Learning and Training

Types of institutions and education

Québec’s school system offers several different pathways for children, teenagers and adults.

Click on each institution to learn about the different options.

Understanding and overcoming concerns

Registering your child in school in a new country can be a stressful step. 

You are not alone: many parents have the same concerns.

Here are some tips to reassure you as a parent and help your child adjust to their new school.

Making school an important part of family life

School is much more than a place to learn. It can help your child:

• Make meaningful connections (friends, teachers, coaches, mentors, etc.)
• Develop their talents
• Learn or improve their French
• Participate in arts activities that support self-expression

For parents, school is a place where you can get information, find support and get to know other parents.

Getting ready for the welcome interview

When you arrive, you and your child will be invited to a welcome interview. This is an opportunity for the school to get to know your child better and to discuss:

• Their academic background and migration experience
• Difficulties they may have experienced
• Their skills and interests

You are not required to share everything. You should feel comfortable sharing it.

You can also take advantage of the interview to ask questions and share your concerns.

An interpreter can attend if you don’t speak French. Check with the school or a community organization offering support to immigrants and refugees | Government of Québec.

During the interview, staff will check if a French language skills assessment is needed for your child. This assessment determines whether your child needs support.

There are two types of support:

Using additional services when needed

In addition to teachers, schools offer free services to support children with adjustment or learning difficulties.

R FC EI These professionals can also refer you to health or psychosocial services at an establishment near you.

Getting involved in your child’s life at school

Your involvement can have a positive impact on your child’s academic success.

You can:

Reach out for support when needed

There are resources available to help you better understand the Quebec school system.

Adjusting to a new learning environment

Coming to an educational institution as an international student often requires:

• Improving your language skills
• Getting used to a new culture and different ways of doing things

It is normal to feel confused, lonely or misunderstood. It takes time and patience to adjust.

Tips:

• Participate in language or intercultural exchange programs offered by educational institutions can help you integrate with the support of other students.

• Knowing about certain aspects of the learning environment in Québec can help you on your learning journey.

These include:

Teaching style: lectures combined with discussions with the professor

Academic expectations: emphasis on classroom participation, teamwork and submitting work on time

Evaluations: quizzes, oral presentations and midterm and final exams

Workload: often underestimated by international students

Flexible study options: option to take fewer classes or drop a class, depending on the number of credits required by the MIFI

Language of instruction: a certain level of French or English is often required to take a class

Technology and tools: digital tools and software are often used

Resources: learning support for students with disabilities (for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), guidance, reception and orientation

Participating in discussions

For some international students, classroom participation and teamwork can be a challenge, especially if these practices are new.

However. it is important to participate and express yourself in discussions. Everyone should feel included and listened to in class. Mutual respect is essential.

If you experience incivility, harassment or discrimination, don’t hesitate to talk to:

• Your professors or your program’s department
• Your student association
• Student services (the ombudsman at your educational institution, psychological support services, student affairs office, etc.)

Managing academic pressure

For international students, the pressure can be higher because of:

• Worries about your study permit, job or future in Québec
• The high expectations of your family back home or a sense of responsibility toward them
• The difference between your academic habits and requirements in Québec

Some stress can be beneficial. It can help motivate you to concentrate and review what you learn. But too much stress can affect your learning and well-being.

Tips:

• Create a balanced routine that includes time to relax and unwind.
• Take advantage of the resources offered by your educational institution (stress management workshops, mental health support services, support groups, etc.).

Dealing with financial pressure

Studying in Québec comes with a major price tag, in addition to moving and living expenses.

Working while you study can help you cope with financial pressure. However, it is important to:

• Meet the conditions to work with a study permit
• Make sure you have enough time to study, work and rest
• Remember that finding a job that meets these conditions can take time

Building a social circle

It can be hard to socialize between classes, assignments and (sometimes) a part-time job. However, building relationships is essential.

Tips:

• Participating in social activities offered by your educational institution (events, clubs, student groups, etc.) can make it easier to meet people.
• Connecting with people with the same interests, language or experiences as you can give you something to talk about and help you feel more “at home.”

Making sure you stay safe

Participating in student life is beneficial, but can involve certain risks like:

• Social pressure (for example, feeling like you have to participate in uncomfortable activities)
• Excessive alcohol or drug use
• Sexual violence or inappropriate behaviour

It is important to stay alert, set limits and ask for help if needed.

If you experience or witness a dangerous situation, call the police (911).

Respecting the requirements of your migration status

To maintain your international student status, you must respect the conditions of your study permit.

The process of renewing your status can be stressful and take time. Get started early and check for changes to policies or procedures on official websites.

Accessing health care and services

With the RAMQ, you have free access to public health and social services.

Without the RAMQ, private insurance can cover some costs. It is important to check what types of health care and services are covered.

Your educational institution may also offer options like:

• On-campus health care and services for students, regardless of their migration status (mental health services, medical appointments, testing, dental care, etc.)
• Additional insurance you can buy to cover other types of care and services (dental care, mental health counselling, pregnancy-related care, etc.)

Why learn French?

If you do not speak French when you arrive, learning the language can be an essential step in your adjustment process.

Being able to express yourself in the language and understand it allows you to:

• Improve your confidence and independence in your daily life
• Understand and access services (health care, education, etc.) more easily
• Understand local nuances
• Access jobs and positions that match your aspirations and skills
• Access training
• Expand your support system
• Interact with people from different backgrounds
• Participate in community life

Facing the challenge of learning a new language

When you arrive, some things can make it harder to learn French, like:

• Responsibilities, getting settled and the need to find a job quickly
• Challenging experiences before and while migrating
• Limited education in your first language and learning difficulties
• Learning a new alphabet

It is normal to feel:

• Discouraged about the complexity of the language
• Frustrated that you can’t express yourself fully or clearly
• Afraid of making mistakes or speaking in public

Tips:

• Find out what services are available to meet your needs (French classes, conversation workshops, language exchanges, French literacy classes).
• R Ask your sponsor or host organization to direct you to the right services.
• Participate in activities organized by a community organization offering support to immigrants and refugees to interact with others in French.
• Set realistic, step-by-step goals.
• Practise every day, even a little.
• Make learning fun with songs, movies, podcasts, games and mobile apps (Duolingo, Babbel, etc.).
• Read and listen to news reports in French by Québec media sources.

Services to learn French

The Government of Québec offers French classes for people aged 16 or over who:

• Live in Québec and want to learn the language
• Are abroad and have received a CSQ or CAQ
• Are abroad and plan to move to the province

Registration is optional, but strongly recommended.

French literacy programs

These programs are designed for people aged 16 or over with limited education in their first language. They are usually offered by community organizations or adult education centres.

These organizations can assist you:

Language exchanges and conversation groups

These activities are often free and are offered by libraries, community organizations and educational institutions. Find out what options are available near you or online.