Bishop’s University

OUI EXPERIENCE: A unifying initiative to promote the French language and Quebec culture on campus

Bishop’s University, in collaboration with its Département d’études françaises et québécoises, is thrilled to launch OUI EXPERIENCE, a brand-new initiative designed to make learning French as a Second and Additional Language more accessible to its student community, while encouraging exploration of Quebec culture. Beginning this fall, this immersive experience will offer non-francophone students a wide range of linguistic and cultural opportunities.   

OUI EXPERIENCE aims to make learning French and discovering Quebec culture part of everyday life on campus – both inside and outside the classroom. Open to the entire university community, the initiative will foster meaningful interactions among French-speaking, English-speaking, and allophone members of our community to meet and interact in French in a warm and welcoming environment. It also seeks to support the  integration of students from outside Quebec through engaging and educational activities.   

“Being bilingual or plurilingual is a valuable asset that opens many professional, cultural, and interpersonal doors. It is this richness that OUI EXPERIENCE wishes to promote, in the context of our English-language university in the heart of a French-speaking city and province,” says Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of our university.  

To strengthen the presence of French at Bishop’s University, the university has adopted an incentive-based approach encouraging students to participate in OUI EXPERIENCE activities on a voluntary basis. This initiative also emphasizes that French is already a vibrant part of campus life – it is spoken and heard every day. 

“I applaud and celebrate Bishop’s University’s efforts to promote and enhance the French language and Quebec culture. Learning French is essential for successful integration and allows you to discover our entire city and region. For a city like Sherbrooke, which is predominantly French speaking but proud of its history and English-speaking past, combining our two languages enhances the city’s reputation and highlights our local character! Congratulations to everyone for this promising initiative!” said Évelyne Beaudin, Mayor of the City of Sherbrooke. 

Activities such as OUI Café, OUI Lunch, daily tutoring, zine-making workshops, themed dinners at the French Hub, TV series lunches, movie nights, book clubs, and cultural outings are just a few examples of what OUI EXPERIENCE has to offer. Every encounter is an opportunity to engage in French and build lasting connections.    

French as a Second Language courses offered by the Département d’études françaises et québécoises are also part of the OUI EXPERIENCE. These courses prepare students to communicate effectively in French within cultural and professional contexts, while developing both oral and written skills.   

At the heart of the program is a commitment to inclusion, personal growth, and the success of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in achieving their academic and professional goals.

This launch marks the beginning of an evolving journey. New projects will be developed over time, and the  surrounding community—individuals, businesses, and organizations—is invited to propose activities and join OUI EXPERIENCE, which offers students a vibrant and authentic experience of French both on campus and throughout the Estrie region. 

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Source and information:
Sarah Théberge – Chair, Département d’études françaises et québécoises
819-822-9600 extension 2050 | sarah.theberge@ubishops.ca

Media inquiries:
Sonia Patenaude – Manager of Communications
819-342-2587 | spatenau@ubishops.ca

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