Have you been looking for the perfect opportunity to improve your French, to travel and to make new friends this summer? Are you studying in a university degree program and returning to full time studies this fall? If so, we have just the ticket. The Quebec-Alberta Exchange Program is now accepting applications for this coming summer.
Each year the Quebec and Alberta governments cooperate to hire bilingual post-secondary-degree students from Alberta and Quebec for a summer work exchange. This partnership creates work experiences within the provincial government, related to the student's field of study.
Exchange students receive round-trip airfare to Quebec, their first week's food and accommodation costs, planned group activities and the opportunity to work alongside students from PEI, New Brunswick, Ontario or Manitoba.
This year the governments are exchanging up to 40 students for a 13-week placement that runs from May 10 to Aug. 6. Students are paid $13 per hour.
Still not convinced this is for you? Here are some stories from last summer's participants.
Marielle McCrum is an Alberta student who travelled to Quebec for the summer.
"My out-of-the-ordinary summer job was working as a Préposée aux curieux at Boîte à science in Quebec City. The primary goal of Boîte à science is to inspire a passion for science in children. During the school year, I would assist with in-class presentations relating to various fields of science. From demonstrations with live animals to building rockets, each presentation energized the elementary-aged students and caught their interest.
"When school gave out to summer, I busied myself preparing for more presentations and Boîte à science's exhibition AcCLIMATation at the Aquarium du Québec. This display forced me to interact directly with a francophone public and to think quickly in French all the while stressing the importance personal choices can make in the fight against climate change.
"The many facets of my summer job encouraged me to reflect upon my current ability in French and pushed me to improve."
Interested in Marielle's experience? You can email her at mmmccrum@ualberta.ca.
Venkatesa (Ven) Virasahmmy came to Alberta from Quebec
"I've learned that no, not everybody in Alberta dresses like a cowboy, people here don't say yee-haw, they say hello. They don't have cows as pets, and they don't talk like people in Alabama.
"I've finally learned to live on my own without my family and my best friends around me. I've learned how to cook, to do my own laundry, to plan as well as manage my finances, to be responsible, and I finally learned how to dance salsa!
"Most importantly, beyond discovering this beautiful province, I've met some really great friends! I've had some great times with all of [the other exchange students] and my experiences this summer wouldn't be the same without them."
Would you like to learn more about Ven's Alberta experience? Email him at V_virahsammy@alumni.concordia.ca.
This is your opportunity to expand your horizons, learn about this country and learn what you are capable of! Click here for more information and to apply.
- Sally Stuike, for Alberta Employment and Immigration