What are the benefits of French Immersion?
Proficiency in a second language has many advantages, whether you live and work in a country like Canada that is officially bilingual or plan to travel internationally – La Francophonie has 56 members and representation on every continent. Shawnigan has a thriving French Immersion program that draws students from a variety of backgrounds, and while their experiences are different, the have all drawn benefits from the program.
Being a part of the French Immersion (Français Langue Seconde/FRAL) community was an experience I never knew I needed, yet one I wouldn't change a thing about. During my time in the program, I not only learned about the language and culture, but I also gained a community. I grew up in a French-speaking household, believing I knew most of the inner tricks and quirks about the language, yet I was proved wrong within the first month of the course, and rightfully so. I was truly surprised at everything I had not learned, and found the class much more exhilarating than I would have ever imagined. The FRAL program has brought me the option of completing my Dual Dogwood Diploma. Graduating with a dual-language diploma is something I never would have known of if not for the FRAL program. And yet, today I find myself nearly finishing this door-opening program.
Before I finish up today, I would like to express how much the FRAL program helped me integrate into Shawnigan. When I began in September of 2022, I found myself worried, lost and somewhat scared to be here. This was a big change, and I wondered how I would make friends, while everyone was split apart by boarding houses and classes. Yet the FRAL program is the one that never changed. Now, years later, I remain friends with those who made me realise the community our school can be. I have had the pleasure of having the same teacher, Mme Guffens, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Joining FRAL was way outside my comfort zone when I first came here, yet I am so happy I did, so I urge you, take the leap you fear, it may be the one that shapes you into who you are or where you call home.
– Celeste C., Grade 12
Shawnigan Lake School’s French Immersion program has provided me more than just academic opportunities; it has helped me find my place in the School community. When I came to Shawnigan from my small French Immersion school in Washington, the French American School of Puget Sound, I was worried about adapting to a larger school environment. Instead, I found a program that welcomed me, helped me transition into high school, and challenged me to grow. Through the French Immersion program, I gained more confidence in speaking the language, explored new ideas, and connected with other students. Now, I’m even considering furthering my education in a Francophone country. Overall, the French Immersion program at Shawnigan has been such a significant and meaningful part of my life.
Shawnigan's French Immersion program has been a key aspect to my time here. It’s one of the main reasons I chose Shawnigan. I have been in French immersion since kindergarten, and shared that class with about 15 other students, however, by the time I hit my Grade 9 year, my school no longer offered French, and the program was coming to an end. I made the switch to Shawnigan for my Grade 10 year. Needless to say, it was quite a change. The rigour of Shawnigan exceeded that of my previous school by a significant margin. I struggled in the beginning, but, contrary to what the first grade I received might have suggested, I learned quite a lot, quickly.
I am now entering my third and final year with the Shawnigan French Immersion program, and I am noticing the difference French has made on me. Last night, exchange students from France came to my boarding house. I was able to speak fluently with them in
French to help them get situated. What’s more, when my family visited France, my knowledge of the French language allowed me to communicate with the locals, which I believe set me apart from other tourists and allowed for us to have a much nicer trip.
The French immersion program is also special because it unites the students as a class. Coming to Shawnigan, I made my first friends through that class – people I am friends with to this day. Our teacher, Mme Guffens, is also great; she keeps our classes engaging and developmental. Overall, it is an experience I’m grateful for. As far as future opportunities go, the French program provides us with an AP certificate, an opportunity for the DELF B2 exam (for an official French language diploma from the French Ministry of Education) and a Dual Dogwood Diploma, all of which will be of great benefit to me as a Canadian, living in a bilingual country.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
