Trois-Pistoles: A Fusion of Learning and Culture

By: Sara Preston

Western’s French Immersion School in Trois-Pistoles celebrates its 87^th anniversary this year. As the oldest school of its kind in Canada, it offers a range of unparalleled and well-refined experiences that will speak to your sense of adventure and your desire to learn.

With several program options to choose from, visiting Trois-Pistoles could be just the kind of adventure you seek. French language and culture is an important aspect of the diverse Canadian cultural landscape. While French fluency is a valuable asset in the job market, the benefits of getting acquainted with your inner Francophone go far beyond bolstering your resume.

Renewed self-confidence

You may be thinking, “I’m not confident enough in my ability to speak French to take part in this program.” You’re not alone! It’s true that immersion in a language or culture different from the one you experience on a daily basis may leave you feeling somewhat vulnerable at first. But before you know it, you’ll literally be dreaming in French!

Robert Everett-Green, a feature writer for the Globe and Mail, wrote about his experience in Trois-Pistoles as being akin to going back to school as a young child. He reflects on his journey towards developing his French language skills in his article where he says, “I was much more fluent and confident by the end, and found the whole exploration so engaging that I had mixed feelings about returning to an anglophone environment, where anglophones actually converse in English.”

A community of friends

Everyone in your group is at the same level of ability as you, and you learn and grow together, creating new friendships based on your ever-expanding understanding of each other’s thoughts and ideas in a new language.

While some of your time will be spent in the classroom, it’s the community that will ensure you have a truly immersive experience. The whole town is your campus, where you’ll be drawn into the lives of the locals, a community dedicated to ensuring that you feel comfortable communicating with them.

An experience you will never forget

The town of Trois-Pistoles is beautiful. On a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, your time here is sure to be unforgettable.

Students have the opportunity to participate in activities anywhere from whale watching along the St. Lawrence River and hiking through Parc du Bic, to traditional dance lessons and a gourmet dinner with the Director and staff.

You can easily access the sights of Trois-Pistoles by bike, where you’ll feel like you’re riding through a quaint European countryside. And while you’re riding through town, you can eat to your heart’s content at any of the local markets, cafés or poutineries to ensure you experience true Québécois cuisine.

A new sense of what it means to be Canadian

We live in a country that is proud of its diversity, and each and every one of us brings something unique to that. Proud Canadians embrace all of the culture and history that our country has to offer. Take every opportunity you have to explore our beautiful country, and start your journey here with a crash course in indulging your wanderlust, and accessing the wonder of traveling within our own borders.

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