Pointe-de-l’Église (N.S.), February 17, 2026 — Pursuing university studies in a second language requires perseverance and commitment. For Joseph Rapp, a fourth‑year Bachelor of Business Administration student at Université Sainte‑Anne, this challenge is an integral part of his journey and his vision for the future.
“I always like to give myself new challenges. I realized I could study in French, so I decided: why not?”
Originally from Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Joseph completed his entire schooling in French immersion, from elementary school through high school. However, after seeing several friends lose their French after high school, he wanted to avoid that outcome. “I didn’t want that to happen to me. I decided to continue my education in French, here at Sainte‑Anne.”
For him, this choice offered a clear advantage for both his professional and personal future. Studying in a rural francophone community allowed him to use French well beyond the classroom. The environment encouraged him to use the language daily — whether at the grocery store, at a restaurant, or in everyday interactions — a natural immersion that greatly strengthened his confidence and linguistic abilities.
His early days at Université Sainte‑Anne were, however, quite a challenge. Enrolled in the Integrated French Immersion Option, he was taking both second‑language French courses and fully French-taught business courses, needing to absorb the material and understand it in a language that wasn’t his own. At first, Joseph admits he struggled to understand everything his professors were saying.
He highlights the particularly high expectations placed on immersion students. “We had quizzes almost every class. It was tough, but it forced me to learn French before moving on to the first‑language French courses.” This level of rigor helped him build confidence. “In the end, I felt pretty accomplished for having done that. I’d do it again if I could.”
Over time, Joseph became increasingly involved in student life, notably with the cross‑country team and through the Université Sainte‑Anne Student Union (AGÉUSA), where he served as Vice‑President of Administration and later as President.
His journey also opened doors to several French‑language employment opportunities, including positions at the Sainte‑Anne immersion school and roles supporting the development of the Acadian community in Chéticamp.
“Before, I hesitated to apply for jobs in French because I didn’t think my French was good enough. Now, I feel completely comfortable working in French in the future.”
As he prepares to complete his bachelor’s degree this spring, Joseph plans to continue his studies in French by applying to law school. For him, continuing to grow in his second language is no longer a challenge to overcome, but a deliberate choice.
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