Church Point (N.S.), May 18 2017 – Université Sainte-Anne’s 2017 French-language immersion sessions will soon elevate students at the Church Point campus to new heights. Since 1972, these sessions have attracted learners from a wide range of educational backgrounds, experiences and origins, who come to study French in an experiential learning environment.
On the strength of its nearly 45 years of experience, Université Sainte-Anne has carved out a reputation as one of the world’s top French-language immersion programs. In addition to earning 6 university credits, session participants gain an invaluable asset: deeper knowledge of one of Canada’s two official languages.
“In today’s highly competitive labour market, bilingualism is in high demand, offering more employment opportunities both nationally and internationally. Université Sainte-Anne is pleased to offer a springboard to those seeking to expand their future options.”
- Allister Surette, Université Sainte-Anne’s President and Vice-Chancellor.
Key to the success of Université Sainte-Anne’s French-language immersion school was its former Dean, Dr. Jean-Douglas Comeau. After starting his career at Université Sainte-Anne in 1972 as a French-as-a-second-language instructor, his career progressed through various positions, and in 2005 he was named Dean of French-Language Immersion Schools—a position he held until his retirement in 2017. Dr. Comeau was awarded the title of Honorary Dean of the Immersion Schools during spring convocation this past May. Upon his arrival, Dr. Comeau undertook the work of building and developing a French-language immersion school which, 45 years later, is renowned as one of the world’s best schools of its kind.
Jean-Douglas Comeau was a true ambassador for the immersion program, not only locally, but also across Canada and the US. His vision and passion for French-as-a-second-language education is the primary reason for this program’s extraordinary success. He successfully created a one-of-a-kind experience that gathers language learners both young and mature, students and professionals, from across Canada and around the world.
One striking example is the over 1,000 young Louisianians who have thus far participated in the program. Time and time again, they assert that it has been the best experience of their lives, and that Université Sainte-Anne has become their second home. This feeling of belonging to the Université Sainte-Anne family is now intergenerational, with the first Louisiana participants now sending their own children to Université Sainte-Anne.
One cannot speak of the immersion school without mentioning the Petit Bois network of wooded and seaside trails located on the Church Point campus. This trail system has been built, landscaped and maintained over the years by immersion school students, and remains a location that is highly prized by students, staff, community residents and tourists alike. Jean-Douglas Comeau and the Petit Bois workshop participants pass on this invaluable legacy for future generations to Université Sainte-Anne, the community and to nature lovers around the world.
Starting this spring, Luc Tardif assumes the role of Immersion School Director. Mr. Tardif first arrived at Université Sainte-Anne in 1999 to work as a counselor for a 5-week immersion session, and he has remained ever since. For twelve years, he held the position of Sociocultural Coordinator. He has led the university’s international recruitment efforts since 2012. He is also an accomplished musician, having released two albums and one EP. Over the years, his involvement with the immersion school has been steadfast, both as a counsellor and as lead counsellor for the past ten years. Given the extent of his experience and passion, Université Sainte-Anne is confident that the immersion school is in good hands with Mr. Tardif.
Visit our website for more information on the spring and summer sessions. The current 5-week immersion session runs from May 14 to June 17. The summer session will follow from July 2nd to August 5th. For those seeking other means to perfect their French-language skills, we also offer an Integrated French Immersion Option and French as a Second Language courses.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For More Information
Rachelle LeBlanc, Communications and Marketing Director
Université Sainte-Anne
Tel.: 902-769-2114, extension 7222
Email: