A discussion of French immersion education in Canada begins with a general examination of language immersion, including the historical context and social climate from which the immersion approach has grown in Canada, its beginnings in Quebec and spread throughout Canada, and the status of the approach in the United States, a number of European countries, Australia, and Nigeria. The second part of the overview focuses on the Canadian experience, looking at: the characteristics and structure of immersion programs; theoretical considerations; research on French language achievement in immersion programs, both early- and late-entry; the effects of immersion on English language development and subject area-knowledge; effects of immersion on children with learning problems or who are disadvantaged; social and psychological effects of immersion; problems encountered in implementation of immersion in Canada, including sociopolitical issues and resistance; and revisions, redefinitions, and changes in direction. The concluding part looks at the future of immersion in Canada. Contains 234 references. (MSE)