By Manu Bissonnette – Contributor
The French Help Center is reborn: welcome to the French Hub! The French Hub is a linguistic and cultural space for all speakers of French – learners and francophones alike. Located in McGreer S003, the Hub is open from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Not convinced? Here are five reasons to give the Hub a try.
- Learn about francophone cultures
Did you know that the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie includes 88 member countries? People speak French all over the world, and the Hub wants to help you learn more about the diverse francophone cultures, starting with the Quebecois surrounding us. While the French Help Center focused solely on academics, the French Hub hopes to combine language learning and cultural activities. In addition to the tutoring hours, the Hub will be hosting cultural workshops focusing on topics like traditional music, Quebecois slang, francophone film and literature and La Francophonie around the world. The Hub plans to launch a buddy program pairing francophone and non-francophone students, with the goal of strengthening relationships and sharing cultures.
2) Practice your French in a friendly atmosphere
One of the French Hub’s main goals is to give French learners a variety of opportunities to speak French in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., students can come “dîner et jaser” – just bring your lunch, and the Hub will provide games, snacks and coffee. On Thursdays, students can watch and discuss Quebecois shows during lunchtime. In the coming weeks, the Hub will launch a book club for anyone looking to try their hand at reading in French. Other than that, the Hub is open from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We have couches, tables, snacks, coffee, games, books . . . the perfect hang-out space!
3) Try your hand at extracurriculars in French
The French Hub is also partnering with different organizations on campus to bring you extracurricular activities of all sorts in French. For the creative minds, the Hub is planning a mini-magazine workshop and a Francophonie wallpaper activity in collaboration with the Art Lab. For nature lovers, an Outdoors Club nature walk in the winter wonderland is in the works. For aspiring writers, the Hub is planning a creative writing workshop led by the amazing professor Catherine Dupuis. Any other ideas? We are working on incorporating more collaborative activities into our calendar – let us know!
4) Discover the Semaine de la Francophonie
Monday, March 18, marks the beginning of the Semaine de la Francophonie. This weeklong event, which aims to promote the French language and cultures, is filled to the brim with activities for all tastes, including a movie night, a zine workshop and a games lunch. On Thursday, March 21, the Hub will host the second annual creative writing soirée, with guest speakers and student readings. The following day on March 22, the students can visit a local sugar shack to revel in traditional maple delicacies. On Saturday, March 23, the week will close with a bang as students attend a concert of the famous Quebec band Les Trois Accords in downtown Sherbrooke.
5) Have a say in the revitalization of the French Hub
The French Hub is a linguistic and cultural space for YOU – we want to hear your thoughts and input. What do you want to see at the French Hub? How can we help you learn French and/or meet other French speakers? Please scan the QR code below to fill out a survey, and make sure to follow us on social media at @thefrenchhubbu.
Manu Bissonnette works for the French Hub.
The Campus 