French as a Second Language (FSL) International Program
Now available Online!
Spots still available! Start with a quick online placement test, find your level and secure your spot.
Why Study French as a Second Language
French is more than a language, it’s a key to new opportunities in Canada and around the world. Whether your goal is to settle in Quebec, advance your career, or simply connect with French-speaking communities, mastering the language opens doors. For many, improving their French skills can also mean gaining valuable points for their immigration application.
At Cumberland College, our French as a Second Language program moves beyond memorizing parts of speech. We focus on practical, real-life communication skills that will help you navigate everyday situations with confidence at work, in school, or in your community. Each learner begins with a placement test to ensure they start at the right level, from Beginner (A1–A2) to Intermediate (B1–B2) and Advanced (C1–C2).
Our flexible online format allows you to study from anywhere in the world, at your own pace. You can choose the standard track, 3-6 hours per week for 3 months, or accelerate your progress with an intensive option of up to 9-12 hours per week, completing a level in just 1 month.
By the end of your program, you’ll be prepared not only for real-world conversations but also for recognized French proficiency tests such as the TCF Canada, TEF Canada, DALF, DELF and TEFAQ. Cumberland College combines expert instruction, personalized feedback, and interactive activities to help you gain the skills, fluency, and confidence you need to succeed.
Why Choose Cumberland College’s French as a Second Language Program?
Experienced Instructors: Learn from professional, native-level French teachers with many years of experience helping international students succeed. Our instructors bring not only strong academic expertise but also real-world teaching strategies, cultural insights, and personalized feedback to help you progress quickly and confidently.
Practical, Real-Life Learning: From introducing yourself to handling workplace conversations and understanding official documents, every class is built around real-life situations. You’ll practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing while preparing for internationally recognized French language tests. You will be able to use those skills immediately in your daily life, work, or study.
Flexible Learning Options: Study fully online, wherever you are. Select the pace that matches your goals, either the regular track of 3–6 hours per week across 3 months, or an intensive path of 9–12 hours weekly to finish in about 1 month. With both daytime and evening class times available, the program is designed to fit smoothly into your schedule.
Montréal Advantage: As the world’s second-largest French-speaking city, Montréal surrounds you with French in daily life. Year-round festivals, museums, theatres, cafés, and neighborhood events offer countless opportunities to practice beyond the classroom, so you don’t just learn French, you live the full francophone cultural experience while you study.
*Before you start, a placement test ensures you’re in the right level from day one, saving you time and helping you focus on the skills that matter most for your progress
Program Overview :
- Program Structure: Levels (A1–C2), placement test, modular progression.
- Duration: 36 hours per session
- Delivery & Duration: Online, self-paced options with estimated total hours per level.
- Recognition: Preparation for TCF / TEFAQ.
What you will learn in our French as a Second Language Program
| Level | Objectives | Duration | Mode | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 – Beginner | Learn to understand and use everyday expressions, introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and interact in familiar situations. | ~36 hours | Online – live interactive classes + self-study resources | - Basic conversation skills - Foundation for TCF/TEF/DALF/TEFAQ |
| A2 – Elementary | Communicate in routine tasks, talk about personal and family life, shopping, work, and immediate surroundings. Expand vocabulary and use common structures with more confidence. | ~36 hours | Online – live interactive classes + self-study resources | - Everyday communication confidence - TCF/TEFAQ preparation |
| B1 – Intermediate | Develop the ability to describe experiences, events, and opinions. Handle most travel and work situations, understand main ideas of clear speech, and participate in conversations with some fluency. | ~36 hours | Online – live classes, role-play, group discussions | - Work and study readiness - Immigration language requirements |
| B2 – Upper Intermediate | Achieve greater fluency and spontaneity in conversations. Understand complex texts, present arguments, and interact naturally with native speakers in both social and professional contexts. | ~36 hours | Online – advanced conversation workshops | - Professional communication - Higher TCF/TEFAQ scores |
| C1 – Advanced | Express ideas fluently and spontaneously. Use language flexibly for academic, professional, and social purposes. Understand implicit meaning. | ~36 hours | Online – debate, presentation, and essay writing practice | - Professional/academic mastery - TCF/TEFAQ high-level certification |
| C2 – Mastery | Understand virtually everything heard or read. Summarize information from different sources coherently. Express yourself precisely, even on complex topics. | ~36 hours | Online – individual coaching + high-level discussion groups | - Near-native fluency - Highest CEFR recognition |
Advantages of Learning French for
Immigration to Canada
Mastering French through Cumberland College’s French as a Second Language program can give you a competitive edge in your Canadian immigration journey. Here’s how:
Extra Immigration Points
Integration & Quality of Life Under the Express Entry system, bilingual candidates can earn up to 50 additional CRS points. High French test scores (such as the TCF or TEFAQ, recognized by the Office québécois de la langue française) can significantly improve your ranking, even if French is not your first language.
Access to Special Immigration Streams
French proficiency opens the door to dedicated pathways like the Francophone Mobility Program (work permit without LMIA), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program – French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream. These programs were created in line with federal and provincial initiatives to attract and retain Francophone talent across Canada.
Priority in Francophone Communities
According to Québec’s immigration and francisation policies, Canada actively supports the growth of Francophone minority communities outside Québec. Provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick provide settlement assistance, job placement help, and integration services for French-speaking newcomers.
Better Job Prospects
Reports from the Commissaire à la langue française and the OQLF emphasize that bilingualism is a strong asset in Canada. Many employers, particularly in government, healthcare, education, and customer service, either prefer or require French–English bilingual candidates.
Easier Study & Work Permits
French-speaking students benefit from simplified study permit processes, exclusive scholarships, and eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), making it easier to transition into the Canadian workforce.
Integration & Quality of Life
Québec’s francisation programs highlight how learning French not only supports immigration but also helps newcomers integrate more smoothly into daily life, access essential services, and engage with Canada’s rich Francophone culture.
Registration Process
Step 1: Take Your Online Placement Test
- Complete a short written assessment to evaluate your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- This ensures you are placed in the CEFR level (A1–C2) that best matches your abilities.
Step 2: Meet with an Admissions Advisor
- Schedule an appointment with a member of our admissions team.
- Your advisor will review your test results with you, confirm your placement, and explain program structure, pacing options (Standard – 3 h/week for 3 months or Intensive – 9 h/week for 1 month), and upcoming start dates.
- They will also answer any questions about tuition, schedules, and learning resources.
Step 3: Confirm Your Level & Register
- Once your placement is confirmed, choose your preferred schedule and start date.
- Complete your registration online with secure payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Our placement test ensures you start at the level that’s right for you, from complete beginner (A1) to advanced (C2).
Classes are held 100% online with live, interactive sessions and access to digital learning materials. All sessions take place in the evening (Montréal time) to accommodate students from different time zones.
Yes. You can follow the standard pace (3 hours/week for 3 months) or the intensive pace (up to 9 hours/week to finish in just 1 month).
Yes. Mastering French can help you earn additional immigration points, qualify for French-specific immigration streams and improve your chances in the job market.
We provide targeted preparation for recognized French proficiency exams such as the TCF and TEFAQ, which are widely used for immigration, academic, and professional purposes.
First, schedule an appointment with our admission team to learn about the program and discuss your goals. Then, take your online placement test. Once your level is confirmed, you can choose your schedule and register.
A computer or tablet with a stable internet connection, a microphone, and a webcam for participation in live classes.