From Paris to Montreal: How the French Language Will Become Your Ticket to Canada

Canada has two official languages, English and French, which have equal status in the country.

Currently, 22% of the population speaks French, and the Canadian government is taking various steps to preserve and promote the French language and culture.

Naturally, the status of the French language affects immigrants who come to Canada with knowledge of it. Their chances of successfully settling in the country, finding work, and obtaining permanent residency increase significantly.

What are the advantages of knowing French in Canada?

• Immigration programs for Francophones. Learning French can greatly increase your chances of getting permanent residency. The Canadian government is interested in attracting French-speaking immigrants and has special programs for them not only in Quebec but also in other provinces, such as Ontario, which has a stream for skilled workers fluent in both official languages of Canada. There are also programs for professionals with an intermediate level of French. French proficiency opens access to most immigration programs requiring knowledge of one of the official languages.
• Extra points for language skills in Express Entry and provincial programs. If you know both English and French, it gives you a significant advantage on the immigration path. You can earn additional points for bilingualism, which can be crucial for applicants. For example, in the Express Entry system, you can earn up to 50 points for knowing English and French. Additional points are awarded not only in Express Entry but also in many provincial programs, and some provinces select only French-speaking candidates.
• Immigration to Quebec. Learning French is a must if you intend to immigrate to Quebec, where French is the only official language and native to 85% of the population. Quebec, known for its unique culture and amazing location, offers beautiful landscapes, cultural diversity, and good social conditions, making it attractive for families with children. The province has its own selection system, Arrima, which gives additional points to candidates with children. Without knowing French, moving to Quebec is extremely difficult, so learning the language will definitely be beneficial.
• More career opportunities. Knowing French along with English improves your employment chances in Canada, as many jobs require both languages. In 2020, over 110,000 online job postings indicated the need for bilingualism. Bilingual specialists are in demand in federal institutions, tourism, international relations, education, and media. They also earn more. For example, in Quebec, Francophones' salaries can be 7% higher than Anglophones', and specialists who know both languages earn up to 20% more.
• Choice of educational institutions and unique programs. Studying in Canada means not only high-quality education but can also be a path to a work permit, successful employment, and subsequent immigration. While many choose English-language institutions, there are also many French-language universities with unique programs, such as Laurentian University in Ontario or the University of Montreal in Quebec.
• Cultural adaptation in the country. Knowing French, especially together with English, brings both significant advantages and useful bonuses in everyday life. It allows you to better understand and appreciate the French-speaking culture of Canada, including its literature, music, and art. You'll be able to communicate with Francophones, attend cultural events, and integrate into society faster without worrying about language barriers.

If you want to take advantage of the additional opportunities that knowledge of French opens up in Canada, it's time you started learning it!

How to start learning French?

To learn French quickly and effectively, you should choose the best teachers. Such specialists are ready to share their knowledge with you at the Alpadia language school.

Alpadia Language Schools is a network of language schools offering courses for learning foreign languages in various countries. Alpadia branches are located in Switzerland, France, and Germany. The school conducts foreign language courses for adults and organizes summer camps for children and youth. Currently, Alpadia operates under the umbrella of Kaplan International Languages, one of the largest and most respected organizations providing language education.

With Alpadia School, you have the opportunity to gain a unique experience of learning French in a language environment. Courses are held in Lyon, France, and Montreux, Switzerland. Thanks to intensive training, the most modern materials, highly qualified teachers, and constant immersion among native speakers, your progress will be as fast and productive as possible.

The school has developed several training programs from which you can choose the one that suits your needs:

• Standard 20 is a great opportunity to improve your general communication skills in a foreign language while maintaining free time. Lessons usually take place in the mornings, allowing you to freely manage your time in the afternoon and participate in school activities.
• Intensive 25, unlike the Standard 20 course, includes five additional lessons per week focused on oral practice. This allows for a deeper study of the language and improved communication skills through role-playing and simulation exercises.
• Premium 30 is designed for students who want to make quick progress. In addition to the Intensive 25 course, it includes a sixth daily lesson aimed at developing writing skills in small groups of up to 8 people. This is an effective way to improve both oral and written communication.
• Combi 5 & 10 — this course is designed for students who want to combine group classes with private lessons for a deeper language study. Specially selected learning activities will help prepare students for future language challenges in various fields.
• Exam Prep is designed for students who want to intensively prepare for an exam. It includes two preparatory sessions daily in addition to the standard 20 lessons. Groups are limited to eight people to achieve maximum learning effectiveness.

Courses at Alpadia School are suitable for learners of any level; students will take a preliminary test to determine their current level and will be assigned to appropriate groups.

To maintain a personalized approach to learning, groups are kept small with no more than 14 students. Alpadia guarantees that you'll make progress and improve your French level in just 10 weeks.

If you want to learn French in beautiful European cities with the opportunity to practice with native speakers daily, don't hesitate to sign up for Alpadia courses. As the language school is our partner, please email us at mail@immigrant.today to enroll. Start your big journey to Canada by learning French!