Where can I find the Odyssey Administrative and Financial Guide?
Please click here to download the Odyssey Administrative and Financial Guide.
Faq Category: ODYSSEY
What is the hiring/selection process like?
The first step in the selection process is submitting and reviewing your application. Teams, under the supervision of provincial and territorial coordinators, will evaluate your application either by reviewing your file or by conducting a short phone interview with you. If you pass this first step, you will then be invited to an in-person or … Read more
Can I receive an academic credit for Odyssey?
Maybe! The decision lies with your postsecondary institution. Your first step is to consult an academic advisor at your institution to see whether the Odyssey program could be considered an internship or work placement. Your provincial or territorial coordinator may also be able to assist you, if you require a confirmation of your experience in … Read more
Can I choose the city or region to which I am assigned?
During the interview, you can identify your preferred location(s). Check out the Odyssey interactive map to view the locations of past and present Odyssey work placements. We do our best to take your preferences into consideration. Ultimately, assignments are determined by the coordinator in the host province or territory. Please note that most placements will … Read more
Can I apply if I am studying in Canada on a student visa?
No. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to be eligible for the Odyssey program.
Can I apply if my postsecondary studies were completed outside Canada?
Yes! Please also submit a formal assessment of your academic credentials earned outside Canada with your application.
Will my grades be considered when applying to the Odyssey program?
Your postsecondary grades will not be assessed. However, you must provide proof of completion of the required level of study with your application in order to be eligible.
Can I start later in the year?
If there are positions still available, you can start work later in the year. For more information, get in touch with the coordinator in your province or territory.
Can my friend and I be assigned to the same location for the Odyssey program?
We do our best to take your preferences into consideration! However, there is no guarantee that you will be assigned to the same region.
Can I participate in the program again?
You may participate in Odyssey again, although priority will be given to first-time applicants. All decisions about contract renewal are made by the local supervisor in consultation with the provincial or territorial coordinator.
Can I work during the summer?
Most schools are closed for the summer so there are no Odyssey placements during this time. If you want to improve your second language, consider participating in the Explore program or becoming an Explore monitor.
Do I need a driver’s licence?
A driver’s licence is not a requirement for the Odyssey program. However, in some remote regions, having a licence and/or access to a vehicle is considered an asset.
What is the difference between a language assistant and a teacher?
Language assistants are not trained as teachers and therefore do not perform the duties of a teacher, such as the assignment of tests, student evaluation, and classroom management. Instead, language assistants will work under the direction of teachers, leading activities with small groups of students.
Will I receive my travel allowances even if I decide to stay in my host community throughout my entire Odyssey mandate?
Yes! These allowances are fixed amounts and are paid regardless of your actual travel plans (e.g., you will receive them even if you do not return home for winter holidays). Travel allowances paid at the beginning and the end of the employment period are not taxable. However, travel allowances paid in December and in January … Read more
Why do I need to create an account/profile?
You won’t be able to apply without an account. Your personal data is encrypted in our database and shared only with authorized users for the administration of the Official Languages Programs. You don’t need to create a separate profile for each program you are interested in participating.
I’m getting an error message. What do I do?
If you get an error message such as “The email address you entered already exists” or “The email/username combination is not valid,” you will need to contact your provincial or territorial coordinator. Your coordinator will be able to give you your username or reset your password once you have verified your identity. If a page … Read more
What does the status on my online profile (Odyssey) mean?
After submitting your application, you may see different statuses assigned to your profile. These statuses, and their meanings, are found below. Further instructions will be provided to you by the host province or territory when additional steps are required. Application in progress: You started the application process but have not completed it. Application submitted: You … Read more
What happens after I submit my Odyssey application?
Once your application and supporting documents are in order, you may be selected for an interview. A provincial or territorial coordinator will contact you to schedule it and will provide detailed instructions by email. Note that the interview may be conducted by phone, virtually, or in person. For an overview of all key steps and … Read more
When can I apply to the Odyssey program?
All application deadlines, along with other key Odyssey program dates, are included in a visual timeline. Download the PDF here.
How do I apply?
Submitting an application is easy! Apply to your preferred program using the OLP-PLO mobile app or through our website. For more info, check out this quick video tutorial on applying.
