Outline

The French language, traditionally the language of diplomacy, is shared by many other countries throughout the world, and the Francophone element of this major reflects this by including partner universities in Québec. A participant in the G8 group, Canada claims a place on the world stage in terms of economics, business, politics and culture. Geographically huge, the country extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and combines the extremes of snowy winters and hot summers. The history of Canada can be traced back to its indigenous peoples through colonisation by France and the United Kingdom, to independence. More recently, calls for autonomy have been made from Québec, culturally distinct, and with a reputation for artistic, cinematic and literary production second only to France in the Francophone world.

In exceptional circumstances, students with advanced competence in French are required to take approved substitute subjects (see the list of approved substitute subjects). Any variation in the International Studies program is subject to the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute.

977541
In-country Study 1: Canada (Québec)

24cp; prerequisite: completion of relevant subjects appropriate to the student's International Studies major.

In-country Study subjects are only available to students doing the BA in International Studies.

978541
In-country Study 2: Canada (Québec)

24cp; prerequisite: 977541 In-country Study 1: Canada (Québec)

Information on In-country Study inCanada (Québec)

Content and assessment

Students spend two consecutive semesters studying at Université Laval, Québec City.

The location and content of each students's period of In-country Study in Canada (Québec) is determined by the level of their language competence in French. Generally speaking, students who have a sound working knowledge of French before their entrance to UTS – usually defined as HSC 3-unit or a good pass in 2-unit French – can study an appropriate two-semester program of host university subjects broadly relating to Francophone language, society and culture.

All other students spend a first semester engaged in the study of language and culture at the universities offering special language programs, going on to a second semester of subjects chosen more broadly from the university's curriculum. Special language provision is currently available at Laval's Ecole des Langues Vivantes.

Students are assessed on each semester separately. Assessment is based on the subjects studied at the host university, as well as project work administered by the Institute for International Studies.

Location

Québec City

Described as the cradle of French civilisation in North America, Québec City is the capital of the province. Dating back to 1608, when the city began as a fur-trading post, Québec's architecture reflects its position as a crossroads between Europe and America, earning it a place among UNESCO's world heritage sites. With a culture combining French, British, North American and indigenous traditions, the city has a population of over half a million. The natural environment is equally magnificent: with the St Lawrence river at its heart, the province is characterised by forests, lakes and mountains and enjoys contrasting climates of hot summers, snowy winters (ideal for skiing, snowboarding, skating and other activities, as well as providing a Christmas card cityscape) and spectacular Autumns.

Université Laval, founded in 1852, is the oldest French language university in America. Its student population of almost 35,000 enjoys a rich calendar of extra-curricular activities. Faculties include Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, Arts, and Social Sciences and Management, and students can choose from a wide range of options relating to French and Québecois culture and society.

Costs

The two semesters of In-country Study are full-credit subjects at UTS for which HECS is payable. Students receiving student financial support in Australia are still eligible to receive it while they are engaged in a period of Incountry Study in Canada. The costs of tuition in host institutions overseas and travel between Sydney and the designated host institutions are borne by UTS, except in cases where a scholarship has been awarded to the student with provision for these costs. Under those circumstances, the funds that would have otherwise been allocated towards the student's tuition and travel are redirected to support the In-country Study program in general. Other costs, e.g. accommodation and food, are met by students who should be aware that costs of living in Canada are generally slightly higher than in Australia, though the cost of student accommodation is reasonable and it is possible to spend a year on an amount roughly comparable to living away from home in Sydney.

The information on the program of In-country Study in Canada (Québec) is correct at the time of printing. However, the Institute for International Studies reserves the right to make alterations to the location and content of any program of In-country Study at any time.