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Language Assistant
Overview
The Odyssey Language Assistant Program (established in 1973, to promote Canada’s two official languages and the cultures they convey) is a paid, professional work experience that involves travelling to Quebec or New Brunswick to work with students for nine months. Earn over $27 an hour while gaining valuable work experience in a classroom setting.
Working under teacher supervision, you will plan and lead activities on a daily basis to motivate students to learn more about the target language. You will share your culture and the unique linguistic features of your home region through art, music, stories, local expressions, and humour.
Your work will consist mostly of:
• preparing and executing activities that focus on language (aural comprehension and oral expression);
• developing activities that reflect everyday communication opportunities in order to help students improve their English-language skills in real-life situations;
• drawing from your own interests and those of the students, this is an opportunity to use your talents and passions help someone build skills in English, and to have fun doing it;
• examples include starting a debate, playing a trivia game, putting on a play, and teaching a dance or a new sport.
The language assistant does not replace the teacher. The tasks of a language assistant may include the following:
• encouraging students to participate in oral communication activities;
• preparing classroom activities that focus on learning about language and culture;
• leading small groups of two to 10 students;
• motivating students to learn English;
• encouraging students to appreciate and explore your culture and their own in a respectful and creative way through language;
• participating in evening and weekend cultural activities;
• meeting with school staff upon request.
Qualifications
There is no age limit for undertaking an Odyssey. To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:
• have excellent English-language skills, both oral and written. English must be your first language, OR your proficiency in English must be as strong as if it were your first language;
• be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (those studying in Canada on a student visa are not eligible);
• have completed one of the following:
o For studies outside Quebec in Canada – at least one full year of postsecondary studies, in either college or university;
o For studies in Quebec – two years of college-level studies or one full year of university;
o For studies outside Canada – at least one full year of postsecondary studies, in either college or university. You will also need to submit a formal assessment of your academic credentials.
You do not need any French-language skills to apply and participate in the program. However, you will be placed in francophone communities, where French is the first language, so basic speaking skills in French will greatly enhance your experience.
The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) thanks all candidates for their interest in Odyssey. Decisions regarding eligibility for participation in the program are made by the relevant provincial and territorial ministries/departments responsible for education or postsecondary education and are also subject to the participating educational institutions’ policies, practices, and regulations. A candidate may be declared ineligible for participation in the program at any time, including but without limitation, if the candidate
• has been previously dismissed from the program for any reason,
• does not or ceases to meet the eligibility criteria for or the conditions for participation in the program,
• does not meet any requirement or condition of the relevant provincial and territorial ministries/departments responsible for education or postsecondary education or of the participating educational institutions’ policies, practices, and regulations.
Contact
Apply at EnglishFrench.ca
Email contact: languesofficielles@gov.mb.ca
Is this the first time you are applying?
If so, you must upload the following documents with your application:
• your résumé in English (including your current occupation);
• proof of completion of the required level of study, which could be any of the following:
o your transcript (official or unofficial); or
o your diploma (only if dated); or
o your proof of enrolment at a postsecondary institution (only if you do not have a transcript or diploma).
• If you studied outside Canada, you will also need to submit a formal assessment of your academic credentials. NOTE: An incomplete application may delay the process and result in potential missed opportunities.
Step 1: Create an online profile, or log in to your existing profile.
Step 2: Create an application. Once you’ve filled out your information, don’t forget to click the Finish button to submit your application. NB: Consider including details of any experience you have working with youth, as well as any hobbies or interests you have related to games, songs, reading, movies, excursions to theatres and museums. Such activities may be considered an asset.
Step 3: Scan all of the required documents as a separate PDF or take detailed photos of each (accepted image file formats: .jpg, .tiff, and .png). Upload each file, using the corresponding button in the SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS section.
Step 4: Expect a few weeks for your application to be processed. Only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted by the designated provincial or territorial coordinator. All electronic communications will be directed to the email address you have provided on your application form.
We thank you for your interest in Odyssey and wish you the best!