CHOOSE
YOU
The Cost of Inaction
You've invested years in your career. You've proven yourself time and again. Yet there's one obstacle that keeps standing between you and your next promotion: the SLE exam. Every day without your Level C is a day of missed opportunities—positions you can't apply for, promotions that slip away, and the quiet frustration of watching colleagues advance while you remain stuck. You're not alone. Thousands of talented public servants face this exact challenge, trapped by three invisible barriers that traditional language training simply cannot break.
The Bilingual Excellence Trilemma
The Fluency Wall
Picture this: You're in a meeting with your director. You understand every word being said. The answer is clear in your mind—brilliant, even. But when it's your turn to speak, your throat tightens. The words that flow so easily in English suddenly become tangled knots in French. You stumble. You simplify. You watch your credibility slip away with each hesitation. This isn't about vocabulary or grammar—it's about the invisible wall between comprehension and expression that traditional courses never taught you to break.
Impostor Syndrome
You've taken the courses. You've passed the tests. On paper, you're bilingual. But deep down, a voice whispers: 'They'll find out you're not really fluent.' Every phone call in French feels like walking a tightrope. Every email is triple-checked for errors. You avoid certain colleagues, certain meetings, certain opportunities—all because of this crushing fear of being 'exposed.' The irony? You're more capable than you believe. But years of traditional learning have taught you to fear mistakes rather than embrace them as stepping stones.
The Stagnation Plateau
You've been at level B for years. Maybe even a decade. You've tried everything: evening classes, language apps, conversation groups, immersion weekends. Each time, you make progress... then hit the same invisible ceiling. The truth is, reaching level C requires a fundamentally different approach. It's not about learning more—it's about learning differently. Traditional methods were designed to get you to B. They were never built to break through to C. And every month you spend repeating the same approaches is another month watching that EX-01 position slip further away.
RusingÂcademy was created to break through these three walls, using a structured methodology that accelerates learning 3 to 4 times faster than traditional approaches.
A Complete Ecosystem for Your Success
This is why we built something different. After years of watching talented professionals struggle with outdated methods, we created an integrated ecosystem that attacks the problem from every angle. Not just courses. Not just coaching. Not just technology. But all three, working together in perfect harmony. Each pillar was designed to solve a specific part of the puzzle: structured learning to build your foundation, expert coaching to break through your personal barriers, and cutting-edge media to accelerate your progress. This is the solution you've been waiting for.
Our 3-Step Method
Simple. Targeted. Results-oriented. Our proven methodology has helped hundreds of public servants achieve their language goals—each step builds on the previous one to create a clear path to success.
Diagnose
A strategic assessment that goes far beyond a simple placement test.
Train
A personalized plan based on your target level, deadlines, and professional constraints.
Validate
Approach your language proficiency exams with clarity, structure, and confidence.
The RusingÂcademy Solution
Our solutions are designed specifically for Canadian public servants. Whether you need structured courses, personalized coaching, or innovative learning tools, we have the right solution for you.
Crash Courses – Path Series
Strategic Coaching
Who benefits most from this program?
Our programs are specifically designed for Canadian public servants at various stages of their career. If you recognize yourself in one of these profiles, we can help you achieve your language goals.
Deadline-driven professionals
Your SLE exam is in weeks, not months. You need intensive, focused preparation that delivers results fast. Our accelerated programs are designed for exactly this situation—no wasted time, just targeted training.
Career advancement seekers
You've hit the ceiling. The perfect position is there, but it requires bilingual proficiency. You're ready to invest in yourself and unlock the doors that have been closed until now.
Previous exam candidates
You've been there before. The frustration of falling short is real. But this time will be different—our proven methodology addresses exactly why traditional approaches failed you.
Mid-career professionals
With 5-15 years of experience, you've earned your stripes. Now it's time to break through to leadership. Your expertise deserves recognition—don't let language be the barrier.
Remote & regional employees
Location shouldn't limit your career. Our fully online programs bring world-class training to you, wherever you are in Canada. Flexible scheduling that fits your life.
High achievers targeting Level C
You don't settle for average. Level C is your target because you're aiming for executive positions. Our advanced programs are built for ambitious professionals like you.
Trusted by public servants
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from public servants who have transformed their careers through our programs—real results from real professionals.
If you're looking to learn from someone who can help you reach your full potential in French, Steven is that person. [...] Je parle beaucoup mieux le français grâce aux conseils de Steven, et n'importe qui aurait de la chance d'apprendre avec lui.
Jena Cameron
Manager, Canada Small Business Financing Program
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Among the dozens of language teachers I have had over the years, I would rank Steven among the best. He is personable and engaging, organized and encouraging. Critically, he helped me target gaps in my knowledge and provided a clear path and study resources to help me achieve my goals.
Excellent French as a second language instruction. A patient, thoughtful and personalized approach that leads to lasting improvement and more confidence. Highly recommended.
I had a consultation with Steven in advance of a second language exam, required by my work. Steven is an excellent coach, advisor and gave me actionable feedback both in the session and in a follow up report. [...] I highly recommend him for your language learning needs.
Meet Steven Barholere.
"Language is not merely a technical skill; it is a strategic enabler of connection, leadership, and opportunity."
Throughout his career in both the private sector and Canada's federal public service, Steven Barholere observed a recurring challenge: highly capable professionals often struggle to translate years of language study into real, confident, and functional bilingual performance in the workplace.
Confronted with this gap between learning and performance, Steven set out to rethink how second-language skills are developed, supported, and assessed for adult professionals.
What His Colleagues Say
These heartfelt Kudoboard messages from former public servant colleagues capture the real, transformative impact of Steven's French instruction. Click to view in full resolution.
Correctional Service of Canada
May 2021
Merci Beaucoup Steven!
High resolution • Click to zoom
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
June 2025
Merci Beacoup!
High resolution • Click to zoom
Real messages from federal public servants who benefited from Steven's French instruction
They trust us
Why Choose RusingÂcademy?
What sets us apart from traditional language schools? Our exclusive focus on the Canadian public service, combined with a proven methodology and personalized approach.
Public Service Specialist
100% tailored to the specific needs of federal employees.
95% Success Rate
Proven method with guaranteed support until you succeed.
Accelerated Progress
Intensive programs delivering results in 4-24 weeks.
Personalized Coaching
One-on-one guidance tailored to your role and career goals.
Meet our experts
A team of passionate experts dedicated to your success in the Canadian public service. Our team brings together experts from education, public service, and technology—each member contributes unique expertise to ensure your success.
Steven Barholere
Visionary Founder & CEO
With over 15 years in adult training, Steven is a Government of Canada–certified specialist in bilingual education. He creates innovative learning solutions that help public servants succeed in official language evaluations. As a visionary leader, he transforms language training into practical tools for career growth.
Sue-Anne Richer
Chief Learning Officer - RusingÂcademy
Sue-Anne is an expert in designing educational programs tailored to government language evaluations. She guides professionals in mastering French through clear learning pathways and exam preparation. Her strength lies in making complex learning feel structured and achievable.
Preciosa Baganha
Chief People Officer - Lingueefy
Preciosa specializes in bilingual talent development and career growth within the public sector. She matches learners with the right coaches and ensures a high-quality learning journey. Her work helps organizations and individuals build strong, bilingual teams.
Erika Seguin
Chief Bilingualism Campaigner - Barholex Media
Erika is a performance coach with a background in public service, education, psychology, and acting. She helps professionals overcome anxiety and perform with confidence in high-stakes settings like language tests, using science-based and stage-informed strategies.
Take learning beyond the session
Explore our library of educational content. From quick tips to in-depth lessons, we provide resources to support your learning journey at every stage.
The 4 Stages of Learning
Discover how to transition from conscious competence to unconscious competence.
Mastering the Past in French
Essential guidelines and examples of past tenses for exam preparation.
Building Your Network
Step out of your comfort zone to create lasting connections.
Knowledge Democratization
How AI confronts conventional perceptions of body, mind, and identity.
Bilingual = More Money?
Discover how bilingualism can boost your career and create opportunities.
Unconscious Competence
When driving becomes body memory. You just know how to do it.
AI Danger? Expert Skepticism
Is AI as smart as it seems? One expert warns about limitations.
Cédric's Network Secret
An inspiring story about building professional networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We've compiled answers to the most common questions from public servants considering our programs.