Language Instruction in Montreal: Choosing Lessons

Define the language task before choosing a teacher

Write a short brief that names the language, the learners and the situations you want them to practise. For a shop, you might choose greeting customers, explaining a return or checking stock. For a restaurant, you might choose taking an order and clarifying a customer’s request. Give the teacher sample dialogues with customer information removed.

Ask each learner what they can handle without help and where they lose confidence. Request a placement conversation before assigning everyone to the same group. Tell the teacher whether you want speaking practice, reading, writing or a combination, and ask how they would handle learners with different starting levels.

For English or another language, use the same brief when requesting private instruction. The public programs described here concern French; treat them as options for that specific training need. [1] [3]

Check public French options against your staffing plan

Québec’s workplace initiation program targets small service businesses, with retail, accommodation and restaurants among its examples. Eligible businesses receive the activities free of charge. Employers must arrange them during paid working hours, and instructors can deliver activities at the workplace or remotely. Check eligibility before treating this option as a confirmed booking. [3]

For individual learners, Québec offers free French courses to people aged 16 and over who live in Québec, are not subject to mandatory school attendance and wish to receive French-learning services. The government also offers services to people planning to settle in Québec. Financial assistance depends on conditions; do not include it in a learner’s budget without checking eligibility. [1]

Full-time courses generally involve 25 to 30 classroom hours per week, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Part-time courses offer schedules of 6, 9, 12, 16 or 20 hours per week, with exceptions, and can run during the day, evenings or weekends. Both routes cover beginner and intermediate levels. [1]

Employment-focused specialized courses generally involve six hours per week, with nine hours available for certain fields. The government describes distance delivery and levels that depend on the subject. Its self-paced online route on the general overview page covers intermediate and advanced levels. Check the particular course rather than assuming all online options share the same entry level. [1]

Compare private lesson proposals on the same terms

Send each prospective teacher the same brief. Ask for the teaching language, learner level, session length, group size, location and proposed schedule in writing. Request examples of relevant teaching qualifications and experience with adult workplace learners. For exam preparation, ask the teacher to name the exam and explain how they would assess your starting point.

Request a total quote that separates instruction, materials, assessment and any travel charges. Ask whether the quoted amount includes applicable taxes. Compare the cost for the same number of teaching hours and participants, and ask what happens if a learner misses a session or leaves the group.

Use a trial lesson to assess the proposed approach before committing to a long package. Ask the teacher to practise a realistic interaction, give feedback and explain the next lesson. Agree on a review point and a task learners should be able to perform by then, such as explaining your return process without reading a script.

The sources here do not establish current private lesson prices in Montréal. Obtain direct quotes for your language, format and group size rather than using a citywide hourly estimate.

Read the agreement and separate business from personal purchases

Québec’s Office de la protection du consommateur says merchants offering covered courses must provide a contract. It also identifies additional obligations for enrolment by telephone or Internet and exclusions for certain courses offered by public establishments. Confirm whether the purchase falls within these consumer rules, especially when your business signs and pays. [4]

For covered consumer course contracts, a learner can cancel before classes start without cancellation charges. After classes begin, the merchant can charge for classes already taken plus a penalty equal to the smaller of $50 or 10% of the price of classes not yet given. [5]

The OPC says the consumer can cancel by sending the contract’s cancellation form or another written notice. Cancellation takes effect when the consumer sends it, and the merchant has 10 days from that date to refund any amount owed. Keep a copy of the notice and evidence of sending it. [5]

For an employer training agreement, request clear terms for rescheduling, instructor substitution, minimum enrolment, unused lessons and ending the arrangement. Ask who receives progress reports and agree with staff on what information the teacher may share.

Published weekly hours for Québec public French courses

Choose a route before requesting lessons

Your hiring checklist

1. Name the target language and the customer or workplace tasks learners should practise.
2. Ask staff about their starting level and request a placement assessment.
3. Check eligibility and scheduling for the relevant public French program.
4. Choose paid training times and arrange coverage before confirming workplace sessions.
5. Request a teaching plan and an itemized total quote from each prospective instructor.
6. Agree on attendance, rescheduling, cancellation and progress-reporting terms.
7. Review a trial lesson before committing to a longer package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my business receive free French instruction for staff?

Québec offers free French initiation activities to eligible small service businesses. The activities must take place during paid working hours and can run at your workplace or remotely. Check the eligibility conditions before making your training budget. [3]

How many hours should I allow for public French courses?

Québec lists 25 to 30 hours per week for full-time courses and part-time options of 6, 9, 12, 16 or 20 hours, with exceptions. Specialized employment-focused courses generally involve six hours weekly, or nine for certain fields. Confirm the actual timetable before arranging attendance. [1]

Can I cancel a private course package?

For a consumer contract covered by the OPC’s course rules, you can cancel before classes start without charges. After the start, the merchant can charge for classes taken plus the smaller of $50 or 10% of the remaining classes’ price. Confirm coverage, particularly for an employer purchase. [4] [5]

What should I ask a tutor before booking?

Ask for a placement assessment, a sample lesson based on your work tasks, relevant teaching qualifications and a written plan. Request the full price, group size and terms for missed sessions. Agree on how you will review progress before purchasing a longer package.