Parole de Vie Béthel

Parole de Vie Béthel is a French Bible institute offering an 11-month program (September through July). On the same campus there is also a French language program designed for missionary candidates and others whose priority is to learn French. The French Immersion in Biblical Studies Program is designed to enable students with a basic grasp of French to strengthen their knowledge of the language while earning a Diploma in Biblical Studies – French Immersion (46 credits of Bible and 15 credits of French).

The school year is divided into three semesters: fall, winter and spring/summer. During the fall semester, students will receive ten hours of language training per week while also taking selected Bible Institute courses.  Bible Institute assignments may be done in English. During the winter semester, students will participate fully in the Bible Institute program with an additional five hours per week of language study. All assignments will be done in French. In the spring semester, students will complete their academic year as full-time Bible Institute students. This will be followed by a seven-week French ministry internship in our summer camping program. Students must complete this internship in order to receive their diploma. 

A typical week includes 20 to 25 class hours, and 15 to 20 hours of personal studies. In order to facilitate this heavier course load, during the fall and winter semesters, immersion students are exempted from the five hours of practical student work per week done by the other students. Since this work is designed to reduce the students’ fees, immersion students pay a supplement to compensate for this. 

Students are also involved in evangelism and other forms of ministry that occupy approximately 50% of the weekends throughout the school year.

Admissions Requirements

1. The applicant must be a born again Christian.
2. The applicant must have completed high school or, in the case of mature students, show proof of having pertinent educational and life experience.
3. The applicant must have a real desire to study the Scriptures and serve others.
4. The applicant for the French Immersion in Biblical Studies Program must demonstrate a basic knowledge of French. Written and oral exams will be administered and the first two weeks of the program will be used to evaluate this knowledge.
5. The applicant must commit torespect the principles and rules of the school as well as the policies of the program of studies.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete the program of studies with a minimum of 56 credits and a cumulative average of at least 60%. The maximum number of credits available is 61.
2. Fully participate in the Christian service program throughout the entire school year.
3. Complete the summer ministry internship.
4. Be in agreement with Parole de Vie Bethel’s statement of faith.
5. Ensure the full payment of all financial obligations to the school. Students who do not complete full payment will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies, but will not receive their diploma or transcript until all financial obligations have been met.

Not sure if you can handle it?

We can help you choose the best course of action! You'll begin with an initial two-week evaluation period consisting of 40 hours of class time in French grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. You will then have the opportunity to select one of three options for the remainder of your year depending on your skill level:

Option 1: Continuation in the French immersion Bible Institute program as described above. Graduates will receive a diploma in French Immersion – Biblical Studies.

Option 2: Full-time student in the regular Bible Institute program. This option will be available to students whose French language skills will enable them to complete this program with minimal additional French language assistance. Graduates will receive a diploma in Biblical Studies.

Option 3: Full-time student in the eight or ten month French language program. This option will be available to students whose French language skills are insufficient to enable them to continue in the immersion program as described above. Graduates will receive a diploma in French studies and may then enroll in the Bible Institute the following year if they wish to do so.