UBC Certificate in French Language and Culture

Part-Time

The UBC Certificate in French Language and Culture has been developed to help people prepare themselves for study, travel or business in the French-speaking world. This program is designed for professionals and students who need to communicate with, as well as understand the culture of, their colleagues, instructors and clients.

This program offers participants the opportunity to become proficient in the language and to understand the different cultural backgrounds of the countries where French is spoken. In addition, the program offers the opportunity for students to learn the specialized French needed in their areas of expertise. Participants learn specific vocabulary, correct use of grammar, verb tenses and nuances of colloquial and formal language, as well as practice possible encounters with prospective clients, use the correct protocol, and prepare and deliver speeches.

View program information by opening the sections below, or contact program staff at 604.822.0800 or by email.

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Details and Fees

There is a non-refundable $500 registration fee for this program, due upon acceptance into the program. The cost of each language course (including course materials) is $315-$340 (based on 2012 fees). The cost for the Personalized Module, if taken as a tutorial on campus, is currently $750 with a minimum of 15 hours spent on campus. All fees are subject to change.

If a participant decides to take one of the French Immersion programs or the Personalized Module in a French-speaking country, the fees will change accordingly. The participant is responsible for all travel fees.

Curriculum

A minimum of five French language courses plus a Personalized Module are required to be granted the certificate. Participants are assessed at each level in reading, writing and oral skills. Instructors are native French speakers with work experience in French-speaking countries. Participants have up to two years to complete the requirements of the program.

To complete the UBC Certificate in French Language and Culture, participants are required to complete 150 hours of course work plus assignments and a final project. The language courses are designed to be taken in sequence; each course builds upon knowledge gained in earlier ones.

French Language Courses
The first part of the program consists of a minimum of five French language courses, plus assignments and tests. Students with previous French language experience will be placed in the appropriate level but are still required to complete a minimum of 150 hours of course work (including the Personalized Module) to achieve the certificate.

Personalized Module
This module focuses on the terminology of a particular field, as well as developing effective communication skills in the participants' area of interest. In addition, meetings with experts in the field may be arranged. Participants also engage in discussions, role-playing and oral presentations that they have chosen according to their areas of expertise. This module may be taken at the participant's workplace, on the UBC campus, or in a French-speaking region as a participant in a specialized program.

Assessment Methods Assessment methods include two assignments per course. There is an exam when the participant reaches the intermediate level and a final exam once the advanced level is reached. The first exam covers the curriculum from the beginner to intermediate levels, and the final exam covers material from the intermediate to advanced levels. A mark on oral abilities is also part of the final mark; this assessment comes from the instructor's observations during class periods. The students must complete each course with an average grade of at least 75% before moving to the next level. If the grade is lower, participants are required to repeat that specific level.

Handbook

Before applying to this program you must read and understand the terms and conditions in the Program Handbook pdf.

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How to Apply

Participants can apply to the program at any time. Prospective students are accepted provided they have passed the preliminary interview with the coordinator of the certificate program and have completed high school.

The program application form can be found by downloading the handbook and faxing or mailing in to our office.

 

 

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