Case Study: Bryony Heaviside – La Belle Province 2024-2025

My time in Quebec, Canada, has finally come to an end. After spending a few weeks back in the UK, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on what this experience and being a recipient of the John Speak Bursary has meant to me.

Hands down the best year of my life!

When deciding where to undertake my placement year, Quebec seemed the obvious choice. This province is full of infinite opportunities, allowing me to push my language skills beyond my comfort zone. Canada, being over 3000 miles from England and not having the reputation of being the cheapest country to live in, meant that I could not have embarked on this journey without the help of the John Speak Foundation. My time in Quebec has been an enriching and transformative experience, filled with opportunities for personal growth. As a recipient of the John Speak Bursary, I was fortunate to immerse myself in the vibrant community of Quebec, gaining valuable insights and skills that will benefit me for years to come.

The bursary provided me with the financial support to undertake a range of activities—primarily focused on language acquisition and academic development. Developing my confidence in French was my primary goal during my time in Quebec. The John Speak Bursary enabled me to support myself financially while enrolled in an immersive language program. Through intensive classes and real-world practice, I significantly improved my language skills. Listening back to my audio reports each month, I can see a remarkable change in both my skills and confidence when speaking French. While I still have a long way to go, I am certainly now on the right track.

 

In addition to language studies, I completed a work placement in a French school. I utilised my language skills to enhance my teaching of English. After gaining confidence in French, I even worked as a supply teacher for French subjects. While only part-time, this placement allowed me to develop my confidence and communicate effectively in a second language. From this experience, I have gained a Canadian family and friends for life.

Thanks to John Speak, Quebec and these experiences will forever hold a special place in my heart.

The bursary also supported my academic pursuits, one of which was to expand my knowledge of Québécois vocabulary. Upon arriving in Quebec, I was immediately struck by the strong Québécois accent. Twelve months later, I have compiled an extensive list of Québécois phrases that I use in my day-to-day conversations. Words like “niaiser” and “bébelle” are at the forefront of my mind, and I make a point of including a random Quebec word into my conversations whenever I can.

Moreover, thanks to the John Speak Trust, I was able to explore a vast range of places in Quebec. Traveling to new locations and experiencing different seasons brought countless opportunities for learning. For example, I used some of my bursary to buy a second-hand car, which led to many learning experiences—whether it was learning French car terms at the mechanic or seeking help and explaining the problem when I got the car stuck in the snow.

I am immensely grateful for the John Speak Bursary, which made this incredible journey possible. Its support not only alleviated my financial burdens but also encouraged me to take risks and engage fully in this experience. Through this opportunity, I have developed language proficiency and cultural understanding and honed skills that will benefit me in my future academic and professional endeavors. The John Speak Bursary was a key element in my Canadian journey, allowing me to seize new opportunities, embrace challenges, and grow in ways I never imagined possible. As I work towards my career in international business, I carry with me the lessons learned and the connections made, inspired to work hard and continue learning.

Merci mille fois! 😃