Learning French before you leave: a smart and sensible way to prepare your arrival!
The province of Quebec is home to about 8,5 million people, most of whom speak French as their mother tongue (80%). French is also Quebec’s official language, the language of public life, work, business, education, commerce and culture. If you have decided to live and work in the province of Quebec, you should learn French to ensure your successful professional and social integration once you arrive.
A number of Alliances Françaises and institutes outside Quebec have entered into agreements with Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) to help those who wish to immigrate to Quebec to learn or improve their French and discover Quebec-related content specifically tailored for this group. Those who have obtained a Quebec selection certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec) may, under certain conditions, be reimbursed for a portion of the fees paid for French courses taken prior to leaving their country of origin.
For more information, visit: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/french-language/country-departure/index.html
A series of online tools are also available to help you learn French:
Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF)
Francisation en ligne (FEL): these courses are reserved for those over 16 years of age who have obtained a Quebec selection certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec).
Once you have arrived in Quebec, you may need to perfect your French comprehension, speaking and writing skills. The MIFI, its agencies and partner training institutions offer a wide array of French courses. Find out more about the resources offered to you in the Quebec City region in this guide for newcomers and their families.
LEARNING FRENCH IN THE QUÉBEC CITY REGION:
You will find below the contact lists for the various institutions or organizations that offer French classes, francization services or French workshops based on your status: