During the last week of June, our Panamanian students set out on another exciting adventure where they got to take a deep dive into the heart of Quebec’s vibrant culture. Following their trips to the Science Center and the Cabane a sucre, these students got a chance to visit charming Quebec City, the provincial capital and a treasure trove of history and culture.
The Panamanian students are here on a cultural exchange program to learn English and French. At Cestar Collège, Campus LaSalle we believe that every student’s educational experience must be engaging and stimulating so that their interest remains intact and they don’t lose their curiosity.In addition, we also believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom and be immersive in the true sense of the word to keep our students engaged and always hungry for more knowledge. Our excursions and fun trips to significant places are a great way to combine fun and learning. This is a vital part of the way we teach, especially language; by living the language through experience, culture and connections together!
In the early morning hours of June 21st, our students boarded a bus to visit Quebec City, one of the oldest and most important cities in Canadian history. The historic district of old Quebec is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only walled city in the Americas, north of Mexico. Situated along the Saint Lawrence River in Canada’s predominantly French-speaking Québec province, Québec City traces its origins back to 1608. The city features a fortified colonial heart, encompassing Vieux-Québec and Place Royale, characterized by its stone edifices and narrow streets. This historic area is home to the majestic Château Frontenac Hotel and the formidable Citadelle of Québec.
Our students were given a guided tour of Old Quebec, being led through the city by a costumed guide. In the Petit Champlain district, cobblestone streets are adorned with charming bistros and boutiques. Not only did the students get to explore the city on foot, but after lunch, they boarded the Louis Jolliet for a boat tour where they got a majestic view and learned more about this beautiful city. Finally, they ended their tour with an immersive VR experience at Immersion Québec. Old Quebec is so rich in charm and character that it is impossible to visit the city and not fall in love with Quebec culture.
Sadly, this is the final big adventure that our Panamanian students will have with us, as they will be returning home in a few weeks after proudly receiving their course completion diplomas at a graduation ceremony on the 5th of July, 2024. These students will be returning home with an impressive mastery of both English and French which will open more doors for them in their future careers. We also hope that they will arrive home with broadened horizons and fond memories of our school, their passionate teachers, and all of their exciting experiences here in Montreal. As for Cestar Collège, Campus LaSalle, we are excitedly awaiting the next batch of students for Summer 2024 who will go through a similar immersive language learning experience!
Happy Learning!