It should come as no surprise that being multilingual in French, English, and any other language is a major asset in Canada. Canada is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with millions of French speaking citizens. French is taught in elementary schools across the country, and many students choose to study French well into university and graduate school. French and English can be seen on street signs, pamphlets, documents, websites, and literally any product you can find on the grocery shelf. Whether you realize it or not, French is present in so many aspects of Canadian living.
Canada has a long history of French culture that starts with explorers arriving in North America over 500 years ago. Driven by the fur trade, religious missions, and a desire to expand French influence and control around the world, thousands of French settled in the area now known as Canada and maintained their language and culture through different periods of political control. Some French settled and married into indigenous communities, while others established settlements and farming. In France, many citizens were offered land if they would journey across the Atlantic to the 'new world,' and even orphaned women were promised a dowry for moving to North American and marrying a male settler. Much of French culture and language still persists to this day, and legislation in different provinces ensures that French families have continued access to education and services in the French language.
Quebec, for example, remains a stronghold of French culture in Canada. The cultural inheritance of the French is prevalent in the food, architecture, and art, and the government remains steadfast in protecting the Quebecois culture. You will also find hundreds of Francophone communities in every province, even in largely English-speaking areas like Ontario and Manitoba.
Kids that grow up in English speaking parts of Canada are often strongly encouraged to learn French because bilingualism and multilingualism are valued so highly. Parents know that French proficiency can lead to career opportunities their kids would not have had otherwise, and the educational system reflects it. French immersion programs can be found in nearly every English school board, as well as core French classes. There are French schools where children of French families can receive their education entirely in French, and hundreds of private after school programs and camps where kids can study the language as an additional extracurricular activity.
Many companies and organizations value French language skills, especially where they work with French speaking clients. For example, there is a high need for customer service representatives in banks to speak French, as well as in government and municipal organizations. Those that happen to be bilingual or multilingual in French and English are also in an excellent position to leverage their abilities to pursue careers in translation and education. As a multilingual speaker, you can build a full time career in either field, or a part time career in both.
This article will explore everything you need to know about pursuing a career as a French translator or educator in Canada. Let's start by taking a closer look at translation and what it takes to get certified in your province.
Looking to start a career or embark on a new one? Why not become a French translator? Learn more on how to get started.
Why Are Translators Important?
Translators and interpreters carry out important work that is critical for a globalized society. They may work as interpreters in the community, helping newcomers, seniors, or other people that need help communicating their ideas to doctors, legal officials, banks, or educators. They may work in government or municipal roles, ensuring that important information is communicated in as many languages as possible. Translators also work in the arts, ensuring that the tone, message, and artistic merit of a writer is communicated as close to the original work as possible. In some cases, the work is incredibly high stakes: some interpreters may work with people being tried in a court of law who need the most clear and accurate understanding of what their rights are, others may be sharing with families the details of a medical diagnosis. The work of a translator or interpreter can be rich, rewarding, and dynamic.
How do I get Started in a Translation Career?
A career in translation starts with the learning you have likely been embarking on your entire life: developing French language proficiency. However you got your start in French: speaking with family, attending school, travelling, or living abroad, you have been enabling yourself to take advantage of all the benefits of being able to communicate in different languages.
Your career goals are probably the most important thing to consider as you plan your next stage of learning. Are you looking to work as a translator full time? Do you want to work part time? For a large organization or company? A freelancer? Maybe you'd like to try both. What kinds of work are you willing to do as a translator or interpreter? Do you want to work interactively in the community, helping newcomer families get the information they need? Or maybe you see yourself translating great works of literature or writing. Perhaps you'd like a quiet role as a translator of different documents for legal organizations or government. Consider where you see yourself, and then find the appropriate pathway.
In terms of education, you might consider the following options, or a combination of them.
University
In university, you can pursue a number of degrees that might prepare you for a career as a translator. Many students will choose to pursue an undergraduate degree in French Language and Literature, where you will delve deep into the language and read books from French authors. You might also consider a degree in linguistics, where you will learn about language from a scientific perspective, studying patterns across different linguistic families. Comparative literature is another discipline that can form a strong base for a career as a translator, where you will spend time reading literature across different languages. Finally, some universities offer degrees specifically for Translation and Interpretation, where you will learn the field from a theoretical and foundational perspective.
What are the guidelines and requirements for translators and interpreters in Canada? Find out how to become a certified translator in your province.
College
Unlike universities, college programs offer a much more practical and 'hands-on' learning experience where you will earn a certificate or diploma instead of a degree. Like universities, colleges will also have programs in French and other languages, though make sure you enrol in courses that are appropriate for your level of proficiency. You will also find programs in translation that can provide you with a valuable academic background for working in the field. Many colleges and universities will also certification through a continuing education program, which is geared for adult learners and typically takes place after standard work hours.
Professional Training
Some professional translation organizations like MCIS (Multicultural Interpretation Services) offer courses and interpreter training programs for mature students. These courses are excellent if you want to work as a community interpreter or need build a specific vocabulary in areas like the court system or healthcare. These programs are excellent if you speak another language in addition to English or French.
Getting Certification as an Interpreter or Translator
In addition to a degree, certificate, or professional training, you may want to get official certification as a translator. There are many benefits to professional certification in any field. First of all, it demonstrates that your work is up to the highest standards and that you are qualified to take on complex and critical work. Having an official qualification will also make your resume or CV more impressive, which is great if you are looking for full time work in the field. Finally, being part of a professional organization will give you access to events like conferences, professional development, or opportunities to network with other translators and interpreters.
In Canada, each province has its own professional body that regulates the interpretation and translation industry. In most cases, an exam must be completed before certification is granted. Find your province's organizing body for interpreters and translators so you can find out what it takes to be a certified translator in your community.
Freelancing as a Translator or Interpreter
In a 'gig' economy where so much work can be done remotely and independently, you can also use your skills as a translator to start your own small business. Many individuals, businesses, and organizations seek translation for a variety of purposes, and may prefer hiring a freelancer who can do the work efficiently and without the complications of working with a large company. As a freelancer, prospective clients can come to you when they have specific needs or you can do contract work with other large companies. As a freelancer, you can generate a supplementary income, or build valuable work experience that will prepare you for the next phase of your career.
Pursuing a Career in French Education
Teaching is another option you can pursue as a French and English speaker. There are millions of children and adults in Canada that learn French every day, and often need help to support their learning goals. French can be a tough subject, especially if you are living in an area where English is primarily spoken and you don't get the practice you would receive in a French community. Many students seek French tutors to help them in their classes, and public school boards are always in need of teachers for core French and immersion programs.
There are a lot of benefits to being a French teacher. Let's explore a few of them!
Teaching is Rewarding
Teaching is a rewarding profession as you will get to interact with others, and see them grow as learners. As a French teacher of kids, you will be entrusted with the care and learning of children whose intellectual growth you will have the privilege of facilitating. While the work can be busy and even stressful, there are few jobs more wonderful that working with kids!
If you choose to teach adults, you can enjoy planning a learning journey that engages their interests and can have big impacts on their careers. Extroverts that feel energized from being around others will love the work of teaching groups of people and empowering them to use a new language.
Are you bilingual in French and English? Learn more about career opportunities you can take as a translator or tutor.
Excellent Holidays and Benefits
When you work as a French teacher in a school, you get the benefit of a reliable salary that is typically higher than that of average Canadians. You will get the same holidays off as your students, which can amount to 3 months per year. Public school boards typically offer their staff a fantastic benefits package, with an insurance plan that is enviable to most.
Educators Have Many Options for Growth
Education is a work that can offer so many options for professional growth. You can work as a full time teacher if you wish, staying in a single school or board for much of your career. You can also pursue leadership roles as a principal or instructional lead, or teach other subjects you enjoy like Science or Art. Perhaps a long term job in a board isn't quite right for you: no worries, as there are many jobs you can take in private institutions, international schools, camps, or as a tutor. You can freelance teach as a tutor - we will discuss this in more detail later!
What is the Best Preparation for French Teachers?
There are a number of ways you can prepare yourself to teach French. Here are some steps you can take!
Get Your Teaching Qualifications
Planning to teach in a public elementary or high school? You will need to get your qualifications in order. In most provinces, you will need to complete a bachelor of education program at a university and then apply to the professional organization of teachers in your province to get the appropriate license. Keep in mind that you will need a bachelor's degree to apply to teacher's college.
University not in your plans? You can teach adults in certain schools without a teaching degree: you may want to take a certificate in adult education at a local community college or school of continuing studies so you can learn how to assess students appropriately and plan lessons. You can also teach French in a private institution, such as a camp or private language school.
Learn How to Plan Engaging Lessons
As a teacher, you will want to keep your students engaged. This takes knowledge about the learning behaviours of the students you teach, their interests, developmental levels, and what is culturally relevant to the group. Research the age group of your learners: for example, younger kids will be more engaged in play based learning with lots of songs and activities, while older students can handle a more traditional lesson, though it never hurts to keep things interactive! Learn more about your students through surveys, conversations, and group activities.
Gather Resources
Makes sure you have a variety of resources for your instruction. Mix a combination of workbooks, media, and games to keep learning fun, and avoid following textbook based lessons for every class. Empower students to use resources like verb books, dictionaries, and translation tools effectively, and get them speaking and interacting in French as much as possible.
Do Online French Teachers Work Harder than In-Person teachers?
With so much learning taking place online these days, it's natural to wonder which type of instruction will make you work harder. The reality is that your perception of teaching will depend on a number of factors. For example, online teaching is definitely tougher if you are not confident or familiar with digital tools. Let's compare the pros and cons of both types of instruction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Teaching
There are some obvious advantages to online teaching. First of all, you don't have to commute to work and you can work from anywhere in the world, with anyone in the world. You have all of your resources right on your computer, and you have less behaviour issues to deal with because you are not in the same room as students.
However, online teaching has some major disadvantages, especially in a language learning context. It can be hard for students to build relationships and interact with each other on virtual platforms, and it will also be harder for you to gauge their engagement with your lessons. Being on a computer can be tiring, and you are often sitting for long periods of time.
Advantages and Disadvantages of In-Person Learning
In person learning is great for teaching French as it is much easier and simpler to run group activities where students can interact and talk to one another. Students benefit from hearing and seeing the body language of the people they are communicating with; games and play-based activities are much more fun when you can actually be in the same room. For observing students, in-person learning is definitely superior. You are also looking at a screen less, which is better for everyone's mental health!
On the other hand, in-person learning will mean that you have to commute to work, which can take a considerable part of your day. You may have more behaviour issues to manage, and possibly more clean-up at the end of the day.
Bilingual French and English speakers are well-positioned to embark in careers in translation and education. Do you have the experience and background it takes?
Are Private French Tutors in High Demand?
Teaching a large class can be daunting, and if you don't feel quite ready for it or want an additional stream of income you should definitely look at private French tutoring. Private French tutoring is a great option to take because French help is in high demand, especially in families that don't speak French at home but want their children to speak the language. You can work with students on a more flexible schedule, and for shorter periods of time. Tutoring is also excellent if you are looking to develop or try your own teaching strategies and like the environment of single students or small groups.
Is it Easy to find French Tutoring Jobs?
You can easily find tutoring jobs in French by sharing your information through sites like Superprof Canada. Superprof is the perfect marketplace for educators who are looking to offer tutoring services in any area, including French. All you need to do is set up an account and profile on the Superprof site, where you can share information about your educational background and the services you offer. Be sure to include a high quality, professional photo of yourself!
Prospective students can contact you directly through the site and you can collaborate to determine whether or not you will be a good fit. Learn what the needs are of your prospective tutees, and identify the ways you can help them reach their learning goals. Keep your sessions engaging and fun, monitor the progress of your students' language acquisition,, and you will quickly build a tutoring successful tutoring practice.
Wondering what kind of educational background you need to be a French translator or teacher in Canada? The answer might surprise you!
Is it Difficult to Start French Tutoring Online?
Starting French tutoring online is easy: you will need a good internet connection, a well lit room and quiet so your students can see and hear you clearly, and use of a platform like Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. Once you get the hand of screen sharing, having links ready to go, and a structure for your sessions, you will find that the time you spend tutoring will go by quickly.
Not confident with the technology you are using? Do a trial run with a friend who can meet you online so you can practice sharing videos, slide decks and different digital tools. You do not want to be trying anything for the first time with your clients! You will be surprised at how quickly you become adept at using digital teaching tools.
Set up your virtual tutor profile on Superprof Canada today!
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