What is francization?
Francization is to Frenchify. It’s learning French. But in Quebec, francization involves more than learning a language. It also means learning how Quebec society and culture work.
The francization course is structured in several ways:
- it has up to 12 levels
- it covers 6 themes that are modulated through the levels
- there are two government bodies that have created a francization program
Yes, there are 12 levels for francization courses. Normally, the maximum level offered is 8. Then, it is possible to follow French courses intended for French speakers.
Levels 1 to 4 are considered beginners’ levels. It is worth noting that level 4 is the level of language proficiency required to obtain Canadian citizenship.
Levels 5 to 8 are considered intermediates’ levels. In some cases, level 7 is required to obtain permanent residence in Quebec.
Levels 9-12 are considered advanced. Few places in Quebec offer courses at these levels. It is best to take regular French lessons or turn to language schools to get a course that meets your needs.
The subjects taught in francization courses are grouped into 6 major themes. I have added a few examples of skills for each:
- Education and the world of work: filling out a form, having a job interview, communicating with the staff of the establishment
- Personal and social life: accepting an invitation, inviting people to a event, give news
- Living and traveling: finding accommodation, talking about housing problems, understanding bus schedules, getting your bearings in a city
- Health and well-being: talking to the pharmacist, understanding a prescription, going to the doctor, describe a health problem
- Consumption and the environment: understand an invoice, understand the price accuracy policy, understand guarantees,
- Culture and media: understand a weather report, read the news
Where to learn?
You can learn online or in class. Online learning gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace, whenever and wherever it is possible for you to dedicate time for your learning. You may be interested in the online course provided by 100%Québec. You can give it a try here.
In class courses are a great way to connect with other people that may be living the same situations adapting to the new country.
The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Inclusion (MIFI) and the Quebec Ministry of Education (MEQ) have set up francization programs. Both programs deal with the same themes.
They aim to develop the four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The MIFI offers francization courses mainly in CEGEPs for people with more than 9 years of schooling in their country and in community centers for people with less than 9 years of schooling.
The MIFI finances the learning of francization courses for up to 55 weeks.
Many people funded by the MIFI end up in adult education centers. There is a lack of francization teachers.
For schools, they are very different from one city to another. The program taught is that of the MEQ, even if the person is financed by the MIFI.
In general, courses are offered full time,30 hours per week. Each course session lasts between 8 and 11 weeks. Normally, one session = one level, except for levels 1 and 2 which are often given during the same session.
Courses are offered full-time during the day, part-time in the evening and distance learning is possible from level 3.
There are therefore specific schedules to follow. Not to mention the papers to be provided when registering for the francization course and the neverending forms to complete with MIFI.
Please note that you have to register on the MIFI’s website, called Francisation Québec, for your francization course, no matter if you wanted to learn in an adult center or in a Cégep. The MIFI will decide which learning center is closer to your home and will send you there.
Francization courses are not offered everywhere in Quebec. Classes are full. It is possible to be put on a waiting list before having the opportunity to start the course.
This is why I have created my online francization course. It is accessible to everyone, anywhere in the world and at any time of the day. Try it for free.
No waiting list, papers to provide and schedule to follow. It’s perfect for real beginners.
The advantages of francization
There are several advantages to taking a francization course:
- learning French spoken in Quebec
- reducing stress related to immigration
- understanding the Quebec accent
- being able to communicate one’s needs and being understood
- learning how society
- develop autonomy in Quebec
- discover the culture of your new country
- be able to leave major centers, such as Montreal, to find a job.
There are many more benefits than mentioned. We could add better self-confidence, the possibility of getting promotions at work, to find a better job, to know your rights and have them respected, to communicate with your children’s teachers, etc.
The goal of francization is autonomy. Autonomy brings peace of mind.
Ready to start?
Try my course for free (trial for true beginners.) You will find out how the course is structured and if it is right for you.