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Intercultural Pairing
Intercultural Pairing
Turning cultural diversity into a strength for community life
In short
AIEM’s Intercultural Pairing connects newly arrived people with people established in Québec to build lasting social connections, practice French, and better understand Québec society.
This is a free, structured, and supervised service based on regular meetings and mutual exchange.
What is intercultural pairing?
Intercultural pairing creates a connection between a newly arrived person or immigrant family and a person or family established in Québec.
These exchanges take place in a respectful, friendly, and structured setting that supports practicing French and mutual discovery of cultural and social realities.
It is an equal relationship based on sharing, openness, and voluntary commitment.
Who is the pairing for?
Newly arrived people :
Within AIEM’s intercultural pairing program, newly arrived people are those who have been in Québec for more than 6 months.
Host pairs :
People established in Québec
Members of Québec society
New Quebecers established for 10 years or more
They have strong knowledge of Québec society and wish to share their experience in a spirit of intercultural openness.
Why participate in intercultural pairing?
For newly arrived people :
Practice French in real-life situations
Better understand Québec society and its social codes
Build a social network
Strengthen a sense of belonging
Support long-term social and civic integration
For host pairs :
Create meaningful human connections
Discover other cultures and life stories
Contribute concretely to the integration of immigrants
Actively participate in Québec community life
What activities can be done together?
Activities are freely chosen by paired participants based on interests and availability. They may include:
Conversations about life in Québec and cultural realities
Discovering neighbourhoods, public places, or local activities
Accessible outings: café, park, festival, cultural activity
Friendly moments such as cooking together
Occasional practical support to encourage autonomy
How does pairing work at AIEM?
- Registration and opening an AIEM file
- Individual meeting with a staff member
- Information session and preparation for pairing
- Pairing based on profiles and affinities
- Regular meetings over a period of about 12 months
- Follow-ups and support throughout the pairing
Participation is voluntary and can be ended if needed, in discussion with the staff member.
Participation conditions
- Free service
Activities offered in French
An up-to-date AIEM file is required
Participation is supervised and respectful of AIEM values
This service is not currently available to asylum seekers, visitors, or tourists. If this applies to you, the AIEM team can help orient you toward more appropriate resources.
Interested in participating?
Complete the online registration form.
A staff member will contact you to support you in the next steps.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
No. It is an equal and reciprocal relationship based on exchange and sharing.
This service is offered thanks to the financial participation of the Government of Québec, under the Programme d’accompagnement et de soutien à l’intégration (PASI), administered by the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
