Explore

This spring I had the privilege of working at the University with the French immersion summer bursary program called "Explore". I had also accepted a position teaching Kindergarten for the last two months of the school year so it was busy, but fun.

The University students were in French classes during the day (which I couldn't teach because I was teaching Kindergarten!) and participated in cultural activities and outings on evenings and weekends. I was an activities coordinator for these outings.

It was a great chance to appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings as well as the tourist attractions that we offer here. All the students, especially those from out east, were amazed and really loved it. There is much that we take for granted here!

We visited Wanuskewin and Batoche on field trips and had other neat activities such as a restaurant and casino night where the students practiced their language skills. As leaders we used our acting skills and played the servers and dealers for activities like this! We had the chance to converse with the students, help them with expressions, joke and laugh - all in French! It was a welcome change to spend time with University-aged students after spending all day with Kindergarteners.

Several of you have expressed an interest in learning French or improving your skills. This program is a great way to do it. The cost is minimal (it is government subsidized) and you get to travel within Canada and "Explore" a new spot. The program is offered in tons of cities across the country. The students in the program have lots of fun and make great friendships. I had a wonderful time as a leader too! It is definitely something I will consider doing again next year :)

Kyla, I hope you're enjoying your adventure with Explore in Quebec this summer!