RECENT OR POTENTIAL GRADS: Language Assistant

  • Location: Within Nova Scotia, at an elementary or secondary level school
  • Deadline: June 30, 2022 at 5:00 pm

Official Languages Program

Language at work:

  • French

Job title:

  • Language assistant

Work location:

  • Within Nova Scotia, at an elementary or secondary level school

Schedule:

  • Contract (September to May)
  • Full time (25 hours/week)
  • Monday to Friday

Salary:

  • $25/hour

Job description:

The Odyssey Language Assistant Program (established in 1973, to promote Canada’s two official languages and the cultures they convey) is a paid, professional work experience that involves working with students for nine months. Earn approx. $25 an hour while gaining valuable work experience in a classroom setting.

Working under teacher supervision, you will plan and lead activities on a daily basis to motivate students to learn more about the French language.

You will share your culture and the unique linguistic features of your home region through art, music, stories, local expressions, and humour.

Your work will consist mostly of:

  • preparing and executing activities that focus on language (aural comprehension and oral expression);
  • developing activities that reflect everyday communication opportunities in order to help students improve their French-language skills in real-life situations;
  • drawing from your own interests and those of the students, this is an opportunity to use your talents and passions to help someone build skills in French, and to have fun doing it;
  • examples include starting a debate, playing a trivia game, putting on a play, and teaching a dance or a new sport.

The language assistant does not replace the teacher. The tasks of a language assistant may include the following:

  • encouraging students to participate in oral communication activities;
  • preparing classroom activities that focus on learning about language and culture;
  • leading small groups of two to 10 students;
  • motivating students to learn French;
  • encouraging students to appreciate and explore your culture and their own in a respectful and creative way through language;
  • participating in evening and weekend cultural activities;
  • meeting with school staff upon request.

General requirements:

There is no age limit for undertaking an Odyssey. To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • have excellent French-language skills, both oral and written. French must be your first language, OR your proficiency in French must be as strong as if it were your first language;
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (those studying in Canada on a student visa are not eligible);
  • have completed, within the last 10 years, at least one full year of postsecondary studies, in either college or university.

Application deadline:

  • June 30th
  • We will continue to accept applications after the deadline if the positions are not filled.

How to apply:

Apply at EnglishFrench.ca

Create an account and complete the application form. Consider including details of any experience you have working with youth, as well as any hobbies or interests you have related to games, songs, reading, movies, excursions to theatres and museums. Such activities may be considered an asset.

You must upload the following documents with your application:

  • your résumé in French (including your current occupation);
  • proof of completion of the required level of study, which could be any of the following:
    • your transcript (official or unofficial); or
    • your diploma (only if dated); or
    • your proof of enrolment at a postsecondary institution (only if you do not have a transcript or diploma)

All electronic communications will be directed to the email address you have provided on your application form.