Choosing to study and live in an environment in which the primary language spoken is one that you’re not totally comfortable with can be a very scary and often uncomfortable experience. For this reason, many people tend to shy away from this situation; however, those who chose to take the leap often find themselves immersed in an unparalleled learning experience. This is the situation I found myself in when I joined the Mount Allison community from a French-speaking household with my “English for Dummies” dictionary in hand. I’d spent the past 13 years in francophone schools, learning a beautiful language that would be practically useless at MtA and having next to no experience with writing in English. Fortunately, my hometown is extremely bilingual; what I lacked in writing skills, I made up for in conversation skills. Still, I found that I had quite a few things to learn (most of which I’m still learning) about not studying in your first language. Here are some of these things. 

1. Google will be your best friend 

Multilingual people will tell you: Google Translate is the worst. Nothing comes out right and the literal translations are not accurate whatsoever. It does, however, give you key reminders that can fill in the blanks when you need it. Your professor uses a big word that you have no idea about? Google it! Find yourself using the same word 15 times in a run-on sentence? Use an online thesaurus (I actually just found out what a thesaurus was about a week ago)! We have so much amazing technology available to us at the drop of a hat, why not use it as much as possible? In fact, I would be lying if I said I didn’t use Google at least fifty times writing this blog. 

2. Facetimes are the highlight of your day

It’s natural to get homesick at university, but when you are immersed in an unmastered language, feelings of loneliness can hit you quicker than you’d expect. Being able to video chat with family and friends who speak in your first language is always such a relief; you can finally express yourself with ease to people who will understand exactly what you mean. I can never get enough of speaking French with my family when I get the opportunity. It always brings me back when I start to feel overwhelmed or anxious. 

3. Find friends who speak your language! 

Making connections at university is a must; however, being able to find people who are fluent in your respective language is very comforting. This is because it can feel really isolating having a different first language than most of your new acquaintances; but, once you realize that other students are experiencing something similar to your situation, you’re able to make the first attempt at escaping those feelings of loneliness.  They’re able to more clearly understand your worries and feelings as you are able to express these thoughts to them in the language that is the most comfortable. I would often find myself at loss for words when trying to explain things to my friends, saying, “I think I feel this way, but I’m not sure if I’m explaining it right, do you understand what I mean?” 

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage yourself! 

If you find yourself not fully understanding something, don’t hesitate to ask questions! The people who surround you at Mount Allison are always looking for ways to help, but if you don’t ask, they won’t be able to! More often than not, the thing you might be most confused about can be reexplained in a simpler way that is easier to understand. Sometimes, all it takes is one word to confuse you, but it might take another word to get you on the right track again. On that note, make sure to engage in your study groups and classes. This will prove to be one of the most effective ways to succeed in the classroom. I once found myself in office hours with Dr. Azar (psych department) this year. On a whim, we decided to converse in French for our time together and both left with a big smile on our faces. Little conversations in your native tongue when you don’t expect it can make your day so easily! 

5. Talk/joke with your friends! 

Some people feel a bit embarrassed about not being as finely tuned in English as the others that they’re studying with. I was definitely one of those people when starting university. I didn’t notice I had an accent until people would point it out mid-conversation! This made me a bit self-conscious until I realized, “Hey! How cool am I? I can speak more than one language!” Now, I’ve learned to have fun with my friends about my accent, my French expressions that really shouldn’t be translated and, of course, my need to correct/complete all of their French homework for them. 

6. Little things from home 

When I’d find myself feeling more homesick than usual, I’d look to reminders of home. For example, I made sure to keep a French book on my bedside table at all times and would read it as soon as I felt sadness coming on. These reminders can be anything, from watching a movie in your first language to having quotes scattered in your room. Find what suits you best and go with it. It’s the little things that help you get through the hard times! 

7. Have the desire to learn 

It’s important to have the desire to learn when going to school. It’s even more important when all this learning will be done in a language you find yourself slightly uncomfortable with. Having a big desire to learn and to engage in your course materials will help you do well in your classes and have fun while you’re doing it! 

8. Give yourself a chance! 

At first, adapting to a change as big as this may seem intimidating and overwhelming, but when you give yourself a chance, things will soon start to look up. It’s so easy to get discouraged in school; grades can quickly go off the rails, your mental health may take a hit, etc. All of this and add learning in a different language! Give yourself the time and effort you need to succeed. Don’t be afraid to get help and reach out, people are there to catch you when you fall! You are your #1 advocate through this whole journey, trust yourself, you got this. 

9. Read, write and listen! 

When learning any new language, it’s important to take the time to practice. The same goes for schooling in a foreign language. It is critical to devote time in reading, writing and listening. Read interesting literature, the more you do it, the quicker you will understand words that were at other times confusing and complex. Write, rewrite and seek feedback! I used to feel like my lab reports were writing at a kindergarten level compared to other peoples’ work. With dedication and constructive criticism, I finally find myself writing at middle schooler level. And that’s really cool. Listen, engage in conversations, and don’t be scared to tell your friends if they are speaking in terms you don’t understand! 

10. Don’t take yourself too seriously 

Have fun! You made it to university! You will never be able to enjoy your time and experience Mount Allison to its absolute best if you hold yourself back because of language barriers. If you slip up in your speaking, so what? Your friends will laugh it off, so join in! My friends and I often find ourselves laughing our heads off over my bad translation skills or my inability to understand English expressions. All I have to say is; the easiest way to learn is to laugh while doing it!  

Photo: My year representing the province as Miss New Brunswick was spent meeting lots of new people, which was made easier with my French background! Here I am celebrating my roots on French Language Day.