As part of the Francization program managed by the École de langues in partnership with the Québec ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI), the students in one of our courses in French as a second language (FIA 330-2) held their first Salon interculturel de la francisation, an intercultural Francization fair, on Thursday, January 19, at the Université de Montréal. The activity orchestrated by our integration officers, Alexandra Herpin and Jean-Philippe Laliberté, had a dual purpose. First, the students were to compare the society of their birth with that of Québec, on the basis of various categories: pace of life, family, recreational activities, work, art or food. Second, the students’ objective was to highlight the challenges in integrating into Québec society.

The event was very well received by the 50 or so students in attendance. All of them participated with great enthusiasm, taking to heart the task of presenting their country and thoughtfully explaining the challenges awaiting them in their new society. The fair was truly an opportunity for sharing, and mutual respect and encounters.