The Canadian Studies Center recently supported its first virtual study abroad student through the new program with l’Université Laval in Québec City.
This summer the program had its first student, Terry Price, a post-baccalaureate French major (who is also a UW staff member), take advantage of the Center’s new direct exchange agreement with l’Université Laval. In 2019-20 the Center worked with the Department of French and Italian Studies and UW Study Abroad to create a new direct exchange providing UW students the opportunity to study at l’Université Laval. As a result of COVID-19 the direct exchange evolved into a virtual study abroad.
Though Terry was on the other side of the continent from Québec, he felt that he benefited from studying there nonetheless. Terry felt the virtual class was even more intimate than an in-person class might have been. “We could see the instructors’ homes … and for five weeks, three times a week, I would sign in a few minutes early with my coffee and chat with the professor about various things,” including “the contrast between our two cultures in addressing the pandemic.” He added, “There were a number of socio-cultural exercises provided every week that made me feel that I was surrounded by Québécois culture, including learning the words* for maple syrup and snow blower!”
UW students are encouraged to apply for the direct exchange to Québec for summer 2021 with in-person or virtually. Applications are due April 1, 2021. For more information and to apply click here.
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*Mini lesson: maple syrup = sirop d’érable and snow blower = souffleuse