Montreal Encounters | People and Cultures of Canada and Quebec

a joint program offered by

School of Modern Languages and Non-Credit Language Courses
UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À MONTRÉAL (UQAM)

About UQAM

UQAM is a dynamic, open, and creative university with an international outreach. Located in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, our university welcomes students from a wide variety of linguistic and cultural communities. Recognized for the high quality of their programs, UQAM’s École de langues (School of Modern Languages) and Formations linguistiques non créditées (Non-Credit Language Courses) invite you to take part in our immersive culture and language learning experience. Make your summer vacation an opportunity to improve your English with experienced language instructors and other language learners!  

About This Program

In this program, you will:

1. discover Canadian and Quebec cultures - explore topics such as Canadian society, Quebec traditions, what it means to be a Montrealer, and why Canada is famous for its nature;

2. participate in theme-based tasks using English in group activities and team projects;

3. put your English skills into action and strengthen your communication for everyday life, university, and the workplace.

4. be introduced to basic French vocabulary and expressions for simple everyday conversations;  

5. connect in a “buddy” program with your Canadian student peers – practice your conversational English daily.
This year's program includes twice as many conversational partners as the previous year.
More buddies — more fun!

If you are looking to learn, to meet students from Canada, to be inspired by a new culture, and to have fun – this program is for you!

What You'll Learn

You will also discover Canadian and Quebec cultures through interactive activities

• Languages in Canada and Quebec
• Montreal’s history, community, culture and traditions
• Indigenous peoples of Canada
• Society and people of Canada and Quebec
• The role of nature and environment in Canada and Quebec

You will develop your English communication skills for effective interactions in the following contexts:

• Everyday conversations
• Formal interviews and workplace interactions
• Discussions and debates
• Presentations

Admission Requirements

• Minimum English language requirements:  
  TOEFL ITP 350 / TOEFL iBT 25 (or 2 on the new 2026 scale) / TOEIC 250 / IELTS 3.5 / Duolingo 35
• No prior knowledge of French is required.
• This program is designed for adults (18+) learning a second language.
• Students must arrive on Friday, July 31^st or Saturday, August 1^st, 2026.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

(Preliminary schedule subject to change)

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

Enrollment Procedures

Registration and Payment

Placement Test

Following your official paid registration, UQAM's Linguistic Assessment Center (Centre d’évaluation des compétences linguistiques [CECL]) will send you an invitation to take a placement test.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation policy for program fees

• In the case of cancellation by the student, program fees are refunded as follows:
• There will be a 70% reimbursement of program fees for a cancellation that is submitted between June 1^st and July 10^th.
• There will be a 50% reimbursement of program fees for a cancellation that is submitted between July 11^th and August 1^st.
• Starting on August 2^nd, no reimbursement will be possible.

You will be required to submit your reimbursement request in writing to the e-mail address languesnoncr@uqam.ca, detailing the reasons for the cancellation. In addition, you must provide the relevant official document pertaining to the reason for your cancellation:

• In case of sickness: provide an official letter from a medical practitioner
• In case of inability to obtain your visa: provide the official letter of refusal
• In case of a late visa: provide the official document detailing the delay

The amount due to you will be refunded according to the initial payment method you used.

In case of failure to comply with the above policy, no refund will be granted.

Cancellation policy for homestay fees

There will be a 50% reimbursement of homestay fees for cancellations done up to 1 month prior to July 3^rd. No reimbursement will be made for cancellations on July 4^th or later.

Costs

Tuition fees: CAD 2,100 
(Includes registration, placement test, tuition, course materials, three themed lunches and a farewell reception, afternoon activities, weekend excursions, and the OPUS transportation card.)

Accomodation
These are the two options for your stay during the Montreal Encounters program:

Host family - MS Homestays 
​​​​​Homestay accommodation – 3 meals | starting at $1,637 CAD
The package includes round‑trip airport transfer 
(airport – homestay – airport)

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To find out more about credited English programs, visit the École de langues website.

Discover our other Language immersion programs in the Non-Credit Language Courses department.

2026 Calendar