Their failure is ours said Michel Patry

More than 20,000 young French try, each year, the adventure of education in Quebec. And the number increases regularly. Why this rush on the Belle Province universities How to explain this trend It is that Quebec higher education students from the hexagon offers a particularly attractive cocktail - to the point that it is, in many aspects, an antithesis to the French model. A sign, indeed: Quebecers who are studying in France are, themselves, only a few hundred. Here is a quick inventory of "good reasons" to a degree at our Quebec "cousins".

x international... just what it takes

Starting in Quebec, is first to offer a genuine international experience. The opportunity to leave the family home, his friends and his "area of comfort", to rub in a new way of thinking and working. A way to acquire autonomy, therefore. Located well away from the France (pas question to be "cocooned" every fifteen days), Quebec to "discover" America and its mode of life - but in a tempered countries of European culture. Largely bilingual, Quebec to further improve his English, while remaining in familiar French field. "Multiculturalism is at the heart of Quebec society," says Michèle Glémaud, Director of the recruitment of the université de Montréal (UdeM). Additional bonus, the country is safe: the crime rate is one of the lowest of America. In short, a good dose expatriation. Nothing to do with the Ireland (too close), China (if different), the (distant) Australia, (very risky) Colombia...

x quality education

"We are in close proximity to Boston, New York, and even Chicago, notes Michel Patry, HEC Montréal Director." Our close neighbours and competitors are called Harvard, Wharton and Chicago Booth. This environment used us Prod. "Consequently, Quebec universities apply to deliver teaching of high level. First ingredient: the proximity with businesses. "According to the anglo-saxon model, we maintain close links with the socio-economic environment", said Nicole Lacasse, Vice-President at Laval University of Quebec. Then, education is very oriented towards employment and professionalization - like the great French schools. Finally, research really irrigates the course - but it's a search in touch direct with the latest business concerns.

Another specificity, the selection, practiced ruthlessly. "Is not wanting in our universities, confirms Nicole Lacasse. Result, our students are motivated, they know why they are there. "With respect to teachers, the vast majority holds a PhD or doctorate. The Times Higher Education"class and the UdeM as the French-speaking University in the world 3emeilleure.

x A highlight: pedagogy

This is undoubtedly the main attraction of studies "at the Quebec". "We make everything possible so that students are successful." "Their failure is ours," said Michel Patry. And this is not a formula hollow: everywhere, there is a constant attention to detail and a keen sense of service. Example: in the classrooms of HEC Montréal, simply press a button to involve a technician in the minute.

But the first difference with the France is the relationship with the teachers. "Teachers are available, the door is open, says Nicole Lacasse. It does not hesitate to ask Council if necessary - either during the courses or by email. But if they are friendly and relaxed air, they are also to be demanding. "With respect to the course, they are based first on the active participation of students. "Unable to settle at the bottom of the room and listen to without saying, is the teacher." It does not leave alone students, constantly seeking. "And the teachers strive to identify those that are struggling to follow. In addition, most universities adopt the system of continuous assessment. The student must therefore work in a regular manner, under penalty of be quickly outpaced.

Finally, most of Quebec universities are developing devices to support students in difficulty and help to paste back in the Pack: tutoring provided by more advanced students, study groups, individualised support programs... The student who struggles to follow is not delivered to himself.

x of the top equipment

Another (good) surprise for the student who came from France, the quality of the equipment. Number of universities have large campus in the U.S. (that of Montreal benefits of 16 hectares, nature and yet downtown). With buildings comfortable and well maintained, high-performance computer networks, richly equipped with laboratories, libraries well provided... and open at night, including Saturday and Sunday. Not to mention the sports equipment, almost without parallel in France: professional arenas, huge gymnasiums, swimming pools with Olympic standards...

x A welcoming country

All those who tried to experience confirm: Quebec is a young and pleasant to live, warm, tonic.... As in the rest of America, there is a form of communicative optimism. Cultural, social and associative life is a reality. Cherry on the cake, the country is beautiful (in all seasons...) and the constant contact with nature. In addition, in many professions, there is between the France and the Quebec of the mutual recognition agreements, which allow a French graduate to work without problem across the Atlantic - and vice versa.

For several years, Quebec universities are mobilizing to allow more foreign students - French including. Each year, Crepuq (Conference of rectors and key in Quebec, which brings together 17 universities) conducting and a tour of the French campus, in Paris and the provinces. HEC Montréal has an Office in Paris. The université de Montréal is also very active in the capital.

x a few caveats

This idyllic picture, must however make a few shades. First, to those who forget it, it should be noted that Québec Winter is harsh and... long. Many French easily support one or two years, but are struggling to get used in the long term. Then, the Quebec education system should be perhaps less to those who prefer to explore independently at their own pace. Finally, if Quebec has adopted an active policy to retain French graduates, its effectiveness remains uncertain. In question, from red tape, but also a certain "glass ceiling" which sometimes hinders integration.