Language assistants are not required to have prior classroom working experience to apply.

There is no age limit for undertaking the Odyssey program. To qualify, you must meet ALL the following criteria:

• have excellent language skills, both oral and written, in the language you will be working in (in English for ESL positions* and in French for FSL and FFL positions).

Even if you are an anglophone, there are opportunities to work as a French language assistant. To do so, you will need to have excellent French-language skills, both oral and written.

• be either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident (those studying in Canada on a student visa are not eligible);

• have completed one of the following within the last 10 years:

  • For studies outside Quebec in Canada – at least one full year of postsecondary studies, in either college or university;
  • For studies in Quebec – two years of college-level studies or one full year of university;
  • 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.

*If you are interested in working as an ESL language assistant, you do not need any French-language skills to apply and participate in the program. However, you will be placed in a francophone community, where French is the first language, so basic French-speaking skills will greatly enhance your experience.

Participants who complete the Odyssey program are eligible for the Explore program, an intensive language immersion program that is offered during the spring and summer. If you are interested in learning or improving your French- or English-speaking skills and travelling to a new part of Canada, Explore might be the perfect program for you.