Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Odyssey – Language Assistant Program
Paid classroom language assistant experience in Canada
Funding available
$ 30,000
Deadline
March 10, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
Odyssey is a paid nine-month language assistant program for Canadian citizens and permanent residents across Canada. Participants work 25 hours per week and support classroom activities, small-group practice, and cultural exchange to help students improve English or French.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Work as an ESL, FSL, or FFL language assistant in an elementary school, high school, or CEGEP classroom setting.
- Prepare classroom activities that focus on enhancing students’ speaking skills.
- Encourage students to practise English or French through games and real-life situations.
- Lead classroom activities with the teacher or work with small groups of two to 10 students.
- Share your culture and participate in evening and weekend cultural activities, including virtual tasks when required.
Documents Needed
- Résumé in English, including your current occupation
- Proof of your studies: a transcript or dated diploma, or proof of enrolment at a postsecondary institution if you do not have a transcript or dated diploma
- Formal assessment of your academic credentials, if you completed your studies outside Canada
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
- English-speaking candidates.
- French-speaking candidates.
Who is not eligible
- People studying in Canada on a student visa.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Living expenses, including lodging, food, transportation, and personal items.
- Personal spending money.
Selection criteria
- Priority will be given to first-time applicants.
How to apply
- Create a profile if this is your first time applying to one of the Official Languages Programs, or log in to your existing profile.
- Complete the application form and click CONFIRM AND FINISH to save it to your account.
- Upload each supporting document as a separate file in the Supporting Documents section.
Processing and Agreement
- Your application and supporting documents are reviewed once they are in order.
- Teams under the supervision of provincial and territorial coordinators may review your file or conduct a short phone interview.
- If you pass the first step, you will be invited to an in-person or virtual interview, which usually lasts about 30 minutes.
- After the interview, you will be notified by email of your results.
- If the interview is successful, your file is forwarded to the coordinator of one of the provinces or territories you chose for further consideration.
Additional information
- No prior classroom experience is required.
- First-time Odyssey language assistants must attend the compulsory Pan-Canadian Training Session.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Odyssey – Language Assistant Program Program
What is the Odyssey – Language Assistant Program?
Odyssey is a paid nine-month language assistant program for Canadian citizens and permanent residents across Canada. Participants work 25 hours per week and support classroom activities, small-group practice, and cultural exchange to help students improve English or French.
How much funding can be received?
Odyssey – Language Assistant Program Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Odyssey – Language Assistant Program program?
To be eligible for the Odyssey – Language Assistant Program program, you must:
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Excellent oral and written English or French skills
Completed recent postsecondary studies
What expenses are eligible under Odyssey – Language Assistant Program?
Work as an ESL, FSL, or FFL language assistant in an elementary school, high school, or CEGEP classroom setting.
Prepare classroom activities that focus on enhancing students’ speaking skills.
Encourage students to practise English or French through games and real-life situations.
Lead classroom activities with the teacher or work with small groups of two to 10 students.
Share your culture and participate in evening and weekend cultural activities, including virtual tasks when required.
Who can I contact for more information about the Odyssey – Language Assistant Program?
You can contact Canadian Heritage by email at olp-plo@cmec.ca or by phone at 1-877-866-4242.
Where is the Odyssey – Language Assistant Program available?
The Odyssey – Language Assistant Program program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Odyssey – Language Assistant Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Odyssey – Language Assistant Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns