ODYSSEYFull-time language-assistant

program

What is ODYSSEY?

Odyssey is a full-time work experience that gives past and current postsecondary students the opportunity, outside of their home province or territory, to lead language activities at the elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level, in support of classroom teachers for a period of nine months.

ODYSSEYFull-time language-assistant

program

Established in the 1970s by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), and the Secretary of State

Formerly the Official-Language Monitor Program (OLMP)2001 2004 2009

Funded by Canadian Heritage

Administered by CMEC at the pan-Canadian level and by the provinces and territories in their jurisdictions

Eligibility criteria

English or French must be the first (dominant) language.

The candidate must be proficient in both oral and written English or French.

Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply. People studying in Canada on student visas are not eligible.

Within the last ten years, candidates must have obtained at least a diplôme d'études collégiales (D.E.C.) or attended one year of university in Quebec, or have completed one year of postsecondary studies in other provinces or territories.

Key facts

The salary is $18,500 for nine months (25 hours a week).

In most cases, participants leave their home province or territory to work in a rural or suburban area in another province or territory.

Participants receive two allowances for return travel between their home province or territory and their assigned community.

First-year participants take part in a compulsory Pan-Canadian Training Session in Quebec City in August.

What do language assistants do?

Support teachers by organizing activities such as improv, quizzes, plays, and debates to help students discover and appreciate the culture of the language they are learning.

Organize cultural activities designed to help students discover English or French and encourage them to continue learning the language and improve their skills.

Support students as they learn English or French, emphasizing fluency in speech.

Motivate students.

Language assistants

Language assistants are not intended to replace teachers.

When and where to apply?

Deadline — February 28

www.myodyssey.ca

Next steps

March/April — You will receive a letter indicating you have been selected for an interview.

April/May — After your interview, you will receive a letter indicating whether you have been selected for the next step.

May/June — You will receive a letter at your permanent address, indicating the status of your application.

If you are selected, confirm your participation!

The work term starts in September and ends in May.