Fluent success: Javier highlights how learning French can help you land a job in Canada
Javier came to Canada from Colombia to gain a degree in the field of geology so that he could continue his profession from back home. To work better with his colleagues, he signed up for French-language classes. In this article, Javier, who is enrolled in the CLIC Adapté program at Collège Boréal, explains how learning French can help you land a job in Canada.
- Name: Javier Reyes
- Country of origin: Colombia
- Arrival in Canada: August 2019
- Currently lives in Sudbury, Ontario
- Occupation: Hydrogeologist
Share the highlights of your immigration journey to Ontario. And, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first arrived in Canada?
I came to Canada to study as an international student to do a postgraduate program in geographic information systems. Of course, I faced challenges with the language. The financial stress was another issue because, during the first month, I found out just how tough the exchange rate made things. The weather was another challenge.
What motivated you to enroll in the CLIC Adapté program at Collège Boréal?
I was working for a company based in Quebec, where the primary language of communication is French. Also, some of my coworkers were from France as well. So I wanted to communicate with them and to feel more comfortable when visiting the offices in Quebec as well as the mines to which I was assigned.
How has the program enhanced your confidence in communicating in English or French in social settings as well as in job interviews or at the workplace?
Now, when I go to Quebec, I feel more comfortable in restaurants or at the airport. I can also read some content in French, which is very useful for work. I can also communicate with French speakers.
Besides improving your language proficiency, how did the program contribute to your sense of belonging to the local community?
I would say I can develop more relationships with people in the community, I can communicate better with friends, and speak with people who don’t speak just English. I can also participate in local francophone events. I feel a lot more comfortable attending those events as well.
How did your interactions with program facilitators, coaches/mentors, and learnings during the program prepare you for your integration into Canadian society?
The classes are focused on integrating into society, so the content is very interactive. Featuring real-life phrases and words that you can use, the online material that is recommended is very useful. I can use it in my, in my life, and my everyday activities.
Describe a specific moment or lesson that stands out to you as particularly helpful or memorable.
I remember the class on how to help someone who is lost in a city, and how to help them find a place with which they might be familiar. That was very helpful because I also learned how to ask someone how to find an address if I get lost in a new city when I am visiting. That’s something I can use in my life, and for that reason, it is a lesson I remember very well.
What insights did you gain about the Canadian workplace, job search or employment in Canada?
The most important aspect I would describe would have to be how to conduct myself during interviews, and the interview opportunities that have come my way.
I’ve also learned about the importance of conversations with my coworkers, which could include things like talking about the weather or their plans for the weekend. Often, communication at the workplace is a hundred percent in English, but it is good to be able to speak French when I interact with Francophone colleagues.
What opportunities – professional and/or personal – have come your way as a result of completing the program?
The biggest opportunity I can talk about is that companies in Quebec are more keen to hire me because of my French language skills. Some did contact me, and it has been good because I feel like I have more choices and will have more opportunities in the future.
But French language capabilities are not just limited to Quebec. Ontario, for example, which is a mainly English-speaking province, also needs French-language speakers. So you will see more options outside of Quebec as well if you learn French.
What’s your advice for newcomers considering enrolling in language programs like CLIC Adapté to ease their transition and enhance their language skills?
My advice for newcomers who want to enroll in language programs would be to go ahead with their plans because these programs are focused on helping newcomers get a job in Canada. They’re pretty useful and are going to be of value to you throughout your life.
My advice to those who want to improve their language skills would be to practice every day. To focus on the vocabulary that you need for your profession. The program at Collège Boréal also offers other services like résumé and interview preparation, you gain access to some government services, and they also give you guidance on how to study more so you can get a higher degree. The program is focused on integrating in Canada and is very customized to the Canadian workplace.
Looking back on your settlement and integration journey, what are you most proud of achieving, and how do you envision continuing to grow in the future?
I think my biggest achievement would probably be my ability to practice my passion and my profession: geology. That aside, I am happy to have received my designation as a geologist-in-training, and I am working towards becoming a full practicing geologist and getting a full license.
I am also currently learning a third language in French and I feel proud of that as well. Lastly, so many immigrants choose to come to Ontario so I am glad to be one of those who has made it here.
Any tips for individuals who are considering immigrating to Ontario? What are some mistakes they must avoid or ways they can navigate the integration process more smoothly?
Well, people who are coming here should not be under the assumption that things are going to be easier here. For example, the assumption that it is easy to find work here.
Things are possible here but you need to work towards achieving your goals. The assumptions are made because the information given to us in our home countries sometimes does not match the reality in Canada. There are opportunities, but you need to take them and prepare for them. If you do, you will succeed here.
If you live in Ontario and want to know more about English or French language classes offered by Collège Boréal, here’s more information. Spread the word!