Kathy Asari has been named the Director of Western University’s French Immersion School, effective April 1, 2019. She is the first non-French woman to lead the School.

Asari is fully prepared to embrace the diversity in language learning at the French Immersion School.

Coming from a non-French family, Asari started her French language learning in high school.

“I remember I had amazing instructors teaching French. My passion for French sparkled ever since high school,” Asari recalls.

A graduate from Western University with a Bachelor’s degree in both Biology and French Studies, Asari embraces the application of language in multiple areas of study that is not limited to language learning itself. Currently, Asari is completing her Ph.D. in French Language and Literature at Western University, with a special thesis topic in French writing for non-French speakers.

“It was interesting to see how Canadian students learn French, and how students learn English in France when I was completing my MA and taught English. It is beyond language learning. I often encounter students from different educational backgrounds. I had students in law, finance, engineering, and even students like me in science, who are attracted to language programs. They apply their language skills in their areas of interest,” says Asari, “Language learning brings students benefits in their study or work, and they practice beyond the communication skills, which broaden their horizons, stretch their thinking, and improve their creativity.”

Western's French Immersion School is a unique immersion program.

In a long-lasting partnership in the French speaking community since 1932, the School is located in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec. The School facilitates interactive French learning courses for non-French speaking students in various topics, including arts, music and dancing. Offered through Western Continuing Studies and in a partnership with Western’s Department of French Studies, university students can earn direct credits toward their degree. The government funded Explore Program, which promotes bilingual learning in Canada, also recognizes the School as their hosting site. Students who participate in the programs learn French language in the Québécois context, in class as well as community activities in the local area. Residing with the host families during their time of study, students extend their language learning to day-to-day events and strengthen their personal connections with the community.

Asari’s bond to the French Immersion School is strong. During her undergraduate study at Western, she participated in one of the programs as a student. In the past four years, she also has taught many courses at the School. Throughout her teaching time, she has noticed the importance of language learning for non-French speakers.

“I’m glad that the Trois-Pistoles community has embraced the increasing diversity in the past 87 years. I look forward to exploring the French heritage in the surrounding area, and potentially explore our partnership with the First Nation communities. I would like to see how Western experiential learning benefits our students and promotes diversity and multilingualism in broader areas.”

“I value Asari’s expertise in pedagogy as she ensures students’ practice and achievement in language learning.” says Carolyn Young, the Director of Continuing Studies. “As a formal program participant and instructor, Asari has the practical experience and tie to language teaching and learning in Trois-Pistoles. Her belief in diversity furthers her cultural fluency and brings transformative value to the school.”
“As the school continually grows in diverse demographics and size, we see opportunities to explore partnerships in the Trois-Pistoles region,” Young says. “We will work closely with the community to maintain the relationship and to make sure both the host community and our students will gain meaningful experience with the School.”

Embracing diversity and exploring opportunities

Being the first non-French background in the Director of French Immersion School, Asari sees herself in embracing diversity and exploring opportunities in language learning for students. A four-time recipient of Western University Student Council's Teaching Honour Roll, Asari also received the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award and Great Ideas for Teaching (GIFT) Award at Western University. Asari is trained in Neurolinguistic Approach to second language learning by the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers; and she is a certified examiner trainer of DELF/DALE, which is an internationally recognized exam for French competency.