5 Tips to Maintain Your French After Immersion

Our languages, our common ground.

Each year, the Canadian Association of Immersion Professionals (CAIP) celebrates National French Immersion Day to highlight the importance of immersion programs in fostering bilingualism in Canada. These initiatives play a fundamental role in introducing French from an early age and inspire many individuals to continue learning throughout their lives.

At Collège Nordique, we strongly believe in the value of linguistic immersion. That’s why we’re actively exploring the feasibility of launching an Explore program in the Northwest Territories — a first for Northern Canada. In partnership with key stakeholders such as the GNWT and the Council of Ministers of Education, this initiative could welcome youth from across the country for a one-of-a-kind French immersion experience rooted in the northern context, as early as 2026.

In the meantime, we applaud everyone who chooses to integrate French into their daily lives — through courses, workshops, or simply out of passion. Maintaining and enriching your French, even if it’s not spoken at home, is a powerful and essential act that keeps the francophonie alive.

Here are five practical tips from our French teaching team to help keep your French skills sharp:

1. Ernesto’s Tip: Make French Part of Your Daily Life

• Francophone media: Listen to podcasts, watch films, or read news articles in French — such as those from Médias Ténois.

• Language apps: Use tools like Duolingo or Babbel for regular practice.

2. Margarita’s Tip: Participate in French-language Activities

• Workshops and events: Join book clubs, conversation groups, or workshops in French.
  Tune in to L’Agenda d’Élodie, and follow the social media pages of Collège Nordique, the Fédération franco-ténoise, and the Association franco-culturelle de Yellowknife (AFCY) to stay up to date with local events.

• Volunteering: Get involved with local francophone organizations.

3. Natalia’s Tip: Build a Francophone Network

• Language exchanges: Partner with someone who speaks French and help them learn your language in return. Join programs like our Café de Paris French conversation workshops.

• Online communities: Connect with others through forums or social media groups focused on learning French.

4. Leanne’s Tip: Set Clear Goals

• Language tests: Prepare for certifications such as the TEF Canada.

• Personal goals: Set challenges like reading a book in French each month or keeping a journal in French.

5. Rosie’s Tip: Take Courses That Fit Your Needs

• Courses at Collège Nordique: We offer adult French classes tailored to various levels and goals.

• Online programs: Enroll in online learning options to continue improving at your own pace.

Did You Know?

According to Canada’s 2021 Census, 10.6% of Northwest Territories residents can hold a conversation in both French and English, placing the territory among the most bilingual regions in Canada — after Quebec, New Brunswick, and Yukon. This strong francophone presence is fueled by community members who continue to live in French even after their formal immersion studies.

Staying Committed to French

In Yellowknife, we’re fortunate to have inspiring role models such as Mayor Rebecca Alty and Caitlin Cleveland, MLA for Kam Lake and Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and of Industry, Tourism and Investment — both of whom studied in French immersion programs. Their stories highlight the long-term impact of immersion and the importance of nurturing your French well beyond high school.

Choosing to maintain your French after immersion is a conscious commitment. While it takes personal effort, there are many resources and communities here to support you — and Collège Nordique is proud to walk that path with you.

Congratulations to all students who make the courageous and inspiring choice to continue their journey in French — you are the architects of living bilingualism, open dialogue, and an inclusive francophonie from coast to coast to coast.

Want to take your French journey even further?

Check out French for the Future, an organization offering life-changing events and experiences for youth aged 12 to 18. Their mission — to build confidence, leadership, and passion for French language and culture — aligns beautifully with our shared goal of nurturing a bilingual, connected, and culturally vibrant Canada.