By Benoit Blanchette – Contributor

On a vibrant evening, Bishop’s University played host to an inspiring event—the Y4Y Café Rencontre. Organized by Youth for Youth Quebec (Y4Y), this event was all about helping young English speakers find their footing in a predominantly French-speaking province. Y4Y’s mission is to give these young people a voice and the tools they need to thrive in their community. 

The Y4Y Café Rencontre aimed to create connections between international students and English-speaking Canadians who are interested in learning French. It was held in the gorgeous Cleghorn Room, providing a warm and welcoming environment. The main objective was to offer a safe space where students could practice their French without worrying about making mistakes, no matter their skill level.

The event was packed with interactive activities designed to get students talking in French and learning about Quebec’s culture. As a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) student, I learned the importance of games for language learning. They help break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable. For my sake, I personally appreciate when the participants share stories from their home countries in French. The French-speaking organizers did a fantastic job of keeping everyone engaged and ensuring that every student had a chance to participate.

As one of the few French speakers there, it was fascinating to see the enthusiasm and determination of the students as they practiced their French. The event really highlighted the difference between learning a language in a classroom and using it in real-life situations. This is something I have personally experienced since I chose to study at an English university to immerse myself in the language.

The Y4Y Café Rencontre showcased the importance of linguistic and cultural exchange in building a strong university community. Events like these give students the chance to step out of their comfort zones and connect with different cultures and languages. For those learning French, it was a great opportunity to improve their skills in a supportive setting, while native speakers had the chance to share their culture and help others.

Overall, the Y4Y Café Rencontre was more than just an event—it was a bridge connecting students from diverse backgrounds through the French language. It showed the power of community and support in overcoming language barriers. Moving forward, it is essential to keep organizing events like this to support the linguistic and cultural diversity at our university.

Y4Y  continues to bring together a vibrant mix of students, fostering meaningful connections and providing a platform for linguistic and cultural exchange. It is crucial for the administration to recognize the value of these kinds of activities. Most attendees are international students who only are part of the Bishop’s community for a short time, so it is essential to make them feel more welcomed by promoting not just the existence, but also the significance of these events when they happen on campus. With the coming of the new year, let us make the changes that enrich our university experience and help us grow, both linguistically and culturally.