Celebrate French and its diversity of accents at Francofête 2026
Francofête has returned in full force at Concordia this year, with a theme highlighting the diversity of voices on campus: Accents.
The annual celebration of the French language is part of a global event created in 1997. Espace Franco, previously the Centre pour étudiants et étudiantes francophones, and Réussir en français have teamed up once again to offer a variety of activities designed to engage francophone students, international students and French learners across the university.
“Concordia is home to a wonderfully diverse community. Our goal is to create events that not only celebrate the French language but also embrace the unique voices and accents that make our campus so vibrant,” explains Sophie Mailloux, manager of Espace Franco.
At the heart of this year’s edition are two key events: a screening of the documentary Parler mal and the return of the Regional Career Fair for international students.
A safe space for learning
The film screening, a collaboration with the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques. will take place on March 24, followed by a conversation with Acadian actress and artist Bianca Richard.
Richard says the film offers a unique opportunity to reflect on language, identity and the diversity of francophone voices today.
“Although linguistic insecurity is at the heart of the film, it also addresses issues of inclusion, exclusion, and power dynamics,” she says. “I feel that the university is a fertile and safe space to explore these questions, regardless of students’ fields of study or backgrounds.”
This year’s emphasis on diversity resonates with students like Amanda Greytok, a student in the FRAI (français immersif, or “immersive French”) courses.
“While French can be especially intimidating when it comes to having the perfect accent, the only way to learn is to do,” she says.
International students discover the regions
Just in time for Francofête, the Regional Career Fair for International Engineering Students is back for its second edition. The fair provides an opportunity for students to engage with employers and organizations representing over 10 administrative regions across Quebec.
Organized in collaboration with PROMIS (Emplois en régions), the fair enables international Concordia students to explore career opportunities beyond Montreal and gain insight into working and living across Quebec.
Kunal Das, a Concordia graduate, participated in last year’s fair and later relocated to Valcourt, Quebec. Asked what he would say to someone worried about speaking French because of their accent, he says, “Don’t hesitate — it will eventually come along with practice.”
Whether students are considering a future in a smaller Quebec community or simply looking to broaden their professional horizons, the fair offers valuable connections, practical guidance, and a firsthand look at the opportunities that await beyond Montreal.
Discover the wide range of activities at this year’s Francofête and celebrate the richness of French at Concordia!