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French High School Studies
- Where is the college Saint-Charles-Garnier located?
The college is only 10 minutes from downtown Quebec City (Quebec, Canada). The bus service is accessible within a 2 minute-walk from the school and goes to the central roads of the city. It is a 10-minute drive from downtown and a 20-minute drive from the airport. |
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- Can I study for only one semester?
Yes. The fall semester lasts from September to December whereas the winter semester is from January to June.
- What is the deadline for registration?
In order to fit the requirements of the Canadian Immigration and the administration, send your registration form 3 (three) months before the beginning of the semester.
- What are the requirements for the selection?
We take into account the student's academic grades (results) in the country of origin, a reference from the director of the student's immediate school as well as an intermediate level of competence in French.
- Will there be someone at the airport to greet me?
Yes, of course. Your host family and the person in charge of recruiting the families will be present. They can be reached at any time in case of any changes in the schedule. The Quebec City airport is very small and we can easily recognize one another. |
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- Who will take care of me if I have health problems?
The director general of the school signs a legal document with Immigration Québec which indicates that she will assure respectful conditions of the stay for your moral or physical integrity.
- How are the host families selected?
A number of families have been collaborating with our institution for years and we make sure our international students are in a good place. References can be provided upon request. The person in charge of recruiting visits each of the families and evaluates them according to a list of criterias well determined (moral values, physical conditions of the house or apartment, activities of the family etc,...). We give priority to families with children registered in our College.
- I am afraid of failing my school year, is it difficult?
Yes and no. The standards are high and you have to study hard. For instance, a quebecker will spend an average of two (2) hours a day on homework. You have to be motivated and courageous for the first few months. You also have to integrate into the life of the host family and take every opportunity offered to you in order to improve your French skills rapidly. If you have a positive attitude and are not afraid of sharing your emotions, all the teachers and the staff responsible for this program will contribute to your success. But never forget, you have an undeniable part of responsibility!
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- What is the weather like in Quebec?
Depending on the season, the weather can vary. In the summer the temperature is between 20 and 25 degree Celsius. In winter we sometimes have to "survive" to a minus 30 degree Celsius. Since the city is on the shore of the Saint-Lawrence River, the humidity seems to increase the feeling of coldness or warmth. There is no doubt that the changing climate around the world stops us from making predictions. We highly recommend that you have a look at the Environnement Canada web site before your departure.
- Do we have to wear a special costume or are there clothes that are not allowed in the school?
Yes, there is a uniform.
For a stay less than 3 months, the College will provide 3 polos or t-shirts.
For a stay more than 3 months, the College will provide 3 polos or t-shirts, one cardigan or shirt and one pair of trousers or skirt.
The College will authorize plain black pants (no jeans) and white shirts.
Students may decide to complete the uniform by purchasing, at their cost, additional pieces of the collection at Piacente (the store). Arrangements will be made for you upon arrival at the College.
Are also forbidden, running shoes (only at the gym), walking boots, ankle boots; casual shoes are accepted only. The cap is not tolerated in the school.
Body piercing is not tolerated. Only on the ear lobs with no exaggeration. Permanent or temporary tattoos are not permitted.
- What will be the most difficult for me during my stay?
From past experience, the most difficult challenge is to adapt to a different school life. You must accept that your freedom may be limited compared to your home. You have chosen to live here for many weeks and you are responsible for inherent behaviour . The rules that appear in the information documents are clear and by registering to the program, you accept the rules and all regulations.
Also, the schedule for the meals and the food served may be difficult to adapt to. We have students from different nationalities and everyone knows that it can vary from one country to another. You have chosen to live in Quebec for a while, in a program where the schedule for the educational and leisure activities may not suit everyone. It is difficult to conciliate everyone's habits; you have to trust our judgement! Moreover, you will notice that some vegetables and main courses are more popular in Quebec than in your country; remember that the same applies to us when we travel to other countries.
At last, it is not easy to live in French nor to be with friends who have a different mother tongue from yours. A constant effort will be essential with more or less nuance according to your level of competency. But remember: COMMUNICATION, SMILE ... and PASSION must be there.
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