What is a Language Assistant?
As a language assistant, you will play a key role in the lives of young people in your host community. Working under the direction of the classroom teacher, you will provide students with the opportunity to practise their English-language skills and learn about other Canadian cultural identities.
Your tasks may include :
- preparing classroom activities that focus on enhancing your students’ speaking skills;
- encouraging students to practise English, using games and real-life situations in a respectful and creative way;
- sharing your culture and its unique features through activities;
- leading classroom activities with the teacher, or working with small groups of 2 to 10 students ; and
- participating in evening and weekend cultural activities.
Your Odyssey experience will include the following :
- a placement in Quebec or New Brunswick;
- a nine-month experience, from September to May;
- 25 hours of work per week (20 hours working directly with students and five hours of preparation);
- a placement at the elementary, secondary, or CEGEP level;
- life in an urban, rural, or remote area; and
- discovery of another cultural community in Canada.
Elementary and secondary school levels
At the elementary and secondary school levels, you will prepare and deliver activities to help students improve their English-language skills using real-life situations. Draw from your own interests and those of the students to inspire students to learn English while having fun.
Postsecondary level (CEGEP)
At the CEGEP level, you will be called upon to lead sessions with small groups of students in language labs. You will use your talents and passions to prompt, initiate, and encourage conversations in English between students about current topics and culture.