French Language Support
Take up the challenge
Did you know that the majority of students who choose a program in French at SFU have English or another language as their mother tongue?
We understand that it may seem daunting to study at university in a second or even third language; this is why OFFA and the Department of French have put in place several language support services to ensure your success.
For those enrolled in a program in French
French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs
Do you have a big assignment to submit for one of your courses and need to focus on the content (and not on potential French language mistakes)? Take advantage of language support sessions to have your work reviewed so that you can understand your mistakes and improve your French. The language assistant normally offers 4 hours of linguistic support per week, with in person and Zoom sessions, during the Fall and Spring terms. Contact us to find out more: fcpmgr@sfu.ca
The SFU Library also has a section of resources in French specifically for the French Cohort Program. Don't hesitate to consult this guide for your research and assignments, including citing guides: Ressources en science politique et histoire.
Department of French
The Department of French offers several in-person and online services to support all students enrolled in French classes.
WMC 1621 houses a drop-in computer lab where students have access to computers with French-language learning software (several also available online). The computer lab also houses a library of DVDs and French novels, which are available to all our students.
The Tutoring Center offers individual help to students with course material and written assignments as well as group conversation practice. You can also participate in the French Student Union (FSU), which organizes student activities including the French conversation club. For more information on student resources provided by the Department of French, contact frengen@sfu.ca.
Teacher Education Programs - French Module
Students enrolled in the Professional Development Program (PDP) or Professional Linking Program (PLP) - French Module at SFU's Faculty of Education have access, throughout their studies, to a person dedicated to supporting them on the linguistic level and in the writing of assignments and the preparation of oral presentations in French. For more details, contact: educ_offa@sfu.ca
Graduate Diploma, Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs in Education
Students enrolled in a graduate program in French at SFU's Faculty of Education have access, throughout their studies, to someone dedicated to supporting academic writing in French. It is not a document editing service, but rather an interactive effort that enables progress over time. For more details, contact: educ_offa@sfu.ca
Other resources available to everyone
At SFU:
Student Lounge at OFFA:
In the student lounge at OFFA, there are two computers with French grammar correction and writing assistance software: Antidote. Take advantage of this tool before you submit your work.
SFU Library:
The SFU Bennett Library has a large selection of French material and a dedicated librarian to help you find resources, as well as the Student Learning Commons offering various workshops.
- Librarian and resources
Liaison librarian for French programs and links to new books and resources in French
- “Improve your French!” section
Directory of associations, materials and resources to improve your French
- Student Learning Commons
Workshops on academic writing in French - Resources in French
Quick links, books and journal articles, online dictionaries
- Citing and writing in French
Guide to plagiarism, citation management tools and writing guides
External resources:
Language Portal of Canada
The portal provides free access to tools to improve your knowledge of French and English.
ENHANCE LANGUAGE LEARNING IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM WITH MAURIL
Mauril is an innovative and free digital language learning platform available to anyone living in Canada who wishes to improve their French or English oral comprehension skills and boost their communication confidence! Mauril can be easily incorporated into your lesson plan as an in-class activity or it can be used by your students at home or on-the-go. Developed by CBC/Radio-Canada and endorsed by the Government of Canada, the app leverages an extensive collection of stimulating and engaging content curated by pedagogical experts. Students will watch and listen to clips, answer questions, try real-world language challenges, and progress through each level at their own pace. What’s more, they will be exposed to words, expressions and accents heard across the country, highlighting Canada’s diverse cultural landscape and promoting a deeper connection to local communities. By seamlessly integrating language learning into everyday life, Mauril aims to elevate oral comprehension skills and facilitate the practical application of language knowledge.
Curious about Mauril? Download the free app today at Mauril, or sign up for the next free webinar by emailing mauril@cbc.ca, and discover how Mauril can complement classroom learning.