Teaching French with Passion

A Conversation with Iman Barakat

Since 2017, Iman Barakat has been teaching French in Québec with contagious enthusiasm. Shaped by multiple cultures and disciplines, her path naturally led her to the teaching of French, a language she has cherished all her life. « C’est à travers le bénévolat que j’ai découvert le plaisir d’accompagner les apprenantes et apprenants dans leur parcours linguistique. Enseigner le français s’est imposé comme une évidence », she confides.

Iman Barakat holds a bachelor’s degree in French language and literature from Cairo, a certificate in teaching French as a second language from UQAM, and a diploma in translation (French–Arabic) from Université Lumière Lyon 2. Today, she draws on her linguistic and intercultural expertise to offer teaching that is rigorous, respectful, and full of life.

Courses where Human Connection is at the Heart of Learning

What Iman Barakat loves most about teaching is the richness of human interaction. « Ce qui m’étonne toujours, c’est à quel point j’apprends de mes élèves. Chaque groupe est unique, chaque cours est différent : il n’y a jamais deux journées pareilles. »

Her background in human resources and translation has helped her develop keen listening skills and a profoundly human approach. In her classroom, trust, adaptability, and kindness are essential pillars. She creates concrete, varied, and meaningful activities rooted in the learners’ realities and goals.

Teaching is also Learning

Iman Barakat continues to be amazed by the richness and diversity of her groups: « Derrière chaque personne, il y a un parcours, une culture, une langue, une histoire. C’est une source d’apprentissage et d’inspiration constante. »

She measures her pride through her students’ progress and renewed confidence: « Les voir oser s’exprimer, se dépasser et prendre plaisir à parler français, c’est ma plus belle récompense. Leurs sourires, leurs remerciements, leurs réussites et leurs témoignages positifs me touchent profondément et me donnent encore plus envie de continuer. »

A Teaching Approach Grounded in Experience and the Joy of Learning

Convinced that the key to success lies in immersion and consistency, she encourages learners to live the language daily. « Il faut s’immerger, stimuler sa curiosité et prendre plaisir à apprendre », she reminds us. Iman Barakat teaches French at UQAM’s Non-Credit Language Courses, where she supports learners from all backgrounds with the same passion: for the language, for sharing, and for human connection.

The courses are open to all levels and designed for those wishing to improve their oral or written French. Each course provides a welcoming environment where learners can grow at their own pace. Discover our evening French courses today!