There's no doubt about it: learning a second language is difficult. We know that it is a real challenge and that you will require God's help to learn French well. Nevertheless, experience has shown that this time can be, and often is, one of great encouragement and personal growth.

Our course is taught by a team of instructors whose mother tongue is French. Included in the course are many off-campus learning activities along with the normal classroom program. Language learning is supplemented by use of Rosetta Stone software.

The goal of the course is to create an environment in which students with varied capacities and backgrounds can learn as much French as possible during the time they are here. Students are encouraged to use French right from the first day in order to make good progress. After a short time, they will find themselves totally immersed in the French culture.

Upon completion, students will not only be equipped to speak with those around them, but will be able to communicate with government officials, speak on the telephone, understand biblical texts as well as news on the radio, television and in the newspapers. They will also be able to pray in public, give their testimony, explain the plan of salvation, read printed material aloud, write official and personal letters and fill out forms. They will be equipped to function in any francophone country.

Regular Courses for Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced

Our program called "Invitation" is made up of three main elements: grammar, dialogue, and conversation-in-context. Each grammar rule is applied in dialogue and conversation-in-context and reinforced by additional exercises. This permits us to evaluate the written and oral comprehension of the student. In order to achieve all of our objectives, we have developed other courses and pedagogical tools. Here is a list of the courses and their content :

Dialogue (1 period per day)

Through role-play and memorization of dialogues, students improve their pronunciation and increase their vocabulary.

Grammar (1 period per day)

Includes presentation of grammatical rules and written work, vocabulary and spelling, composition and translation. Students learn basic grammar in order to better understand daily conversation.

Conversation-in-context (1 period per day)

Through a variety of activities, students learn to take the vocabulary and dialogues learned in class and apply them to daily living experiences and situations which they will likely encounter in francophone countries. They develop their ability to understand French, answer letters and fill out forms.

Phonetics (daily for the first two weeks for beginners)

Students develop pronunciation skills such as intonation, accent, elisions, cadence and liaisons.

Bible Vocabulary and Comprehension

A variety of means are used to assist in equipping students for life and ministry in a French evangelical context by broadening their understanding and use of biblical terminology and their exposure to French congregational singing.

Rosetta Stone Home Language Laboratory (minimum of five hours per week)

In addition to the above courses, students will use their personal copy of the French Rosetta Stone Language Library software on their personal computer to reinforce their understanding of French vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. Weekly reports will be given to the professor indicating the time invested with Rosetta Stone. Tests for each unit will also be submitted to the professor.

Writing workshop (as needed upon request)

The objective of this course is to prepare students who will serve in an administrative function. Emphasis is placed on French legal and diplomatic terminology, correspondence, and reporting formats. This includes reading and writing exercises using newspapers, government literature, customs forms, etc. Grading is based on mid-term and final exams.

Christian Character Program (For dormitory students only)

This mentorship program emphasizes Bible verse memorization, personal evangelism and regular meetings (bi-monthly) with a Word of Life Bethel staff member to encourage continued growth.

Integration Course

(For students who have completed the advanced level)

• Writing workshop - 3 hours per week
• Proficiency in French grammar - 6 hours per week
• Conversation development - 5 hours per week
• Active listening - 3 hours per week
  • Students will choose between various means through which they will develop their listening skills in French.

French Immersion in Biblical Studies

We also offer an French Immersion in Biblical Studies program for students who possess a basic knowledge of French, who wish to perfect their language skills while deepening their knowledge of the Word of God and broadening their exposure to French ministry and world missions. If this describes what you are looking for, please contact us to obtain more information on this program.

Other Elements

Perspective on Missions

During the school year, students present their ministry to the students and staff of Word of Life Bethel during one of our weekly chapel sessions.

Special Language Learning Activities

In order to help our students practice what they are learning in real-life contexts, various special activities are offered throughout the year, with an increasing emphasis during the spring semester. These activities may include a treasure hunt in Sherbrooke, picnics and visits to places such as historic Quebec City, a sugar shack, a restaurant, an apple orchard, local parks, museums and tourist sites.

Help and Support

Academic:

Professors will be available outside of class hours to provide additional assistance to students. If ongoing help is needed, the school offers tutoring services. The registrar will work with the student to seek to meet their needs in this area. There is an hourly fee for this service.

Spiritual:

Students will be assigned a staff member who will meet with them once every three or four weeks. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss difficulties, to share blessings and burdens, to pray together and to complete a personal evaluation.

Faculty

Michel Roby:

• Master's degree in Adult Education Studies from the University of Sherbrooke.
• Bachelor's degree in French Studies from the University of Sherbrooke.
• Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Sherbrooke.
• 20 years of experience.

Mariette Plante:

• Bachelor's degree in Christian Education from Bethel Bible Institute.
• Minor in French from the University of Sherbrooke.
• 9 years of experience.

Other teachers are added when necessary.