For those interested in this experience abroad, the starting point is above all to have a project to give a new impulse to their professional journey. This project can be a professional internship as part of studies, participation in a trade fair, or an exploratory mission. Once this first step is completed, the person identifies the program that suits them best. To meet the many expectations of 18 to 35-year-olds, the OFQJ has developed five programs around five major themes.
The “Action-Development” program was designed to develop partner networks, know-how, and the exchange of expertise. It is a genuine incubator of new ideas, actions, and innovations. “Business Synergy,” launched in January 2005, aims to support young entrepreneurs in their efforts to internationalize their SMEs. The “Training and Employment” program, for its part, aims at acquiring international professional experience. For students required to undertake a mandatory internship as part of higher education or professional training, OFQJ offers an “Institutional Student Cooperation.” Finally, the office allows young professionals who have found a fixed-term contract in Quebec to obtain a temporary work permit across the Atlantic.
An important detail, the OFQJ supports each participant in carrying out their project whether they are artists, researchers, unemployed, or students. Since its creation in 1968, the office has facilitated the realization of 115,000 projects and by the same token generated international partnerships. Another essential data: in 2005, 1,573 young French people (3,600 including Quebecers) undertook a professional stay in Quebec through the programs set up by the OFQJ.
Lidwine Caillol, 22 years old, is originally from Marseille. This young woman, who holds a degree in communication, left for Quebec from March 15, 2006, to the end of June of the same year as part of the “Training and Employment” program. Her goal: to gain foreign experience to complement her initial training. Why such a choice? “After six months of struggling in France to find a job, I was a bit desperate. No French employer was giving me the opportunity to show what I could do.” She adds, “I wanted to do an internship abroad to complete my training, and I discovered the OFQJ website. I was immediately won over.”
Upon her arrival in Quebec, her first shock was thermal. “I had taken off from Marseille where it was 20 degrees Celsius. When I got off the plane after landing in Montreal, I was hit by the cold!” The young woman from Marseille didn’t experience any adaptation period: “The OFQJ had taken care of everything. I already knew where I was going to stay even before my departure.” Regarding her internship, “It took me a few days to understand the workings of a union center in Quebec,” explains Lidwine, “but I quickly got my bearings.” Back in France, she quickly found a permanent job and remains convinced that her experience in Quebec helped her: “Discovering a new culture enriched me and made me more flexible. I’m sure it was noticed during my interviews.”
When asked, “How are French and Quebecers different?” the answer comes quickly. “Quebecers don’t lose their temper at work! Their relationship with hierarchy is different; they often use informal language in the workplace.” Gone are the French-style “coffee-photocopy” internships: “Supervisors give interns a voice and don’t hesitate to give them responsibilities,” confides the young woman. She continues, “The other advantage is that you can quickly advance within the company. It’s a change!”
If she could do it over, would she go back to Quebec? “Yes. The quality of life and respect for individuals really struck me. It’s very pleasant.” In fact, Lidwine already plans to return in a while, but this time to settle there permanently.
For those interested, do not hesitate to visit the office’s website at [OFQJ](https://www.ofqj.org/). And perhaps you too will discover new horizons outside of France.
