Parlez-vous français? Do you want to learn?
The Official Languages Programs (OLP), funded by the Government of Canada, offer one-of-a-kind experiences to English- and French-language learners across Canada. Interested? Let me help you decide which program is right for you:
Explore
Do you want to improve your French while traveling? Do you want to make friends from across the country? Have you been a full-time student at any point in the 2020-2021 academic year?
The Explore program is offered during the spring and summer to Canadian citizens and permanent residents by age group (13-15, 16-17, and 18+). Selected participants travel to a francophone community in Canada for a duration of three weeks (13-15 age category) or five weeks (16-17 and 18+ age categories) to learn French and participate in cultural activities. There are no language-skill requirements to participate in Explore, and the program is fully covered by the Government of Canada — including tuition fees, textbooks, housing, meals, and activities. Some sessions even offer university credits! Participants also have the opportunity to extend their stay and participate in the Languages at Work program to gain experience working in French. Interested in learning more about Explore? Visit https://englishfrench.ca/explore/ for more information. But don’t delay! The application closing date is May 31st, 2021.
Apply as soon as possible to maximize your chances of being selected.
Odyssey
Are you interested in a career in teaching? Are you proficient in English? Do you want to earn money while learning more about francophone culture in Canada?
The Odyssey program is offered as a paid nine-month contract to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. Selected participants travel to francophone communities in Quebec and New Brunswick to work as language assistants in elementary and secondary schools, as well as in CEGEPs in Quebec. Living expenses are not covered by the OLP; however, participants are paid a salary of $25/hour for 25 hours of work per week for the duration of the program. No knowledge of French is required to participate in Odyssey. Visit https://englishfrench.ca/odyssey/ for more information about the program and apply before the application closing date of May 31st, 2021.
Apply as soon as possible to maximize your chances of being selected.
Past Participants share their Experience
HC: What did you love about the Explore/Odyssey program?
Maddy, Former Explore participant, University of Ottawa: “Explore was the first time that I was able to fully immerse myself in French Canadian culture and it was a great opportunity for me to practice my second language! I loved how encouraging everyone involved in the program was; practicing your second language can be intimidating but not here! The best part of the program was all the friends I made. There were also a lot of fun activities, and the town I stayed in was really small and had a relaxing atmosphere that made my time in the program feel like a vacation!!”
Yucy, Former Explore participant, University of Ottawa: “[I loved] getting to meet people from all around the country and developing genuine friendships that last for a long time.”
Grace, Former Explore participant, University of Ottawa: “[My favourite parts of Explore were] all of the wonderful people I got to meet, and the new experiences that I was able to participate in”
HC: Do you have any advice for future participants?
Maddy, Former Explore participant, University of Ottawa: “If you apply to participate in the Explore program, pick a place that allows you to stay with a host family. You get more opportunities to practice French this way as opposed to staying in residence.”
Yucy, Former Explore participant, University of Ottawa: “When I was there, we complained about every little inconvenience and just wanted to go home… Make sure you just enjoy it and appreciate the opportunity.”
Grace, Former Explore participant, University of Ottawa: “Be open minded and don’t be afraid to try new things so that you can get the most out of your experience.”
So — what are you waiting for? Head to https://englishfrench.ca to apply for Explore or Odyssey today. On vous attend!