By Emily Crunican – Staff Photographer

The proposed increase of tuition prices for out-of-province students fails to account for the English students from across Canada who choose to study at Bishop’s for the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in French. This is not feasible within their home provinces. After issuing a call for student testimonies from those who study French at Bishop’s, and asking what role language played in their decision to study here, the responses they sent in echo a feeling of being unseen and unwanted within the province of Quebec. Here are the statements they sent in:

Kendra Buchner, Ontario, fourth year, major in drama, French as second language (FSL)  minor 

I previously did the Explore French immersion program in Saguenay and wanted to continue immersing myself in the language, so moving to Quebec was a no brainer to me. It deeply saddens me that we’re being told we’re a threat to the French language when we’ve been given incentives to study French here, especially considering I chose to study at Bishop’s to live a more bilingual lifestyle. 

Eric Clipperton, Ontario, fifth year, major in secondary education in music, minor in teaching French as a second language  (TFSL)

When I left Ontario in 2019 to come to Bishop’s, one of the biggest draws for me was the opportunity to continue to work on my French in a community that promoted and encouraged learning the language. I chose this school because of the opportunity it gives to those of us who want to learn French in an environment that makes people like myself want to integrate into the French language and Quebec culture and society. 

Kathryn Aitken, Ontario, 4th year secondary education in drama, minor in TFSL 

The main reason why I chose to minor in French at Bishop’s is to learn it first hand in a province that speaks it fluently compared to other universities. A couple of us who are out of province studying French feel like this tuition raise is a slap in the face as we are in fact wanting to learn the language they want to keep alive in their province. 

Martina Berkers, Ontario, fourth year, major in elementary education, minor in French 

I’m in my fourth year of elementary education and I want to be a French teacher! I came from a French high school so I was already fluent in French but just wanted to keep up the language by being in Quebec. 

Sasha Kardos-Machado, British Columbia, fourth year, major in politics and international studies, minor in FSL 

As an anglophone, out-of-province student from British Columbia, I wanted to study in Quebec for the chance to immerse myself in the language and culture and give myself the best chance at becoming bilingual. The opportunity to improve my French was a large reason why I chose Bishop’s. 

Max Kuhl, Ontario, third year, major in French as a second language 

There were a variety of factors involved in choosing Bishop’s, but the main one was to improve my French. The French core at Bishops offers a very unique environment for students that are interested in learning or improving their French skills, which I believe is invaluable. 

Emily Crunican (the author), Ontario, third year, major in environmental studies, minor in FSL 

I participated in the Explore program, in Gaspé, Quebec for five weeks when I was 16. This incredible French immersion opportunity further sparked my passion and dedication to wanting to become bilingual. I chose Bishop’s as I was drawn in by the close knit community and the opportunity to live in Quebec and improve my French. 

Statements have been edited for length and clarity.