundamental language skills. As their language ability increases, the scope of the students' study broadens to include topics such as business, literature, culture, media, and more.

Classes are held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and the two-hour practical language outing is scheduled once a week from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free language workshops are offered and are highly recommended to students in order to improve pronunciation and grammar skills outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to ask for assistance with areas of difficulty.

Course Calender : to be confirmed

*** Price list on request: rbedard@immersion.qc.ca

Student Visa & CAQ

You may enter Canada and attend classes at POINT3 Language Center for 24 weeks or less with a Visitor Visa. If you are planning to study more than six months in Canada, you MUST apply for a Student Authorization or Working Holiday Visa from the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your home country before arriving in Canada. You must also obtain a CAQ (Certificate of Acceptation for Québec) before sending your papers to the Canadian Immigration office.

The student will need

1) a passport,
2) a letter of acceptance from the school papers
proof of sufficient funds for living expenses, and in some countries, a medical examination.

Visa applications may take up to three months to process. Please verify with the Canadian Embassy in your country.

Other places:

• Ottawa
• Vancouver
• Mississauga
• Toronto
• Calgary
• Victoria

 

 

All rights reserved © 2007

École de langues Immersion 
135, rue des Érables 
Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley 
Quebec (Canada) J0B 1W0 
Tel.: (819) 868-2656 Fax.: (819) 847-2216 
rbedard@immersion.qc.ca