October 29th, 2026 | 4-minute read

Laurentian Students Share Their Journeys in the French as a Second Language Program

The French as a Second Language (FSL) program at Laurentian University is spotlighting four students and alumni who are making an impact across education, science, and the arts.

October 29, 2026— The French as a Second Language (FSL) program at Laurentian University is spotlighting four students who are making an impact across education, science, and the arts. Offered through the School of Liberal Arts, Laurentian's FSL program provides flexible and immersive pathways designed to build confidence and advanced bilingual communication skills.

Emma Callender

Hometown & High School: Echo Bay, ON | Central Algoma Secondary School
Program: 3rd Year, Concurrent Education (FSL Major, History Minor)

Chosen for its seamless blend of Concurrent Education and French language training, Laurentian was the ideal fit for Emma Callender. Driven by a passion for teaching, she aims to create supportive classrooms where students feel comfortable taking risks in a new language.

Drawing parallels between her musical background in guitar and piano and her language studies, Emma emphasizes that both require patience and consistent practice. "Both music and language learning involve developing new skills over time," she shares. She credits professors like Prof. Valérie Gauthier-Fortin, Lecturer, School of Liberal Arts and Dr. Banafsheh Karamifar, Assistant Professor, School of Liberal Arts with taking her oral and written French to an advanced level.

Advice for students: "Be patient with yourself and embrace the learning process! Don’t let the fear of making mistakes prevent you from practicing."

Victoria Hartless

Hometown & High School: Caledonia, ON | McKinnon Park Secondary School
Program: 4th Year, Concurrent Education (BA/BEd)

Seeking true language immersion after a 5-week program in Gaspé, Quebec sparked her passion for French, Victoria Hartless chose Laurentian for its strong FSL program and Sudbury's vibrant Francophone community.

Victoria values the intimate class sizes and immersive, hands-on learning opportunities within the School of Liberal Arts. Beyond the classroom, students are given opportunities to experience Francophone culture firsthand through tickets to local theatre productions, Cinefest, and local Francophone festivals. Among her standout experiences was a research initiative in partnership with Place des Arts, analyzing local French literary spaces following the closure of La Librairie Panache. She also credits her professors, including Dr. Valérie Raymond, Assistant Professor, School of Liberal Arts, with tailoring course material directly to education pathways, equipping future teachers with practical classroom resources and vocabulary.

Advice for students: "Don't be afraid. Our French profs are not going to judge you if you have an accent or take a while to come up with your words. They are just happy that you're here if you show up and are willing to try."

Keinnell Kreuzwiesner

Hometown & High School: Caledon, ON | Humberview Secondary School
Program: 5th Year (Professional Year), Concurrent Education (FSL Major, History Minor)

For Keinnell Kreuzweisner, Laurentian stood out as the ideal choice because it offered a 5-year Concurrent Education degree paired seamlessly with a full French as a Second Language major. Learning French as her third language, Keinnell credits the welcoming FSL faculty for making the learning environment supportive and comfortable.

Her FSL degree has already paid major dividends: from landing bilingual campus roles with Student Success to receiving permanent teaching job offers prior to graduation. Now preparing for graduate studies in education and bilingualism, Keinnell points to hands-on community research, such as partnering with Place des Arts on French literacy initiatives, as a key highlight of her degree.

Advice for students: "If you speak more than one language, you can talk to double the people! Adding FSL as a major or minor isn't going to hurt you, it's only going to help you. On your diploma and resume, you're instantly a more competitive candidate."

Emily Angell

Hometown & High School: Huntsville, ON | Huntsville High School
Program: 2nd Year, Concurrent Education (French as a Second Language)

Drawn to Laurentian University by the reputation of its Concurrent Education program and Sudbury’s bilingual community, Emily Angell is preparing for a career teaching French at the elementary level, with aspirations to teach overseas after graduation.

Emily values the program’s small, close-knit environment, where students build strong connections with peers and faculty while continuously advancing their French reading and writing skills. She highlights her online Oral and Written French course, for sharpening her grammar and analytical comprehension. She also points to campus support services, particularly free tutoring through the Language Learning Centre, as an invaluable resource for student success.

Advice for students: "The FSL program at Laurentian is a small program which I love. You get to know the professors and fellow students really easily. Take advantage of the free tutoring at the Language Centre, being able to learn in a small group makes a significant difference."