Students' Testimonials

"My time in the Frecker program was a remarkable experience. Everyone I encountered was incredibly friendly, and that made my stay even more enjoyable. One of the standout aspects of the program was the Francoforum’s programming and staff. They went above and beyond to ensure that every moment was not just educational but also engaging and fun. Their ability to plan a diverse range of activities meant that there was something for everyone. Staying with host families was another highlight of the program. These families were not only welcoming but also well-versed in hosting students like us. They provided a genuine glimpse into the local way of life and allowed me to practice my French in a comfortable and supportive environment. The accelerated pace of course completion allowed me to make significant progress in my language skills over a short period. Overall, the Frecker program was an unforgettable and enriching experience. We laughed, learned, and explored as a team, which made the program even more special. We made many memories and will remain friends for a long time. I now have a deepened appreciation for the French language and culture, and I recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their language skills while immersing themselves in a welcoming and vibrant community."
Sarah Hawkins (Summer 2023)

The Frecker program was by far one of the best experiences of my undergraduate degree. I was a bit nervous to go to Saint-Pierre for such a long period of time but I’m so glad that I did. The island was beautiful and the people were very friendly. My host family was incredibly welcoming and made us feel like we were part of their family. Living with a French family allowed me to practice the French language in the comfort of my own home and my French language skills improved tremendously. One of my favorite things about the program was that we got the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities each week which allowed us to be immersed in the French culture while learning lots of new skills. The Francoforum is a beautiful facility and the staff went out of their way to ensure everybody had a good experience. I made lifelong friends and my time there went by so quickly. If you are considering attending the Frecker program I would highly recommend it! I had so much fun and if I could do it again I would!

Danielle Duffy (Fall 2022)

“At first I was very hesitant to apply for the Frecker program, but looking back I'm very glad I did. All in all, the experience was extremely beneficial. During my time in Saint Pierre, my level of French greatly improved, I gained a lot of independence and I made some great friends. While it was difficult to be away from my family and friends at home for so long, all of the other students were in the same situation too, which made the experience a lot easier. The Francoforum and its staff were great as well. They were very welcoming and most of the professors went above and beyond, doing everything in their power to ensure the success of their students. Overall, I would encourage any prospective French student to do the Frecker program!”
Carla Bartlett (Fall 2016)

“I had a great experience in Saint-Pierre, although I found the school work hard, I believe my French improved greatly. I had many wonderful adventures and made many friends which I will have for a lifetime. I stayed with a lovely family, who treated my roommate and myself like their own. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter family. The food I had was good and the pastries were even better. The place itself is beautiful which made experiencing the culture and outdoors very enjoyable. Overall, I had a great experience and would highly recommend it and if I got the chance I would do it again!”
Tiffany White (Fall 2016)

“Attending the Frecker program must be the best decision I've ever made during my four years in university! I was nervous and struggled before I went to Saint-Pierre because I had only learn French for eight months, my French was terrible! But the teachers are patient and my French mom is really nice. They helped me with my French and made it improve quickly. I made lifelong friends there and they really changed my life in some way. I actually feel I should've chosen the program in fall that I can stay there longer!”
Siqi Zhao (July 2016)

“Saint-Pierre was an amazing experience! It made me more independent, improved my French a lot and I made so many new friends, from the program and from Saint-Pierre, that I will have for a very long time!”
Morgan Domino (Fall 2015)

“I had went back and forth for a while on whether or not to apply for the Frecker Program. In the end, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I loved my days in Saint Pierre. Every experience was a learning oppurtunity, and I came away feeling accomplished after every conversation I had with the people of Saint Pierre. There is truly no better way to learn a language. I made so many great friends and the three months flew by. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I absolutely would. ”
(Michelle Green, Fall 2015)

“I think the Frecker program was an amazing experience. I learned so much in the little time I was there, and I made some great friends. My French family were very generous, I couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. The food was excellent, the history and culture was very interesting, and the excursions were fun. There's a lot more to do than one would expect. The Frecker program is a great experience, and extremely beneficial to those studying French, I learned more there in a month than I have in my studies so far!”
Sarah Antle (Summer 2015)

“I attended the Summer Frecker Program in July 2015. I was very nervous to go because I struggled in French and I was not the best when it came to speaking the language. I think this program is amazing! You learn so much from being put into a French environment, they make you feel at home. I was only there for a month and I gained so much knowledge. Believe me when I tell you that you make lifetime friends. I would recommend the Frecker Program to anybody. Do it! You won't regret it!”
Ashley Porter (Summer 2015)

“Saint-Pierre is like one big classroom! The experience of living with a host family and talking to Francophones on a daily basis helps you improve your French so much and gives you an appreciation for the culture. The teachers are also always there to help. Some of my very best memories and friends were made through the Frecker program. I would encourage anyone to do it because it will truly change your life.”
Julia Buckley (Fall 2014)

“In addition to being the best academic decision thus far in my degree, the Frecker program was the best cultural experience I have ever had. With unlimited opportunities to explore the French culture and to meet so many new friends, I would undoubtedly recommend this program to any undergraduate who wants to explore a new culture!”
Sarah Devereaux (Fall 2014)

“The Frecker Program was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my undergraduate career. Coming from the core-French program in High School, I was worried about my comprehension and oral skills. However, both the teachers and the people of Saint-Pierre are patient, and you are not expected to be bilingual when you arrive. Saint-Pierre becomes your classroom, from going into the town, to being with your host family; you always get the opportunity to improve your French skills. You also get to experience the culture first-hand, as you do many museum tours, and culture-centered activities. From always being able to practice French, to living with a French family, the Frecker Program gives an amazing opportunity to its students to immerse themselves in the language!”
Beckie Gardner (Fall 2014)

“For someone who was really nervous and apprehensive about participating in the Frecker Program, I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned a lot and got to experience a lot and I'm so glad to say I did it. Living with an all French family was an amazing experience and being totally immersed was so cool and unlike anything I could have expected. I made friends I know I'll have for the rest of my life and I took so much more home with me than just what I learned in school. Definitely worth checking out, an amazing experience and opportunity that I would recommend to anyone interested in pursuing French!”
Lauren Lambe (Fall 2014)

“It was an excellent experience to get to improve my French while getting to make new friends.”
Elena Miminis (Fall 2014)

“The Frecker Program was an amazing life experience. I very much enjoyed my time in Saint-Pierre because it allowed me to improve my French speaking and writing drastically, as well as meet lifelong friends, and experience a new interesting culture.”
Samantha Scurrey (Fall 2014)

“The Frecker program has been, so far, the highlight of my university experience. The program gave me the best opportunity to improve my French while also giving me the chance to explore and be part of the unique culture of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. I met many of my best friends during the program, while creating memories that I will remember forever.”
Jenine Sheppard (Fall 2014)