"Learning is about exploration, being curious, and trying new things... Especially during these tough times, learning is a form of escapism and self-care. I’m committed to self-improvement as both a learner and instructor. For me, it’s a place of joy." - Alexandre Cuvelier
Born in trilingual Belgium, Alexandre Cuvelier had a passion for the unknown. After completing teachers college in Brussels, he ventured abroad, teaching French in Iceland and Brazil. In 2012, Alexandre came to Canada, and quickly realized he wanted to continue along his linguistic journey. “I was curious how I could use my language skills in this new country, and wanted to enhance my translation abilities,” he recalls. “I was excited to try something new, so in 2013 I started the French translation program at SCS. My goal was to advance my career, but also maintain a connection with the French language, which is important to me.”
Alexandre was attracted to the online, self-paced, and convenient nature of the program. “I was busy with other projects while taking the course, and appreciated the flexibility the program offered,” he says. “I liked that the courses were mostly practice-based, with many opportunities for feedback, and that they provided insight on the Canadian translation industry. My experience was so positive, I was driven to become an instructor myself.”
After completing his Translation into French Certificate in 2015, Alexandre was eager to get back to his teaching roots. “Teaching has always been a calling for me. I view it as a way of building bridges and making connections,” he reflects. “I was at a point where I felt I had gained expertise from my certificate, learned a lot in my career, and was ready to share my knowledge. Teaching just felt like the right thing to do. It’s come full circle, and SCS opened that door for me.”
Currently, Alexandre is teaching our Translation: French Levels II and III. “I think translation is a great stepping stone to new opportunities, and I’m excited to help learners grow their skills,” he says. “Teaching is more than a one direction transfer of information. I’m energized by real conversations and new perspectives. I aim to help learners finetune their skills and kickstart careers. Honestly, I learn a lot from them as well! Plus, we are so agile in this online environment; I love that there’s no compromise on quality or learner engagement.”
Meanwhile, studying French translation has opened many doors in Alexandre’s career as well. His translation skills have landed him roles in the private, non-profit, and public sectors, allowing him to engage in meaningful and large-scale projects that make a difference in people’s lives. Since completing the program, he has worked for elected officials at all levels of government, most recently as Senior Translator to the Premier of Ontario, helping translate critical information regarding policy, healthcare, and the pandemic. He is now embarking on a new journey supporting the Prime Minister of Canada, leading a team of bilingual communication experts (many with a background in translation). He has also been a volunteer translator for the United Nations, and happens to be the French voice you hear on the TTC information line!
“I’m excited to see what new opportunities-both professional and personal- await me thanks to my translation abilities,” says Alexandre. Reflecting on his passion for lifelong learning, he points out that continuing education is the best way to keep your knowledge relevant and open new doors, but it’s also an important aspect of something we tend to forget about: having fun. “Learning is about exploration, being curious, and trying new things,” he smiles. “Especially during these tough times, learning is a form of escapism and self-care. I’m committed to self-improvement as both a learner and instructor. For me, it’s a place of joy.”