I have Questions
Administrative and Financial Guide
Where can I find the Odyssey Administrative and Financial Guide?
ACCOUNT (PROFILE)
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.
AGE REQUIREMENT
Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement to participate in Destination Clic?
Yes. There are minimum age requirements for each session. Participants must be enrolled in Grade 8 before or on the first day of the session.
For Destination Clic, Grade 10 represents the maximum age of participation.
Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement to participate in Explore?
Yes. There are minimum age requirements for each session. Participants must meet the minimum age before or on the first day of the session.
For Explore, the maximum age is 15 for the 13–15 age group and 17 for the 16–17 age group.
For the 18+ sessions, there is no maximum age limit.
APPLICATION
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 virtual interview. This interview usually involves one or two interviewers and lasts about 30 minutes. After the interview, you will be notified by email of your interview results. Please note that a successful interview does not mean you have obtained a language assistant position; it means that your file will be forwarded to the coordinator of one of the provinces or territories you chose when you applied, for further consideration.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
When can I apply to the Odyssey program?
Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered in the event that there are placements available. Contact your provincial or territorial coordinator for more information.
APPLICATIONS
Why are there no institutions appearing in the dropdown list of my Destination Clic application?
You may not meet the minimum age requirements for Destination Clic, based on the date of birth you entered in your profile. If this is your situation, please reach out to your provincial or territorial coordinator. If you believe that you do meet the age requirements, verify your date of birth in your personal profile page. If your date of birth is correct, contact your provincial or territorial coordinator to help you.
Will I need to or be able to access my profile after I have submitted my application?
Yes, so make sure you remember your username and password to monitor your file, or to reapply to the Official Languages Programs.
Why are there no institutions appearing in the dropdown list of my Explore application?
You may not meet the minimum age requirements for the 13–15- or 16–17-year-old sessions, based on the date of birth you entered in your profile. If this is your situation, please reach out to your provincial or territorial coordinator. If you believe that you do meet the age requirements, verify your date of birth in your personal profile page. If your date of birth is correct, contact your provincial or territorial coordinator to help you.
Why are there just a few institutions appearing in the dropdown list of my application?
These are the institutions that accept participants in your age group, based on the date of birth you entered in your profile.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
What arrangements are available to ensure my child’s safe arrival at the institution?
On the day of arrival, a chaperone will meet your child at the airport, train, or bus station and identify themselves with official documentation. The chaperone will arrange arrival and departure logistics to ensure safe travel to and from the institution. On the day of departure, the chaperone will remain with your child until they have completed security for their flight or taken their seat on the train or bus.
Upon acceptance into Destination Clic and prior to the session’s start date, you are required to provide the following, requested information:
- date and time of arrival and departure;
- name and location (city/town) of the airport, train/bus station, etc.;
- flight or train numbers, if applicable;
- telephone number(s) and an email address where you can be contacted at any time;
- signed authorization to the airline, train, or bus station to release information to program staff.
Many parents ask about contacting other students in their region who are going to the same institution to plan and coordinate travel itineraries. However, to ensure the privacy of your child and other program participants, we cannot share the names or arrival information of students at any given location.
NOTE: Chaperones may also be available for older students (under the age of 18). Please contact the host institution for more information.
Will my child be picked up at the airport or bus/train station?
A chaperone will meet your child at their point of arrival. Contact your child’s host institution for more information about chaperones and arrival arrangements.
Can I arrive late, leave early, or miss a few days in the middle of the program?
You are expected to arrive and leave on the dates set by your institution. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
Can I be picked up at the airport or bus/train station?
If you are between 13 and 15, a chaperone will meet you at your point of arrival. However, chaperones may be available for participants in the 16–17-year-old age group. Contact your host institution for more information about chaperones and your arrival arrangements.
COSTS
How much is it to participate in Destination Clic?
Government of Canada funding covers tuition, food, lodging, and most of the activities. Government of Canada funding does not cover: travel to and from your institution, the non-refundable registration fee, spending money for optional social activities and for personal items such as toiletries and souvenirs. For more information.
How much is it to participate in Explore?
Government of Canada funding covers tuition, food, lodging, and most of the activities. Government of Canada funding does not cover: travel to and from your institution, the non-refundable registration fee, spending money for optional social activities and for personal items such as toiletries and souvenirs. For more information.
Are there registration fees?
Yes. Registration fees are paid to the host institution in order to reserve your place in the program. These non-refundable fees are to be paid only when you confirm your participation.
CREDITS
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 the program.
Will my credit be automatically transferred to my home institution?
You will be responsible for all arrangements regarding your credit transfer. Check with your home institution before you start the Explore program.
Do I get credits for my participation in the program?
All institutions issue an official certificate of completion to program participants. However, obtaining a credit depends on whether your host institution offers a credit and whether your school, college, or university will accept that credit. Contact your home institution directly to determine whether such credit would be accepted.
I won’t get credit for it. Why should I do the program?
It is still possible to get credit from your home institution, even if your host institution does not offer credit. To find out if this is possible, you can bring your certificate of completion, transcript, or language assessments to your home institution for consideration. Moreover, even if you don’t earn credit, your newly acquired language skills will serve you well in your future. Don’t forget to add these new skills to your résumé.
How many credit hours will I get from the Explore program?
If your home institution accepts a credit from the Explore program, it will determine that credit’s equivalency (i.e., level and number of credits).
DOCUMENTS AFTER THE PROGRAM
I haven’t received my tax slip (T4, T2202A, Relevé 1, Relevé 8, etc.) for the Destination Clic program. What do I do?
Contact your host institution for next steps.
I haven’t received my official certificate of completion or transcript for completing the Destination Clic program. What do I do?
Contact your host institution for next steps.
I haven’t received my tax slip (T4, T2202A, Relevé 1, Relevé 8, etc.) for the Explore program. What do I do?
Contact your host institution for next steps.
I haven’t received my official certificate of completion or transcript for completing the Explore program. What do I do?
Contact your host institution for next steps.
DRAW
What should I do if I decide to refuse a place? Can I trade my place at an institution/session for a different institution or session?
Please follow the prompts in your application profile when you are awarded a place or contact the institution directly for more information. If you have extenuating circumstances for refusing (e.g., a severe illness, death of a relative), contact your provincial/territorial coordinator to discuss alternatives.
What happens after the draw?
If you are awarded a place, you will have a set number of days in which to accept or refuse the place. Please follow the prompts in your application profile or contact the institution directly for more information. If you do not respond in a timely manner, your status will be changed to “inactive,” and your place will be offered to someone else.
When will the Destination Clic pan-Canadian draw take place?
The pan-Canadian draw usually takes place at the beginning of March of every year. You will receive an e-mail notification when the draw occurs.
How does the draw work?
If you are eligible for the program and apply by the specified deadline, you will be entered into the draw. Places are awarded using a randomized, computer-generated draw. Funded placements continue to be awarded up until the program begins, so keep an eye on your inbox!
When will the Explore pan-Canadian draw take place?
The pan-Canadian draw usually takes place at the end of February of every year. You will receive an e-mail notification when the draw occurs.
DRIVER’S LICENCE
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.
ELIGIBILITY
I am not eligible for the Explore program. Can I still participate?
Many institutions accept participants who are not eligible for Explore funding. If you wish to attend a session, you must pay the cost of the program to the institution directly ($4,000 and up) and arrange for travel and personal expenses. Contact your desired institution for more information.
I am a Canadian citizen or permanent resident studying abroad. Am I eligible for Explore funding?
Yes. Complete your application well in advance (using your Canadian address) in order to give your home province or territory adequate time to process it. You may have to answer further questions or provide further documentation.
FUNDING
If I receive funding to attend an institution, can I get the names and contact information of the other students going there?
For privacy reasons, we cannot share that information.
Can I participate in Explore more than once?
You can participate in Explore more than once, but not in the same year. Priority is always given to first-time participants; however, past participants are occasionally awarded a place. Apply using your current online profile.
Can I attend both the spring and summer sessions?
If eligible, you will receive a funded place for only one session per year. If you wish to attend a second session, you must pay the full cost of the program directly to the institution ($4,000 and up) along with the costs for travel and personal expenses.
Will I receive the funding directly? When will I receive the money?
The funding for your place is transferred directly to the institution and covers your tuition, food, lodging, and most of your activities.
My friend and I want to do the program together. Can we be placed at the same location?
Maybe. Places are awarded using a randomized, computer-generated draw so there are no guarantees. However, if you would like to increase your odds of being placed at the same institution as your friend, please ensure your preferences are identical to those of your friend. Either way, you’ll have a great experience!
INTERVIEW PROCESS
What happens after I submit my Odyssey application?
If your application and supporting documents are in order, you may be selected for an interview. You will then be contacted by a provincial or territorial coordinator to schedule an interview (by phone, virtually, or in-person). Interview instructions will be provided by email. Please refer to this Odyssey timeline:
SEPTEMBER–MARCH
Prospective participants submit applications
MARCH–APRIL
Selected applicants are contacted for interviews
MARCH–JULY
The selection process is underway
MAY–JULY
Selected participants* will receive email communication regarding their assigned placement. Pan-Canadian training is provided at the end of August.
*Important: Selected participants must confirm their participation. Participants who do not confirm their acceptance to the program risk losing their place to another potential candidate.
JUNE–AUGUST
Language assistants plan and prepare for their upcoming Odyssey placement
SEPTEMBER
Odyssey mandate begins
LANGUAGE
I don’t speak the target language. Can I participate in Explore?
Yes! There are no language requirements and you don’t need to know your level of language proficiency. You will be given a language pretest either online before you arrive or at the beginning of the program in order to determine your proficiency level. A post-test will be administered at the end of the program to assess your progress.
Do I need to speak the target language during the program?
If you want to learn or improve the target language, then practising is key! You will get the most out of your experience by getting involved, speaking in the target language with your peers, and immersing yourself in your host community. Each institution has a policy about use of the target language, and these guidelines will be shared with participants upon registration.
LANGUAGES AT WORK
What is Languages at Work?
Languages at Work offers Explore participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years a unique opportunity to continue learning their second official language (either French or English) in a professional context during a practical summer job experience.
LOCATION/REGION
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 be in semi-urban, rural, or remote settings; there are few urban placements across Canada.
LODGING
What kind of lodging is available?/Where will my child live?
Destination Clic participants will stay on campus in a student residence to be close to the action and connect with their Destination Clic peers. Safety is a top priority to us!
- Lodging is assigned by age group and by gender.
- Campuses are regularly patrolled by professional security guards.
- Professional security guards are also assigned to each residence.
- Monitors are with students during all program activities.
- Safety and security rules, including curfews, will be shared with you at the time of registration.
Please note that to further ensure your child’s safety and progress in the program, they may not leave campus to visit friends or family in the area during the program. For any special requests related to leaving campus, please contact the host institution directly.
Can I change lodging during the program?
Maybe. If there is a major issue, please contact your institution.
Can I have someone stay overnight?
For health, safety, and security reasons, no visitors will be permitted overnight. Rules and guidelines will be provided upon your arrival.
Can I bring my family with me?
You will be staying in a student residence or homestay that can accommodate only you.
Can I share a room in student residence or a homestay with a friend if we are both accepted?
Maybe. If you and a friend are awarded places to the same institution and same session, contact the institution to find out how to share a room or a homestay. Either way, you’ll have a great experience!
What is the difference between a student residence and a university apartment?
Student residence:
- One or two participant(s) per dorm-style room, common spaces shared with several other participants.
University apartment:
- Approximately two to four participants per apartment, a shared kitchenette and bathroom within the apartment.
Do I need to travel to and/or stay in the location of my Explore program?
If you are registered for an in-person session, you will need to travel to and stay in the location where your program is being held.
If your session is being offered virtually, you will participate in the program from your home, including all formal instruction, workshops, and sociocultural activities.
Are in-person sessions safe?
Explore and Destination Clic institutions strictly adhere to all local, provincial/territorial, and federal health and safety guidelines. Institutions continue to work diligently with program staff to implement and carry out safety practices and procedures to help protect you and others.
NEED HELP
What should I do if I need help during the program?
We do our best to ensure you will enjoy every aspect of the program. However, we understand that sometimes issues may arise. You will be given the telephone numbers of program staff who will be available if something comes up. Support services are also available at the institution if you would like to talk with someone on-site.
Why do I need to choose three institutions when applying?
By providing a first, second, and third choice, you maximize your chance of being assigned to one of your preferred institutions. Every possible effort will be made to assign you to one of your selected institutions. However, you may be assigned elsewhere if your preferred institutions are already full. Additionally, you can increase your odds of earning a funded place by selecting the box that says “If none of my preferred institutions are available, I am open to going to any province where a spot is available” when completing your online application.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Are optional cultural activities free?
All institutions offer a variety of free activities. Additional activities may be available to you at your own cost. Following registration, you will be provided more information regarding these activities.
PROBLEM
Who should I contact if I have an issue regarding the program?
The goal of the Official Languages Programs is to provide a positive, enjoyable, and memorable learning experience. Every institution offers its own unique setting and experience. Experiences will also vary from person to person, including within the same session.
If you’ve experienced an issue you would like to report, follow the steps here.
SPECIAL NEEDS
I have special needs. Can I still participate?
Once you have been awarded a place, contact your host institution as soon as possible to provide relevant information about your special needs (e.g., medically prescribed dietary requirements, medical care requirements). Most special requests can be accommodated with advance notice; however, you may be assigned to another institution that can better accommodate your needs.
START DATE
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.
STATUS
What does the status on my online profile (Explore / Destination Clic) mean?
After submitting your application, you may see different statuses assigned to your profile. These statuses, and their meanings, are found below. As your application continues through the review process, your profile will be updated periodically with instructions regarding additional steps you’ll need to complete.
In progress: You have created an online profile, but you have not completed your online application.
Application completed: Your online application has been completed, but you have not completed uploading the necessary supporting documents.
Incomplete application: Your supporting documents have been received, but a document is missing or incomplete.
Eligible for draw: Your supporting documents have been received and processed, and you are now entered into the draw.
Offer received: You have been offered a place. Your host institution will be contacting you to confirm your acceptance and make further arrangements.
Wait pool: You are in the pool of applicants. You will be notified once a spot becomes available.
Inactive: You were offered a place but did not reply within the timeline specified by your host institution.
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 have completed the application.
Candidate missing documents: You have submitted your application, but there are missing or ineligible documents.
Application submitted after the deadline: You submitted your application after the deadline. As long as positions remain available, however, your application will still be considered for a placement.
Candidate waiting to be interviewed: Your application and supporting documents have been received and are in order. You will be contacted to set up an interview.
Candidate absent at interview: You were invited to an interview but failed to appear.
Application sent to a preferred province/territory: You have completed a successful interview, and your file has now been transferred to the coordinator of one of your preferred provinces or territories for review.
Application transferred to another jurisdiction: You have completed a successful interview, and your file has now been transferred to the coordinator of one of your preferred provinces or territories for review.
Candidate in host provincial/territorial wait pool: You sent in your application, had a successful interview, and your file was transferred to the coordinator of one of your preferred provinces or territories. Your file has been placed in the wait pool, until a position becomes available.
Candidate in home provincial/territorial wait pool: You sent in your application and had a successful interview. Your file has been placed in the wait pool in your home province or territory.
Application accepted: You have been offered a position.
SUMMER
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.
SUPPLIES
Do I need to buy school supplies or course materials?
All learning materials are supplied by the institution. However, following registration, you will be given a list of personal supplies to bring, such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and paper.
TEACHERS
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.
TECHNICAL ISSUES (SUPPORT)
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 is not showing up or gives you an error message, try the following options:
- Refresh your browser.
- Delete your browser cookies.
- Enable pop-ups.
- Try another browser.
If you have trouble printing the PDF of your Explore or Destination Clic declaration form, make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
TRAVEL ALLOWANCES
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 are taxable.
TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
Am I entitled to a discount to travel to and from my institution?
You may be entitled to a 7.5 percent discount from VIA Rail. If your institution is located in a region served by VIA Rail, a discount code along with instructions on how to create a VIA Rail profile, and a letter enabling you to use the discount code will be provided in your institution’s information package. Contact information for Via Rail: 1-888-842-7245.
Please note that the Corporation of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, the provinces and territories, and Canadian Heritage and its officers and employees are not responsible for any travel-related questions or issues.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
Will the virtual program take place in the evening and on weekends?
Some activities will be held in the evening and on weekends, just like they would if you were attending an in-person session. The host institution will provide you with the daily program calendar.
What time will the virtual program take place?
The virtual program runs for at least four hours a day, five days a week. The program schedule will vary depending on the location of your host institution and where participants are connecting in Canada. Some instructional and sociocultural activities may occur during the day or in the evening to accommodate different time zones.
Your host institution will provide you with the daily program calendar once a place has been assigned to you.
Are virtual participants eligible for program funding?
Yes. To be eligible for funding, you must meet the program requirements. Funding is transferred directly to the host institution, and it covers your tuition, instructional materials, workshops, and most of your activities.
How does the virtual program work on a day-to-day basis?
Your sessions will run on average four hours per day, which will include online instruction, workshops, and sociocultural activities. Although the program is virtual, you will experience its full benefits.
Your host institution will provide more detailed information once your spot in the program has been confirmed.
For virtual sessions, will the learning materials be provided online?
Yes. All learning materials will be supplied online by your host institution. Keep pens, pencils, notebooks, and paper handy for activities. More information will be provided by your host institution once a place has been assigned to you.
Will the sessions offering credits still offer them, if the session is virtual?
This information is provided under each session description. Obtaining a credit depends on whether your host institution offers a credit and whether your home institution will accept that credit. Contact your school, college, or university directly to see whether such a credit will be accepted before the start of the program.
What sociocultural activities can I expect as a virtual participant?
It wouldn’t be the Official Languages Programs without activities! Each institution will find unique and exciting ways for participants to interact with others, make community connections, and discover the rich and vibrant cultures of Canada.
Your host institution will provide more detailed information once your spot in the program has been confirmed.
WAIT POOL
What happens if I’m not awarded a spot in the program?
You may still have a chance to participate and will be placed in the wait pool. Funded placements continue to be awarded up until the program begins, so keep an eye on your inbox!
