[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Explore_Quebec.jpg” caption=”Joey Lauw-Kalata Soehardjojo, Allison James Pilobello, Anna Rak and Joanna Marks pose in front of Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. Photo courtesy of Joey Lauw-Kalata Soehardjojo.”]Parlez-vous francais? That's what a group of McMaster students did this summer at Universite Laval in Quebec City, thanks to a program called Explore.

Joey Lauw-Kalata Soehardjojo, Allison James Pilobello, Anna Rak and Joanna Marks took part in the five-week intensive language course funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

“Knowing French is a valuable asset to expand my human resources management career in Canada, and as a new immigrant, to integrate with Canada as a whole,” said Lauw-Kalata Soehardjojo, a third-year commerce student.

Not only did the students brush up on their French skills, they also enjoyed French-Canadian culture and cuisine.

“I have learned how different the province of Quebec is from the rest of Canada,” said Anna Rak, a second-year commerce student. “It is truly unique and I was astonished to see that almost everyone in Quebec City is bilingual.”

The Explore program provides students with a bursary that covers tuition fees for the course, instructional materials, meals and accommodation. Students can stay at a residence on campus or with a French-speaking family.

Courses are offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level. In addition to Quebec, the program is also available in British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

“This was a great experience,” said Joanna Marks, who recently graduated with a BA in psychology and sociology and is returning to pursue a BA in economics. “The teachers were magnificent, the Quebecois society was very accepting, and many new friendships were formed. I cannot think of a better summer experience than taking part in this program, which invovles learning while having a great time.”