Why Apply to the OQEP? Eligibility Salary Travel and Accommodations Recruitment and Selection of Students FAQs How to Apply

Imagine improving your French language skills while immersing yourself in the wonderful culture of Quebec, gaining valuable skills and work experience related to your academic field and making memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s your chance to work for a department of the Quebec government this summer and be part of public service in action.

The Ontario-Quebec Summer Student Job Exchange Program (OQEP) offers Ontario residents enrolled in university the opportunity to work during the summer in a ministry or agency of the Quebec government.

This year up to 48 university students will be selected to participate in the OQEP. The program runs for 13 weeks from May 12th – August 8th, 2008.

Why Apply to the OQEP?

Improve French language skills

Being immersed in a French environment will provide a multitude of opportunities to learn, practise, and enhance your French communication skills.

Experience the Quebec culture

Ontario students will have the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Quebec. Social and cultural activities are organized throughout the summer by the Quebec program coordinators.

Work in your field of study (or related interests)

The positions in Quebec change each year, and cover a broad range of fields of study. Positions have been available in many areas, including communications, promotion and marketing, financial management, human resources, social work, law, sciences, and engineering.

Gain experience working in a public service organization

Through exposure to a ministry or agency of the Quebec government, students will work within the Quebec government, thus gaining new skills and making professional contacts.

Eligibility

You must:

• Be a permanent resident of Ontario
• Be legally eligible to work in Canada
• Be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the program
• Be currently registered in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university (not necessarily in Ontario)
• Have a satisfactory level of both English and French (level will be determined during a French language assessment)

Note: former participants are also eligible to apply if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Salary

The standard work week in Quebec is 35 hours. Rate of pay is $10.00 per hour, plus 5 paid vacation days.

Travel and Accommodations

The Ontario Public Service will reimburse Ontario students their return travel costs from their home address to their Quebec residential or work address up to a maximum amount, based on the most practical and economical way to travel, as determined by the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. It is the responsibility of the student to initially reserve and pay for their travel. Reimbursements for travel will be sent to the student’s work location in Quebec upon submission of all receipts to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

A one time housing allowance of $400 will be provided to each Ontario student by the Quebec Government. Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Quebec will provide reference lists of available lodging.

Note: Withdrawal or resignation from the program may reduce or eliminate the travel reimbursement and housing allowances

Recruitment and Selection of Students

Ontario receives specific information about positions available in Quebec in February. Candidates are selected for a French language assessment and an interview based on the skill and knowledge requirements of the available jobs.

Knowledge of French is a significant consideration in the selection process. Candidates will be scheduled no later than mid-March to take a French assessment to determine their level of French.

Although most positions require an intermediate level of French, some positions are available at a beginner level and others require advanced level of French. Interviews are conducted no later than the end of March.

FAQs

1. How do I apply?

Please click on the “How to Apply” link, located on the OQEP home page.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for the program?

You must:

• Be a permanent resident of Ontario
• Be legally eligible to work in Canada
• Be at least 18 years of age as of the beginning of the program
• Be currently registered in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university (not necessarily in Ontario)
• Have a satisfactory level of both English and French (level will be determined during a French language assessment)

3. How am I matched to a job in Quebec?

Students are matched to a position based on the knowledge, skills, and French language skills that the job requires.

4. How many students are selected for the program?

Up to 48 students from Ontario and 48 students from Québec.

5. What level of French is required?

The ability to speak and write in French is an essential eligibility criterion for this program. Most positions require intermediate proficiency in French, some jobs can accommodate beginners, and others require an advanced level of French.

6. I am from out of province but I go to school in Ontario. Am I eligible for the Ontario-Québec Summer Student Job Exchange Program?

No. You must be a permanent resident of Ontario.

7. I am just finishing my final year at university, am I still eligible for the exchange program?

Yes.

8. I am attending a community college. Am I eligible?

No. Only university students are eligible for this program.

9. What expenses are covered?

Some expenses for travel and housing are covered through the program. Students will be reimbursed up to a maximum amount based on the most practical and economical way to travel, as determined by the Ontario Public Service. Travel costs will be reimbursed and sent to the student’s work location in Quebec upon submission of all receipts. Note: The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) provides discounts for travel. If you don't have a card, check out their information at: http://www.viarail.ca/students/en_etud_econ_isic.html. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation. A one time $400 housing allowance is provided to participating students.

10. Will I receive any training?

Your Québec employer will establish a training plan for you.

11. What part of Québec will I work in?

Positions are available throughout the province. Often, several exchange students work in the same city or at the same location but there may be exceptions for jobs in rural or remote areas.

12. How much will I be paid?

Participants are paid $10 an hour (35 hours per week), plus 5 paid vacation days.

13. Who should I contact if I need to resign or withdraw from the program?

Please contact the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services at: OQEP@ontario.ca

14. Do I have to make my own accommodation arrangements?

Yes. Ontario students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in Quebec. To assist you, a list of available places including maps and general information about the area in which you'll be working will be mailed to you. Your supervisor in Québec will also be a valuable resource in helping you find accommodation before you start work.

15. How many times can I participate in the exchange program?

You may apply to the program as often as you like as long as you continue meet the eligibility criteria.

16. Where can I obtain additional information?

For additional information, please contact Employment Ontario at 1-800-387-5656 or email the OQEP at OQEP@ontario.ca

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted from November 30th, 2007 to January 30th, 2008. For your application to be considered, your package must include:

• A completed application form
• An English and French resume
• An English and a French cover letter discussing why you wish to participate in this program

Please email your application package to OQEP@ontario.ca. Alternatively, you can mail your package to:

Ontario-Quebec Summer Student Job Exchange Program
Ontario Shared Services
180 Duncan Mill Road, 3rd floor
Toronto, ON M3B 1Z6

Click here to download the OQEP Application Form (Adobe PDF)
Click here to download the OQEP Application Form (WORD)