Explore program (in French)

As the capital of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife has a population of approximately 21,936 residents. The city features cafés, local shops, cultural spaces, historic sites, and a vibrant community. It is a friendly, walkable city where everything remains accessible, making it ideal for an authentic cultural and linguistic immersion.

Yellowknife is a rich and multicultural community where Dene, Métis, Inuit, Francophones, Anglophones, and newcomers live side by side. It is an ideal place to discover unique languages, histories, and traditions, and to experience authentic exchanges in the heart of the North.

Between mid-June and mid-July, daylight lasts nearly 24 hours a day. The sun barely sets, creating a unique and energizing atmosphere.
A sleep mask may be helpful for comfortable rest.

Days can be warm and sunny, while evenings remain cool. Temperatures may reach 25°C during the day and drop to around 10°C at night.

Excursions outside the city take place in forests, near lakes, and in natural areas rich in wildlife. Mosquitoes can be present during the summer season.

Yellowknife is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot or by local transportation. Most activities and points of interest are accessible without a car, making daily travel simple. Several taxi companies operate in the city at relatively affordable rates, and public transit is also available.

• Aquatic Centre, 6000 Franklin Ave, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2L2
• Multiplex Arena, 41 Kam Lake Rd, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 3Y2

• Racquet Club, 4002 49 Ave, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2N4

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 4911 49th St, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 0A2
• Independent Grocer, 4802 Franklin Ave
• Walmart, 313 Old Airport Road

• Yellowknife Primary Care Centre, 4915 48 St, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 3S4
• Stanton Territorial Hospital, 548 Byrne Rd, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 0H1

• Yellowknife Public Library, 5022 49 St, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 3R8

What is covered by the funding?
Tuition fees, meals, accommodation, learning materials, and most cultural activities are covered.

What costs are not covered?
- Travel to and from the institution
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs or outings

What happens after I submit my application?
Applications go through a lottery process. If selected, you will receive an offer and will have a limited number of days to accept it.

When should I arrive and depart?
Accommodation is covered from June 13 to July 19, 2026. Participants should arrive on June 13 or 14 and depart on July 18 or 19, 2026.

Please note: the Folk on the Rocks music festival will take place from July 17 to 19. These dates should be considered when choosing your departure date or time if you wish to attend the festival.

Can I arrive late or leave early?
No. Participants must respect the official program start and end dates.

Can I receive academic credits?
No. This is a non-credit program. However, participants may earn 7 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon completion of the courses, as well as a digital badge recognizing participation in workshops.

What does a typical day look like?
Classes run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, workshops from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and sociocultural activities from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, with some activities also offered in the evening or on weekends.

Who can I contact if I have a problem during the program?
You will receive contact information for program staff. Collège Nordique also provides on-site support.

How are host families and host individuals selected?
They are carefully selected, interviewed, and approved by the institution. They must provide a safe, welcoming environment conducive to language learning.

How is matching done?
Matching is based on your age, interests, dietary preferences, allergies, and, if necessary, your tolerance for pets. The goal is to ensure the best possible compatibility.

When and how will I meet my host family or host individual?
You will generally receive a host profile a few weeks before arrival. Some hosts may contact you by email or phone to introduce themselves.

Who will welcome me upon arrival?
A representative from the College is scheduled to welcome you at the airport. The host family or host individual may also be present depending on their availability.

What happens during move-in?
Your host family or host individual will show you your room, common areas, and house rules (mealtimes, laundry, etc.) and help you understand the route to the College.

What are the responsibilities of host families or host individuals?
They must provide meals (except lunches following French classes), ensure a safe living environment, and encourage daily language practice.

What is daily life like with a host family or host individual?
You will take part in meals, conversations, daily activities, and, when possible, outings. Language immersion happens primarily through everyday interactions.

Do I have responsibilities as well?
Yes. You must respect house rules, communicate any issues, and actively participate in family life and your learning.

What should I do if something is wrong?
You may contact the host family coordinator or program staff at any time. A 24/7 emergency number is available.

Is it possible to change host families or host individuals?
Yes, but only in cases of serious issues or major incompatibility. The institution will first attempt to resolve the situation and will propose a change if necessary, subject to availability.