MONTREAL without any french knowledge

Question

I'm 21, Australian guy thinking or where to live in Canada for a couple fo years. I've heard Montreal has great nightlife, ladies, etc. What is life like for a non-french speaking person though? Would I struggle with things like friends, getting a basic admin job, etc? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

You are going to be very limited in what job you can do as most people in admin jobs in Montreal are fluently biliingual.

If you are thinking about a temporary work visa, have a look here:

http://www.goingtocanada.gc.ca

Montreal itself is lovely.

Answer 2

as a tourist, its ok, but i hear that its VERY difficult to live in montreal (or almost anywhere in Quebec) without knowing french. the natives i don't think will be very fond of you... (though being an aussie might change that :)

as for getting a job, that will be very difficult with no knowledge of the french language.

Answer 3

As for getting around in the city you shouldn't have that much problems. most people are either bilingual, or have a basic understanding of english (remember, in elementary and highschool there is english courses so most people will know a little bit.)

However, it would help if you knew some french, but you should be able to pick it up if you try. (before you leave you can just learn the basics)

As for jobs, I think you would be able to find a job but you wouldn't have as many opportunities than if you knew both lnaguages.

but anyways don't get discouraged, I know people that don't know any french (just because they were too lazy to learn it.. their loss) and they are doing fine.

Answer 4

When I went to Montreal, even though I can speak pretty decent French, I found that most people there can speak both French and English pretty fluently. In stores, unless you have perfect French, a lot of workers prefer that you speak in English.  I don't think you'd have much trouble.

Answer 5

Francophones who have lived in Quebec, including myself, feel a bit threatened by the increasing influence of english. It is in Quebec that we feel most at home, a sense of belonging while being surrounded by over 300 million non-French speaking Americans and Canadians.

I don't mean to stereotype but most aussies I have met assume everyone does and should speak perfect English, and yes Montreal is a bilingual city, and if you're there as a visitor you would be welcomed graciously (as should any traveller in any country) But if it's to work, your opportunities will be really limited. To put it in terms that might be easier for you to understand, what kind of opp's are there for an immigrant without english knowledge in OZ outside of their own communities and how do english-only speaking Aussies perceive them?

I hope you weren't insulted by what I have to say. I respect everyone regardless of where they're from. It's just a fact that if you're in a city where the majority of the people speak a language you don't know, there's bound to be friction. Some locals may feel that you're not trying to be part of the community, and you may feel frustrated that you're not made to feel at home. It's an especially touchy topic in Quebec because of the historical significance and how for many years they were isolated from France and most every other French speaking part of the world.