The British Council has Language Assistants teams in its offices in London, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Applications from students at university in England and Wales Applications from students at university in Scotland The British Council is the United Kingdoms international organisation
and graduates resident in England and Wales are handled by: and graduates resident in Scotland are handled by: for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered
charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).
Language Assistants Team British Council Scotland
British Council The Tun The British Council English Language Assistants programme is funded
10 Spring Gardens Holyrood Road by the UK education departments. It is administered by the British
London SW1A 2BN Edinburgh EH8 8PJ Council in the UK, who work in partnership with the appointed partner
T 020 7389 4596 T 0131 524 5736 organisations in the receiving countries.
E assistants@britishcouncil.org E internationaleducationscotland@britishcouncil.org English Language Assistants from the UK have access to British
Council offices in the countries to which they are posted. The British
Applications from students at university in Northern Ireland All applications for the Comenius Assistants programme Council offices are closely involved with the teaching of English
and graduates resident in Northern Ireland are handled by: are handled by British Council Scotland: abroad and organise a range of cultural activities, which may be
British Council Address as above. of interest to Assistants.
Norwich Union House T 0131 524 5725
7 Fountain Street Some offices can also provide useful resources such as books,
E comenius.assistants@britishcouncil.org newspapers, CDs and videos.
Belfast BT1 5EG
T 028 9024 8220 For further information, please go to:
E bel.assistants@britishcouncil.org www.languageassistant.co.uk

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Contents

General information 2 What is an English Language Assistant?

Do I need to have teaching experience?
Where can I go?
Lets put the question another way. Where would you like to go? Our Language
Am I eligible? Assistants programme spans four continents, placing people in 16 countries
What are the costs involved?
3 How do I apply? around the world. Some of these are exotic far-flung locations; some are closer to
Closing dates
Other important things to note about applying home in Europe; all have fascinating cultures and inspiring experiences to offer.
French-speaking countries 4 Belgium
5 Canada But the answer to where our programme could take you isnt just about
7 France
8 Senegal geography. Becoming a Language Assistant is an experience that will stay with
9 Switzerland
you for life. As well as improving your language skills and exploring a community,
German-speaking countries 9 Switzerland youll build your sense of independence and gain the satisfaction of firing
10 Germany
12 Austria young imaginations.
Spanish-speaking countries 15 Spain
16 Latin America Who knows, you may spark a long-term passion for teaching. Whats certain is
Other countries 13 Italy that youll return with skills and experiences that will make any recruiter sit up
18 Profiles
and take note.

The information given is correct at the time of going to print. The terms and conditions for the posts in individual countries are subject to change.

1
General information
What is an English
Language Assistant?
Our Language Assistants come from two main
sources. You could be an undergraduate
doing a language degree on your year abroad
or an undergraduate or recent graduate of
any discipline.
In either case, youll support the teaching
of English in a school, college or university
abroad. Your work will focus on improving
your students confidence in communicating
in English. This will involve helping classes to
become more fun and interactive by discussing
contemporary aspects of youth culture in the
UK such as current affairs, education, sport,
fashion, films, TV, lifestyles and celebrations.
Your role is to bring English alive for your
students. So youll plan activities and games
using a variety of teaching materials, from
photos, travel guides and maps from the UK
to newspapers, magazines and the Internet.
As a Language Assistant youll usually work
between 12 and 20 hours a week and receive
a local salary. However, the conditions vary
between countries, the details of which are
spelt out in the following pages.
2
Do I need to have teaching experience?
Not in most cases. There are some posts
outside Europe where this is desirable, but most
Assistants will not have taught before. All we ask
is that you plan carefully in advance, think about
what materials you would like to take with you
and listen to advice from past Assistants and
from teachers in your school. The British Council
provides online support and guidance from a
virtual mentor at www.languageassistant.co.uk
Where can I go?
This depends on the language you speak:
FRENCH Belgium, Canada (Quebec),
France (including dpartements doutre-mer),
Senegal, Switzerland
GERMAN Austria, Germany, Switzerland
SPANISH Spain and Latin America
(Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico,
Paraguay, Venezuela)
ITALIAN Italy
If you dont speak a foreign language, but are
interested in teaching in Europe, you may wish
to apply for the Comenius Assistants programme
www.britishcouncil.org/comenius-becoming-a-
comenius-assistant.htm This is managed by
the British Council in Edinburgh, the details of
which are on the back cover. You cannot apply
for the Language Assistants programme and the
Comenius Assistants programme at the same time.
For most countries, youre invited to express
three regional preferences within your chosen
country on the application form. However,
your application will be considered on the
understanding that youll accept the post
offered, wherever it may be in the country
concerned. Generally around 90% of applicants
are offered a post in one of their three preferred
regions, but we require you to be flexible.
We recommend that you thoroughly research
your regional preferences before completing
your application.
Links to useful webpages are provided on
our website at www.languageassistant.co.uk
where you can also read our case studies.
If you ask for a friend or partner to be
appointed to the same area, well do our best
to take account of your request. But we cant
guarantee that our partner organisations can
accommodate this.
Am I eligible?
To be an English Language Assistant, you must:
be a native-level English speaker
meet the requirements of the host country
(see individual country pages)
have completed your secondary education
(age 11-18, or in Scotland 12-18) and at
least two years of higher education in
the UK by the time you start your post1;
Assistants in Senegal must be graduates
have the requisite language skills, (see
individual language pages).2
Your passport should be from the UK or another
EU country. However, if you meet the above
requirements but you dont hold a UK or EU
passport, contact us before applying and well
discuss your eligibility. You will be responsible
for finding out whether or not you require a visa
or need any other documents.
If your application is approved by the British
Council in the UK, it will be forwarded to our
partner organisation in the relevant country who
will make the final decision on your appointment.
What are the costs involved?
You will be paid for your work as an English
Language Assistant the details can be found
on the individual country pages. The allowance
is intended to provide for one person only.
Our partner organisations may be unwilling to
consider your appointment without written
assurance that any person accompanying you
will be financially independent from you.
You will have to cover the cost of the following:
the cost of travel to and from your British
Council interview (if you have one)
the cost of travel to and from your British
Council pre-departure briefing (if there is one)3
the cost of travel to and from your
post abroad3
travel insurance for the full period of
appointment abroad
visas (for most countries outside the
European Union)
the cost of any necessary inoculations
your accommodation in the country4
How do I apply?
To apply for a post as an English Language
Assistant start by registering online. Go to
www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants-ela-
how-do-i-apply.htm:
If you are an undergraduate studying
a foreign language as a main or
subsidiary subject
give your completed application to the person
who is co-ordinating all the applications from
your language department, and who will later
forward the entire batch to the British Council.
pass on the reference form to the tutor who
knows you best, but check with your Year
Abroad co-ordinator first as the procedure
varies among universities.
All 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students at university who
are studying a modern language as a main subject
or subsidiary should submit their application via the
university's languages department and not directly
to the British Council.
If you are an undergraduate NOT studying
a foreign language, or a graduate
send your application form, and CV (if applicable),
with required photocopies, to the British Council
office in London or Edinburgh or Belfast
according to the location of your permanent
address. See back cover for addresses.
Closing dates
In England and Wales the closing date for
receipt of paper applications from candidates
is 1 December 2009.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland the closing
date for online registration by candidates is
1 December 2009 and for receipt of paper
applications is 31 January 2010.
If you miss the closing date, look on our website
to see if unfilled posts remain.
Other important things to note
about applying
If you have an existing medical condition that
requires special medication or treatment, you
should ask your doctors advice before applying.
It is not possible to guarantee that you will be
placed in a school which can offer special
support or is close to a hospital.
You may make only one application per year:
duplicate applications for different countries
are not accepted. You should apply for one
country only and specify 2nd and 3rd choice
countries on the same form. If you would like
to be transferred to a different country after
you have applied, please contact the appropriate
British Council office.
You may not apply simultaneously for the Language
Assistants programme and the Comenius Assistants
programme. Both are run by the British Council.
If you are an undergraduate you may be
eligible for Erasmus status during your
assistantship which is considered as a work
placement. Please check with your tutor or the
year abroad co-ordinator in your university.
The success of your application is conditional
on receipt of a satisfactory reference from your
university and/or current employer. All candidates
with paid experience of teaching or experience
of an assistantship must enclose a report from the
school in question.
On this programme the employer of a Language
Assistant abroad is always the education
authority, school or university where the
Assistant works, and not the British Council.
1
If you are a British citizen who attended a secondary
school overseas, your application may be considered.
However you should contact us before applying. If you are
an undergraduate, you must be studying at a UK university
and must have passed all second year coursework and
exams. Places will not normally be kept open for those
required to re-sit exams.
2
If you have a lesser qualification but have spent time in a
country where the relevant foreign language is spoken and
believe your ability in the language is equivalent to the level
required by the country in question, you may be
considered. Please contact us before applying.
3
If you are applying to Canada or Latin America in particular,
you should be certain before applying that you will be able
to meet all the potential costs involved.
4
Accommodation is not provided automatically in countries
within western Europe. The British Council is unable to
arrange your accommodation. Your school should be able
to offer advice, but you should be prepared to make your
own arrangements.
French-speaking countries
BELGIUM
the centre of the
European Union and has
a rich, fascinating culture.
4 5
Why should I choose Belgium?
Belgium is the centre of the European Union
and has a rich, fascinating culture. Well-known
for its beer and chocolate, it also has lots of
fashionable restaurants, cafs and bars as
well as cathedrals, castles and modern art.
What are the terms and conditions?
Posts in secondary schools and higher education
institutions are available to undergraduates and
graduates. You must have AS-level, Higher Grade
or equivalent in French to apply.
Dates of appointment: 1 October 30 June
Hours: 12 per week
Pay: around 750 per month net
Age limits: the Belgian authorities will consider
only candidates under the age of 30
You must be the holder of a UK or EU passport
to apply for a post in Belgium.
Where can I go?
There are seven posts in Belgium, only one of
which is in Brussels. Other locations vary from
year to year but all are in the French-speaking
region of Wallonia. We recommend that you carry
out some research on Wallonia before applying.
Will I be interviewed?
Candidates for Belgium are not normally
required to attend an interview.
Will there be an induction course?
You will be invited to an introductory meeting
in Brussels at the end of September.
When will I hear?
May June you will find out if your application
has been successful
Late July you will find out the location of
your post
Why should I choose Canada?
The Canadian province of Quebec offers a unique
French-speaking culture in a North American
setting. Quebec is the largest province in Canada
and covers a vast expanse of geographical
extremes. Quebec City itself is like an historic
European-style capital with a mixture of ramparts
and museums, cafs, bars and restaurants.
What are the terms and conditions?
Posts in primary (pupils aged 6-11) and secondary
(pupils aged 12-17) schools are available for
undergraduates and graduates. You must have
A-level, Higher Grade or equivalent in French
to apply.
Focusing mainly on spoken English, youll help
the teacher bring the language to life. You will
work either with the class teacher or on your
own with groups of 2-10 pupils.
Dates of appointment: 1 September 31 May
Hours: 18 per week
Pay: around $Can 1,700 per month net
French-speaking countries
CANADA
USA
offers a unique
French-speaking culture in
a North American setting.
A full medical examination is necessary as part Will there be an induction course?
of the visa application procedure. You will have You will be invited to a preparatory briefing in
to pay between 200 and 300 for this. London in late June and there is a compulsory
two-day induction course in Montreal starting
Where can I go?
on the last Wednesday of August.
There are around 40 posts available, usually
in small towns (population of 5,000 to 15,000) When will I hear?
in rural areas of Quebec. There are a few posts March interviews held at British Council
in and around Quebec City, and the rest are in offices in the UK
eastern rural areas near/along the St Lawrence Early April you will find out if your application
River and on the Gasp Peninsula. There are has been successful
rarely posts in the Montreal area.
Late May you will find out the location of
A post in Canada can be a rewarding experience, your post
but you need to think carefully about whether
living in such a rural location is for you. The long
and extreme winter makes a significant difference
to the lifestyle. Whats more, intercity public
transport is limited. All of which makes it important
to research Quebec thoroughly before applying.
Will I be interviewed?
All short-listed candidates will be interviewed at
our offices in the UK in March.

Why should I choose France?
France provides an astonishing variety of
landscapes, architecture and food. Moreover,
there is the opportunity to integrate into the
local community in rural areas or to experience
life in one of its many captivating cities.
What are the terms and conditions?
Posts in primary schools and secondary schools
(collges and lyces) are available to
undergraduates and graduates of any discipline.
You must have AS-level, Higher Grade or
equivalent in French to apply.
Dates of appointment:
1 October 30 April (secondary schools)
1 October 30 April or 30 June (primary schools)
Hours: 12 per week
Pay: currently 949.60 per month gross, approx
770 net (17% social security deduction)
Age and passport requirements: the French
authorities are able to accept only candidates
under the age of 35 who hold a UK or EU passport.
Other benefits: you are entitled to national
healthcare.
The seven-month posts in primary and secondary
schools offer the role of a traditional Language
Assistant. As such, you will organise oral/aural
activities on your own with small groups of pupils
(up to half the class), or work alongside the
teacher with the whole class present. The
12-hour timetable can be spread across a
maximum of three schools.
The nine-month posts in primary schools are
for candidates with a serious interest in teaching.
You will be expected to take classes of up to
30 on your own, follow the national curriculum
under minimum supervision and be responsible
for the progress of the pupils through the year.
Candidates should either be currently studying
for a degree in French or have degree-level
French. The 12-hour timetable can be spread
across a maximum of three schools.
French-speaking countries
FRANCE
For primary and secondary level in France, Will I be interviewed?
undergraduates take priority over graduates. A cross-section of candidates will be interviewed
at British Council offices in the UK in February.
Where can I go?
You can be posted anywhere in mainland France Will there be an induction course?
as well as Corsica and outre-mer (Guadeloupe, You will be invited to an induction course
Guyane Franaise, La Runion and Martinique). arranged by the local education authority in
France at the end of September or early October.
You should be aware of the following before
making your regional choices: When will I hear?
Posts in the acadmies (regions) of Aix- February/March interviews for a cross-section
Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier and Toulouse of candidates will be held at British Council
are often in small towns in rural areas where offices in the UK
public transport may be limited. Late March you will find out if your application
has been forwarded to our French partner
It is extremely difficult to find accommodation
organisation (whether or not you were interviewed)
in Paris and schools are usually unable to
assist. We recommend that you do not apply Late April/early May you will find out if your
for Paris unless you have contacts who will application has been successful and the name of
be able to help you find accommodation. the acadmie to which you have been allocated
The south of France, outre-mer and Paris June September you will hear directly from an astonishing variety
are the most popular first-choice regions, the acadmie regarding the location of your post
so competition is particularly tough. of landscapes, architecture
The cost of living outre-mer is higher than and food.
in metropolitan France but your pay will be
approximately 40% higher.
If outre-mer is your first choice, you must also
be prepared to accept a post in metropolitan
France and must choose two other acadmies
as well.
If your reason for choosing an area is that you
have contacts and possible accommodation
there, you must provide the name of your host
and address of the accommodation for us to
consider your request.
We recommend you research the different
regions of France thoroughly before applying.
7
French-speaking countries
SENEGAL
modern recreational facilities
and businesses exist alongside
the traditional.
8 9
Why should I choose Senegal?
Posts in Senegal are in the capital city of Dakar.
Here, modern recreational facilities and
businesses exist alongside the traditional,
providing an interesting contrast.
What are the terms and conditions?
To apply for one of the three posts in Senegal
you must be a final year student or graduate
with A-level, Higher Grade or equivalent in
French. You should be adaptable, flexible and
resourceful, as these posts are more challenging
than those in western Europe.
Assistants work at the British-Senegalese
Institute, teaching adults from beginners to
advanced level. You will have a full range of
teaching duties including producing teaching
materials, arranging cultural activities and
invigilating exams.
It is possible that some additional duties may be
assigned to the Language Assistants in 2009-10
in lieu of free accommodation. This may involve
about three hours/week.
Dates of appointment: 1 October 30 June
Hours: 18 per week (under review)
Pay: CFAF170,000 per month net
Other benefits: your accommodation will be
provided free of charge (under review), one flat
for the three Assistants to share.
Will I be interviewed?
All short-listed candidates will be interviewed at
the British Council office in London in February
or March.
Will there be an induction course?
A preparatory briefing will be held at the British
Council in London in July or August.
When will I hear?
February or March interviews held at the
British Council in London
Around three weeks after the interview you
will find out if you have been successful.
Why should I choose Switzerland?
Switzerland is at the geographical heart of
Europe and offers lively cities plus stunning
mountains and lakes. Posts in Switzerland are
ideal for candidates with teaching experience
or those who wish to enter a career in teaching.
Assistants in Switzerland operate with a greater
degree of independence, both in and out of
school, than they do in other European countries.
What are the terms and conditions?
Posts in secondary schools are available for
undergraduates and graduates with priority
normally given to graduates. You do not
necessarily need to be studying languages at
university as long as you have A-level, Higher
Grade or equivalent in German or French.
Schools with bilingual sections also welcome
Assistants with degrees in mathematics, science,
history, geography or economics. However, it
will be to your advantage if you have studied
German or French at least as a subsidiary
subject. You will often work in two schools.
Dates of appointment: mid August/early
September to end June/early July, depending
on the canton (region)
Hours: 12 per week
Pay: around SF3,200 per month gross
(around SF 2,600 net)
Age limits: the Swiss authorities are normally
able to consider only candidates between the
ages of 21 and 30.
Where can I go?
Posts are offered in the following German-
speaking cantons: Appenzell-Ausserrhoden,
Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Obwalden,
St. Gallen, Solothurn, Schwyz, Zug and Zurich.
A very small number of posts are offered in the
French-speaking cantons of Fribourg, Genve
and Jura and so competition for these is high.
We recommend you research possible
destinations in Switzerland thoroughly
before applying.
French and German-speaking country
SWITZERLAND
the geographical heart
of Europe and offers lively
cities, plus stunning
mountains and lakes.
Will I be interviewed?
All short-listed candidates will be interviewed
at the British Council office in London in March
or April.
Will there be an induction course?
You will be invited to a one-day induction course
in Switzerland at the end of August.
The course will include information about living
in Switzerland and teaching tips.
When will I hear?
March or April interview (see above)
Three to four weeks after the interview you
will find out if you have been successful
May/June you will hear from the host
school directly regarding the location and
the requirements of the job
German-speaking countries
GERMANY
from the scenic highlights of
the Bavarian Alps to the lively
cities of Berlin, Dresden,
Frankfurt, Hamburg, and the
new Bundeslnder in the east ...
10
Why should I choose Germany?
Germany is a country of contrasts. It has much
to offer, from the scenic highlights of the
Bavarian Alps to the lively cities of Berlin,
Dresden, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and the
Bundeslnder in the east which include
some of the most attractive areas of Europe.
What are the terms and conditions?
Posts in Germany are in secondary schools, with
a very small number in the primary and adult
sectors. Undergraduates and graduates of any
discipline may apply. You should have AS-level,
Higher Grade or equivalent in German.
Dates of appointment: 1 September
(or 1st day of induction briefing if later) 31 May
Hours: 12 per week
Pay: 800 per month net
Age limits: the German authorities are normally
able to consider only candidates under the age
of 30.
Where can I go?
Around 400 posts are available in urban and
rural areas of all 16 Bundeslnder (federal states).
You should be aware of the following before
making your regional choices:
You may not apply for both Baden-Wrttemberg
and Bayern, nor both Berlin and Hamburg,
due to the high level of competition for those
regions. Berlin is the most oversubscribed
area. We recommend you research possible
destinations in Germany thoroughly
before applying.
If you have already had contact with a
particular school in Germany, you should
attach a letter from them to your application
form. The final decision on where you will
be placed rests with our German partner
organisation. We are not able to guarantee
you will be placed in any particular school.
If you are currently an Assistant in Germany
and wish to apply for a second year, you
should contact our partner organisation, the
Pdagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD), at
pad@kmk.org to request an application form.
Will I be interviewed?
A cross-section of candidates will be interviewed
in February at selected universities and at British
Council offices in the UK.
Will there be an induction course?
You will be invited to a four-day induction course
at Altenberg, near Kln, in early September. The
course will cover all the necessary administration
required for living in Germany and give you the
opportunity to learn and practise teaching skills.
When will I hear?
Early February possible interview (see above)
Early March you will find out if your
application has been forwarded to our German
partner organisation (whether or not you were
interviewed)
Late April the British Council in the UK will
inform you of the Bundesland to which you have
been allocated
June July/early August you will find
out the location of your post directly from
the Bundesland
* A few places are available from 1 September to 28
February, suitable for Joint Honours students. You should
include a covering letter with your application form if you
are interested in one of these posts. Joint Honours students
studying German and Spanish may wish to combine this
with a post in Argentina for the second semester.
German-speaking countries
AUSTRIA
offers you the chance to live
in the gateway to much of
central Europe and the Alps.
12
Why should I choose Austria?
Austria has something for everyone
from sports fanatics to culture lovers.
Working in Austria offers you the chance to live
in the gateway to much of central Europe and
the Alps. It has a great deal to offer in terms
of winter sports facilities, outdoor pursuits,
baroque architecture and classical music.
What are the terms and conditions?
Posts in secondary and vocational schools
are available for both undergraduates and
graduates. Each Assistant is usually placed in
two schools. You do not necessarily need to be
studying German at university as long as you
have AS-level, Higher Grade or equivalent.
* about living in Austria and teaching tips.
Dates of appointment: 1 October 31 May
Hours: 13 per week
Pay: around 1070 per month net
Other benefits: full working contract which
entitles you to national healthcare
12
Where can I go?
Around 120 posts in total are available in all
Bundeslnder (federal states). We strongly
recommend that you research different areas of
Austria to make sure that you pick the areas that
suit you most. Wien, Salzburg and Tirol are the
most popular first-choice regions, so competition
is particularly tough.
Will I be interviewed?
A cross-section of candidates will be interviewed
in February at British Council offices in the UK.
Will there be an induction course?
You will attend a five-day induction course in
either Hinterglemm or Graz in the week before
you start work. The course will include information
When will I hear?
Early February possible interview (see above)
Early March you will find out if your
application has been forwarded to our Austrian
partner organisation (whether or not you
were interviewed)
April/May you will find out the location of your
schools from the British Council
*
For Joint Honours students, there are a few posts available
from 1 October to early/mid February and from mid/late
February to 31 May. If you are interested in one of these
posts, please enclose a covering letter when you apply
stating the dates you are available. Joint Honours students
studying German and Spanish may wish to combine this
with a post in Argentina for the second semester.
Why should I choose Italy?
The rich diversity of Italian cultural heritage,
its scenic beauty and modern cities make Italy
a fascinating place to spend a year.
What are the terms and conditions?
There are 50 posts in secondary schools across
the country. Undergraduates who are studying
Italian at a UK university, for whom it is compulsory
to spend a year abroad, will take priority. However
a few applications from graduates may also be
successful, as long as eligibility and quality
criteria are met. You must have AS-level, Higher
Grade or equivalent in Italian to apply.
Dates of appointment: 1 October 31 May
Hours: 12 per week
Pay: 850 per month net
Other benefits: some schools offer free meals
and accommodation
Age and passport requirements: the Italian
Ministry of Education is normally able to
consider only candidates under the age of 30,
who hold a UK or Irish passport.
Other countries
ITALY
Where can I go? When will I hear? The rich diversity of
The 50 posts are not all in the same locations March/April possible interview (see above)
every year, so you should be as flexible as April/May you will find out whether your Italian cultural heritage,
possible. It is helpful if you can indicate
whether you prefer a post in northern or
application has been successful (whether or not its scenic beauty
you were interviewed)
southern Italy. Lazio and Toscana are the most
Mid May you will find out the location of your
popular first-choice regions, so competition
post from the British Council
for these locations is particularly tough. We
recommend you research possible destinations
in Italy thoroughly before applying.
Will I be interviewed?
A cross-section of candidates will be interviewed
in March at British Council offices in the UK.
Will there be an induction course?
You will be invited to a three-day induction course
in Italy at the end of September/early October.
The course will explain your role, provide you
with all the administrative information required
for living in Italy, and give you the opportunity
to meet other Assistants of all languages.
13 13

Why should I choose Spain?
Spain has a fascinating history and culture
making it one of the most interesting and
exciting places to spend a year. Its geography
is amongst the most diverse in Europe beaches,
mountains, national parks and plains, all within
a short distance of each other.
What are the terms and conditions?
There are around 550 posts in secondary
schools, primary schools and state language
schools across the country.
Dates of appointment: 1 October 31 May
Appointments to primary schools in Madrid
are 1 October 30 June
Hours: 12 per week
Pay: 700 per month net
Age and passport requirements: the Spanish
Ministry of Education is normally able to
consider only candidates who hold a UK
or EU passport.
Posts are available for undergraduates and
graduates of any discipline. You should have
AS-level, Higher Grade or equivalent in Spanish.
While undergraduates studying Spanish at a UK
university will be treated as priority candidates,
there will be a number of posts available for
graduates as well. Applicants who have been
living out of the UK for more than 12 months
are not eligible to apply.
If you have already been an assistant during your
year abroad as an undergraduate you should
apply to the programme in the normal way.
If you are currently an assistant in Spain and
would like to reapply for a consecutive year
please refer to www.britishcouncil.org/
languageassistants-spain.htm
Where can I go?
Posts are available in all Spanish comunidades
autnomas (autonomous regions), including Islas
Baleares and Canarias. Please note that many
posts are in small towns.
You should be aware of the following before
making your application
Other languages are spoken in certain regions:
Basque (Pas Vasco and parts of Navarra),
Galician (Galicia), Catalan (Catalua, Islas
Baleares) and Valenciano (Valencia). While in
most areas of these regions Castillian Spanish
is widely spoken, Assistants should be aware
that this is not always the dominant language
(particularly in Catalua) and should do their
research before applying for a post.
Posts in primary schools are only available
in Madrid, Navarra, Catalua and Andalucia.
There are 10 posts available in the autonomous
cities of Ceuta and Melilla bordering Morocco in
North Africa.
We recommend you research possible destinations
in Spain thoroughly before applying and be as
flexible as possible regarding your area choices.
Spanish-speaking countries
SPAIN
Will I be interviewed?
A cross-section of candidates will be interviewed
in early March at selected universities and at
British Council offices in the UK.
Will there be an induction course?
If you are an Assistant appointed through the
Spanish Ministry of Education, you will be
invited to an induction course in Spain in late
September/early October. The course will
cover all the administration required for living
in Spain and will give you the opportunity to
meet other Assistants of all languages.
Assistants who are not appointed through the
Spanish Ministry of Education will be invited
to an induction course in their local
comunidad autnoma.
When will I hear?
Early March possible interview (see above) Its geography is amongst
Early April you will find out if your application the most diverse in Europe
will be forwarded to our Spanish partner
organisation (whether or not you were beaches, mountains, national
interviewed) parks and plains, all within a
Late May you will find out from the
British Council the region to which you
short distance of each other.
have been allocated
June/July you will find out the location
of your school(s) directly from the Spanish
Ministry of Education
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Spanish-speaking countries
LATIN AMERICA
Tropical islands, beaches,
scenic treks, mountains, rain
forests, jungle, rivers, waterfalls,
ancient ruins as well as
awe-inspiring hectic cities
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Please ensure that you conduct your own
independent research on the countries for
which you are applying, as well as reading the
supplementary information for Latin America
before you apply.
Why should I choose Latin America?
Posts are available in seven countries. Tropical
islands, beaches, scenic treks, mountains, rain
forests, jungle, rivers, waterfalls, ancient ruins
as well as awe-inspiring hectic cities can make a
year in Latin America a truly amazing experience.
What are the terms and conditions?
Assistants are usually responsible for whole
classes in Latin America. Terms and conditions
vary in the seven different countries.
Undergraduates studying Spanish at university
and graduates of any discipline with Spanish
A-level, Higher Grade or equivalent may apply.
Teaching experience or an interest in teaching
as a career are required for some posts.
Dates of appointment
Academic year 2010 2011:
Argentina: 15 March 15 July 2011.
Chile: late July or late August late June
or late July.
Colombia: late July late May.
Ecuador: late August mid June.
Mexico: early September late June.
Paraguay: late July for 12 months.
Venezuela: late September July.
Please note that you may have to arrive a few
days early for an induction course.
The competition for posts in Latin America
is high and demand always exceeds supply.
A waiting list is in operation over the spring
and summer for those not initially placed.
Posts are mainly in universities, teacher training
institutions and language schools with a few
posts in secondary schools. There are usually
two primary school posts in Chile.
The local allowance is sufficient for one person Youll be informed of the exact start date
to live on but posts in Latin America require around two months before departure. It is not
a larger financial commitment than posts possible to be accepted for any country
in Europe. Before you leave the UK you can unless you are available for the full duration
expect to pay around 1,000 - 1,200 for flights, of the appointment.
visas and immunisations. You will also need
access to around 400 - 600 (depending on You must be in the UK two weeks prior
the country) once you arrive in Latin America for to departure in order to obtain your visa
initial expenses including mobile phones, in London.
deposits for accommodation and rent.
You will need to be mature, open-minded,
Where can I go? adaptable and tolerant for posts in Latin America.
Posts are available in Argentina, Chile, You will find that the living conditions and
Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and cultures differ significantly from those in Europe.
Venezuela. We recommend that you research
possible destinations in Latin America thoroughly Will I be interviewed?
before applying. All short-listed candidates will be interviewed at
British Council offices in the UK between mid
You should be aware of the following before January and late February.
making your country choices:
Will there be an induction course?
Flexibility regarding location is encouraged
You will be invited to a one-day briefing in London
to improve your chances of being posted.
in late June/early July. Induction courses are held
Posts in ARGENTINA are likely to be from
in each country, usually at the local British Council
mid March to mid July 2011. There may also
be the possibility of posts from August mid
office and at the employing institution.
December 2010. (tbc) As a result, theyre When will I hear?
suitable for Joint Honours students who have Mid January to late March interviews
to spend time in two countries during their Mid April you will find out if you have passed
year abroad. You may wish to combine this the interview stage
with a first-semester placement in Austria
Mid to late May you will find out whether you
or Germany.
have been allocated to a country immediately or
Undergraduates applying for Argentina held on a waiting list
will take priority over graduates. If youre
June/July you will find out the location of your
a graduate you should be prepared to
post from the British Council in the UK and/or
consider a placement in your second or
from your host country
third-choice countries.
There is no British Council office in ECUADOR
or PARAGUAY. Assistants will be placed directly
at the Catholic University of Ambato or the
Asociacin Cultural Paraguayo-Britanico in
Asuncin with other Assistants.
PROFILES
Edward Salton
Degree: Economics with Politics
plus one year work/study abroad diploma
University: Loughborough University
Teaching location: Lille, France
Currently: Completing final year of university
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The chance to work abroad was an opportunity
that really appealed to me. It has placed me in
an environment where I have had to challenge
myself in order to get the most out of my
placement. Working under the umbrella of an
internationally recognised institution, whilst at
the same time being immersed everyday in a
foreign culture and language has created a
stimulating setting. My year has given me
greater confidence and has not only enabled
me to develop my language skills in a natural
environment but has helped me to build upon
other important skills such as presentation,
planning, time management and the ability
to work as part of a team; all of which are
well regarded by future employers.
During my assistantship I taught in two schools.
My lessons focussed mainly on oral English,
followed by a short written exercise at the end
of each lesson. One experience that particularly
stands out at one of my schools involved
bringing English culture into the classroom.
I worked with an English-speaking colleague
to organise a series of lessons based around
an English breakfast, culminating in every
student in each class eating an English breakfast!
Stepping into the classroom in front of 30
expectant children in a foreign country was
definitely exciting and different every time.
It can seem daunting at first but immersing
yourself in the language and culture as soon
as possible is the best way to get the most
out of your time. This along with all the other
challenges that you wont be able to avoid
during your placement will help to make it
a very memorable experience. The skills that
you pick up along the way and the confidence
that youll gain as a result will help you in
whatever you decide to do in the future.
Regardless of whether or not you decide to
go into teaching, you will have greatly improved
your presentation, planning, time management
and of course your foreign language skills.
Anna Trebaczyk
Degree: Combined Studies: English Literature,
Philosophy, and Spanish
University: The University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Teaching location: Chetumal, Quintana Roo.
Mexico 2008-09
Currently: Moving to Barcelona to learn Catalan,
and then intending to train as a primary teacher
was able to learn about contemporary Mexican
bonfire night and Bombay mix. My students also
After university I wanted to further develop my
language skills and was unsure what I wanted to
pursue as a career. I had previously completed
an assistantship with the British Council in
Barcelona and loved every second of it so
decided to apply for a post in Latin America.
I taught at The University of Quintana Roo in
Chetumal, Mexico where I helped students with
their oral English. I particularly enjoyed the
advanced conversation classes as I was given
free rein to discuss controversial topics and I
Chetumal are really friendly so I found it
attitudes towards these issues. We also listened
to songs from Avenue Q, analysed poems by
Linton Kwesi Johnson, and talked about tea,
taught me a lot about Mexican culture the kind
of stuff that you cant learn by reading books!
My favourite experience was when I helped a
group of students learn Racist Friend by The
Specials and then perform it with them whilst
clad in Rasta gear. It was hilarious! I enjoyed
PROFILES
the whole teaching experience but dancing
around singing reggae songs in front of 200
people is definitely the most memorable part!
I cant believe how much my language skills
have improved. When I first got here I was
embarrassed doing the simplest of things,
like ordering food in a restaurant, or asking for
directions, now my friends cant get me to stop
talking! I immersed myself in the culture by living
with locals, making friends at the university and
by joining a tae-kwan-do class. The people in
relatively easy to integrate.
I highly recommend a language assistantship.
I have had the opportunity to travel throughout
Mexico and visit Belize and Guatemala. I have
grown in confidence, overcome challenges
and learned to deal with the unexpected.
Most importantly I have had my eyes opened
to other cultures and values. I was sad that
it had to end!
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PROFILES
Conor Aiken
Degree: Spanish and Portuguese
University: Queens University Belfast
Teaching location: Madrid (2003/2004)
Santiago, Chile (2005/2006)
Currently: Trainee solicitor with a law firm which
specialises in working in Latin America and Spain
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I applied to the British Council because I wanted
to be immersed in Spanish culture on my year
abroad. Working alongside Spanish people and
spending time with Spanish school children
provides an unrivalled source of vocabulary
and cultural insight.
I worked at a secondary school in Madrid for
children aged 11-18. In some classes I was used as
a reference point for pronunciation or meaning and
in others I was asked to discuss different aspects
of British life. I particularly enjoyed teaching the
younger age-groups as the classes were lively
and the children were never self-conscious.
Noticing them improve on a weekly basis was
really satisfying.
When I first arrived in Spain my spoken language
wasnt that great but towards the end of my year
I could speak quite fluently without having to
make a huge effort, and was even complimented
on it every now and then!
My year in Madrid was the best of my life so far
without doubt. It allowed me to do things I would
never normally have done including acting in a
small film, after meeting the director through a
friend! On days off I travelled to different regions
of Spain and I made friends from all different walks
of life. I enjoyed it so much that I completed a
second assistantship after my degree in Santiago,
Chile where my biggest achievement includes
implementing a language department in Santiagos
biggest prison!
I returned from Madrid with a different perspective,
maybe even a bit more mature. Many employers
are looking for candidates who have languages
and international experience. I recently got a
training contract with a law firm based in London
that specialises in working in Latin America and
Spain. I think many of the skills I gained working
as a language assistant are transferable.
Fiona McFadzean
Degree: French and German
University: St. Andrews University
Teaching location: Passau and Pocking,
Lower Bavaria, Germany
Currently: Completing final year of university
I always knew I wanted to spend a year abroad groups. All my Bavarian friends are always
and by doing an assistantship I could concentrate delighted to teach me new Bavarian words
on improving my language skills while getting a and have taken me to traditional restaurants
taste of German culture and meeting lots of for meals on many an occasion.
different people.
This year abroad has inspired me to look at the
What I love about this job is that it really varies; possibility of coming back here at a later date to
no two classes are the same. I love working with further improve my language skills: Passau really
the younger children at the Gymnasium and feels like home now.
having friendly and lively discussions with the
This is the option for you if you think youd
older pupils. With the youngest, I play games
like to do something a bit different and may
like Twenty Questions, which everyone enjoys!
be considering teaching as a future career
I once did a hilarious role-play task with my older
possibility. Youll not only learn a lot about the
pupils they really got into it and we all witnessed
language and culture of the country you are
an alien fall in love with Angela Merkel and ask
placed in, but also about yourself and the world
for her hand in marriage! The most satisfying
around you and all of these things you could
aspect of teaching is always helping those who
never learn in the classroom!
find learning English slightly more difficult.
Its wonderful to see how pleased they are Definitely the best year of my life so far!
when they grasp something new.
Ive done so much this year! I helped out at the
schools sports day, went on guided tours of the
local theatre and the museum of modern art, to
the cinema, to the Bayerischer Rundfunk studios
in Munich and even to Prague with school
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