What is Odyssey?

Undertaking this Odyssey means having the opportunity to discover another part of Canada and to make a difference in the lives of young people in your host community.

As part of your Odyssey, you will have the opportunity to lead language activities – all in English! – in an elementary, secondary, or postsecondary classroom to support the teacher.

From the beginning of September through May 31, you'll work 25 hours a week helping young people who want to learn English and discover anglophone Canadian culture.

The rest of the time, you'll be free to explore your host region and its culture.

KEY FACTS

• You'll be paid a total of $18,500* during your Odyssey for the nine months of your mandate.

• In most cases, you'll leave your home province or territory to work in a rural or suburban area in another province.

• You could receive allowances** for two return trips between your home province or territory and your assigned community. These are lump sum allowances and may not cover all your expenses.

• You'll take part in a compulsory pan-Canadian training session for the program in Quebec City in August, which will help equip you for your Odyssey.

* Please note this amount is taxable.
** One of these allowances is taxable.

WHO?

Who can embark on an Odyssey?

Eligibility criteria

• English must be your first (dominant) language. You must be proficient in both oral and written English.

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Those studying in Canada on student visas are not eligible.

• You must have completed (within the last ten years) at least one year of postsecondary studies by June of the coming year or, in Quebec, have at least your diplôme d'études collégiales (D.E.C.).

ROLE

What do language assistants do?

Make a difference in the lives of young people by broadening their horizons and bringing them other cultural perspectives. During your Odyssey, you'll help students as they learn English.

Your role will be to

• support students as they learn English, emphasizing fluency in speech, and help motivate them

• organize cultural activities designed to help students discover the English language and encourage them to continue learning it and to improve their skills

• support teachers by organizing activities such as improv, quizzes, plays, and debates to help students discover and appreciate your language and culture

Language assistants are not intended to replace teachers.

Your role will be to encourage students to improve their knowledge of the language and culture — encompassing all forms of language, art, music, and the shared beliefs and values of a particular society — and to use the language on a daily basis.

WHY?

Why embark on an Odyssey?

Odyssey gives you a chance to travel and discover another region of Canada while sharing your language and culture with young people. Your travel and your work with these young people will help you develop as a person and discover new interests.

With Odyssey, you can explore your country, test your limits, and expand your horizons as you get to know young people from another province.

You'll also improve your knowledge and skills in your second language. Not only will you help broaden your students' horizons, your own perspectives will widen and deepen!

You will be a role model for students, a very important one, who will give them the support they need as they increase their knowledge of both the English language and anglophone culture.

English language assistants are assigned to work in educational institutions in Quebec and New Brunswick.

Top of page ↑