Odyssey

I worked for one year as an official language monitor for the Canadian program Oddysey.

Having never had formal teaching experience, the initial training session prepared us well along with giving all the monitors a chance to meet. Because we were all placed around the province (and country) it allowed us a chance to share our concerns and hopes with people in a similar situation.

Each school that a monitor is assigned to, has a "responsable" or teacher who is to be your main contact with regards to finding housing and any other living queries. They help to introduce you to the school and your job.

Depending on where you are placed (elementary, secondary, cegep or university) there are different aspects to the job but they all involve leading short activities to help expose the students to English (or French if a native francophone).

All schools are required to provide certain resources for the monitors such as access to a computer and a separate space to work and prepare activities.

Because it's a government program, there are a lot of guidelines and support to help make your experience a successful one.

I met many wonderful people, both in my area and other participants. A second training in late October allowed us to come and discuss any concerns and several optional social outings were also arranged so I made many friends that will be life long.