Learn French within Canada!

Explore is an intensive, government-funded immersion program offered during the spring and summer in exciting locations across the country of Canada. The sessions are taught at accredited institutions, and students live on campus or with local host families. Each session lasts around five weeks and students are able to gain a credit under Trent University. All levels of French can participate.

Follow this link to learn more about the program!

How can I gain a credit with Explore?

In order to achieve a university credit through the Explore program, you must first fill out a Letter of Permission. These can be found at:

myTrent > finance > Trent University Marketplace > Office of the Registrar > Letter of Permisison

A Letter of Permission (LOP) costs $100.00 (non-refundable*) and must be submitted before the deadline depending on which term period you're applying for (Explore only runs sessions during the Winter term and summer term). The deadlines are:

Summer registration: May 21
Winter registration: November 14

Students approved for an LOP for this program will receive conditional approval for a Trent course equivalent. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the course code and syllabus to the Office of the Registrar (by email to lop@trentu.ca) once they have been placed in and started classes at the host institution. The course content will be evaluated by Trent University to determine eligibility for a Trent equivalent.

We strongly advise students to read the LOP Guide before filling out an LOP. It is also recommended for students to check out the LOP Website to gain further knowledge of the eligibility and limitations of obtaining an LOP as a Trent Student Visiting another Canadian University.

If you have any questions, please contact Kate Logan - Trent Study Abroad Advisor.

Check out our student profiles to see what the experience is like!

Kathleen Soule

Forensics and Psychology joint-major

When did you participate in the Explore Program? Why did you decide to participate in this program?

Summer program 2021: UQAC, Chicoutimi, Quebec
Spring program 2022: University of Sainte-Anne, Church Point, Nova Scotia

I was planning to study abroad in England, UK for my third year, 2020. However, because of the restrictions of the pandemic, my program was cancelled. My Study Abroad Advisor, Kate, suggested EXPLORE as a domestic travel and learning experience that was still running.

Reflecting on before the program and after you participated in the Explore Program, how much did your French skills improve?

My first experience in Chicoutimi I was in the second lowest level of French (5/6) since I had not taken a French class in 8 years. I feel that I improved mostly in my listen and reading French comprehension. I believe I improved slightly in my French skills and the structure if the language itself (e.g. grammar).

My second experience with Church Point, I had a drastic improvement in my French skills. I was able to speak more fluently and understand almost all the conversations I had with people and the staff. I began in the second level again (7/8) and at the end I jumped 2-3 levels in my French skills (5/8).
What did you experience on this program? Where did you live? What kind of excursions did you do? Talk a little bit about your experiences with the program, (e.g., studies, excursions, life in Quebec).

Chicoutimi: I enjoyed my experience in Northern Quebec and focused primarily on meeting new people and experiencing the culture of the Saguenay region. I stayed on the UQAC campus in a suite style dorm with 3 other students. The program offered weekly excursions to students that allowed us to explore the region but also the outdoors and the culture. The ones I participated in included a kayaking excursion and going on hiking trails. I did a lot of my own excursions with the friends I met such as camping, rock climbing, attending concerts, going to the beach etc. The life in Chicoutimi was very welcoming as the citizens were patient and allowed the students to use their newly learned French in cafés, restaurants, and shops. We were situated close to the downtown sector and had bus passes to travel the city. My course itself involved various presentations, quizzes, and homework which aided me in learning the structure of the language. In Chicoutimi, we had additional activities where the students learned traditional Saguenay region dancing, spoon playing, circus activities, board games and more.

Church Point: Compared to Chicoutimi, Church Point is a small town in Nova Scotia. Meaning there was less of a city atmosphere, rather we remained at the University majority of the time. I stayed in the residence on campus as a dorm style. The residences were divided by age, which added to my experience in a positive way because I was able to connect with other students my age immediately. Each week, Church Point had excursions to the nearest shopping area, to Farmer’s market, local light houses, walking trails, and more. The staff at EXPLORE made sure that the students had their own events such as concerts, themed dances (e.g., 1950’s, Louisianian, Halloween, etc.), music performances, sports (e.g., basketball, baseball) and more. I found that this EXPLORE focused on the true immersion experience which excelled all the students’ French skills. Furthermore, the university was situated right next to the beach and ocean, which had the best sunsets. Not only did it have an amazing view, but students also used the gymnasium, tennis courts, walking trails, and local ice cream store. Although there were not many stores to go to outside of the university, we never not entertained or busy. I found the pace of my program amazing, as I was placed in a class that suited my needs. In my class, we focused on the oral and auditorial skills using the language lab and being provided homework to speak to other students on campus. The class and studies were very interactive and engaging.

How has this program aided in your university journey? How has it helped you get to where you are today?

It has aided in my university journey immensely. Not only have I made many friends who live all over Canada, but I have a new appreciation for learning a language and hope to continue my French learning. Potentially, work in France, or a French speaking Country. The EXPLORE program was my alternative exchange, since I could not go to England. With the programs only being 3-5 weeks, as a student you learn how precious time is and what little time there is to experience everything. The EXPLORE program taught me more than French skills, but also about life and cultural differences.

What was one of your favourite experiences/memories from the Explore Program?

My favourite memory from the EXPLORE program was from the current experience in Sainte-Anna. I remember after one of the dances, my residence and I talked for hours after, asking each other questions (e.g., what has been your best part of the program? Were you scared to come to this program?). Of course, we spoke in French, and we were all varying levels. This is my favourite memory because it solidified our relationship with each other. We all travelled across Canada to come to this program for many different reasons but were going through the same experience. It was amazing to see the other students’ French improve and learning how each person changed over time. We were all patient when we did not know the words in French, and helped each other.

What advice would you give your fellow students or someone else considering participating in the Explore program? What are the benefits of having participated in the Explore program?

I would advise all students to go on EXPLORE, and to choose a location out of your Province. This will allow you to meet others that have totally different experiences and can bring a new perspective. I have met people from both the East and West Coast of Canada. I plan to travel to the West coast to visit in the winter break this year. Without the EXPLORE program, I would not have made those connections and would have not planned to go ad travel! It has not only assisted in my French learning, but has pushed me to go outside my comfort zone and see Canada.

How has this experience changed the way you see the world, how has it changed your plans for the future?

The EXPLORE program has provided me with the tools and understanding of how I learn French the best and has shown me how appreciative we should be about learning a language. Moreso, having the opportunity to understand another culture and connect with a whole new group of people. Furthermore, it has given me a new perspective on people who do not speak my language, English, and how scary it can be to enter a country/culture and not know the language and not be able to communicate what you want adequately. Therefore, I have more compassion and understanding for how people feel.

Would you recommend this program to fellow students who are looking to begin their study abroad journey?

I would absolutely recommend this program! I would recommend get involved as soon as you can! Whether you are in high school or in university, apply for this program. After participating in a few programs, you could get the opportunity to work as a leader (“Animateur and Animatrice”) for the EXPLORE program! The more programs you complete, the better your French will be, the more people you will meet and the more experiences you will have.