<p>I know that McGill instruction is in English but do you need to speak french to survive montreal?</p>
<p>I'm in the same position as you. I'm planning to go to McGill, and I dont know French. I've heard that around the Uni, English will be fine, but gradually, you'll pick stuff up, so it will become a total non-issue.</p>
<p>No, it's not at all necessary. My S has been there 1.5years and doesn't speak a word.</p>
<p>doubt it. I visited about a year ago, knew no french at all, except for a handful of words, and was perfectly fine. Seemed like most of the people I encountered spoke both english and french so I was fine.</p>
<p>I'm not saying the entire city is like that, but I spent an entire weekend there walking all around and never found a place where I was just unable to get what I wanted or figure something out because i didn't know french.</p>
<p>You can survive without knowing French, but you may miss out on some cultural aspects Montreal has to offer. Western Montreal is predominantly anglophone, and eastern Montreal is predominantly francophone, though it's unlikely you'll venture out that far (many students don't leave the McGill bubble until 2nd or 3rd year!).</p>
<p>Not to worry, a large majority of Montrealers are bilingual, but if you're not sure, just ask "Parlez-vous anglais?"</p>