Pan-Canadian official languages programs

These programs help young people improve their language skills in English and French.

Overview

The Official Languages programs of Odyssey, Explore and Destination Clic provide Canada-focused learning opportunities for individuals as young as 13 years of age. Each program offers unique opportunities to learn more about Canada's 2 official languages and their respective diverse cultures.

These programs are administered by provincial and territorial ministries of Education through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

Odyssey program

The Odyssey language assistant program gives participants the opportunity to work in an English or French environment and learn another culture while sharing their own. For 9 months, participants will travel and explore Canada, earn an income and get bilingual professional experience.

Under the supervision of a teacher, participants can gain valuable work experience in a classroom setting using daily activities to motivate students to learn more about French as a second language, French as a first language or English as an Additional Language.

Explore program

Explore is an intensive French language-immersion program that helps participants learn French in a classroom setting adapted to their language level while discovering the culture of another region of Canada through a wide range of activities.

Explore has 2 programs:

  • one for students aged 13 to 15
  • one for students aged 16 or older

Explore 13 to 15

Explore (ages 13 to 15) is a 3-week program offered during the summer for students of any skill level in French.

Participants get a place to stay and funding for:

  • tuition fees
  • instructional materials
  • meals
  • accommodation

Explore 16+

Explore for ages 16+ is offered during the spring or summer for students of any skill level in French. Sessions last between 31 and 33 days.

Participants get a place to stay and funding for:

  • tuition fees
  • instructional materials
  • meals
  • accommodation

Destination Clic program

Destination Clic is a 3-week summer program for francophone students in Grades 8, 9 and 10 who attend a French-as-a-first language school and live outside Quebec.

This program helps francophone youth (outside Quebec) nurture their sense of belonging to and identity with their francophone community at home and abroad.

Participants get a place to stay and funding that covers:

  • tuition fees
  • instructional materials
  • meals
  • accommodation

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Official Languages in Education Programs (OLEP) office:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2940
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]