British Council

BRITISH COUNCIL ASSISTANTSHIP

  • Where can I go?

The British Council English Language Assistant programme spans five continents and includes fifteen countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland in Europe. There are numerous positions in each country; France offers placements in each of the 27 regions. In addition, there are some positions available in French overseas Departments and Territories, in French-speaking Canada and in Latin America (Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay), however these are extremely competitive. A full list of the opportunities available through British Council can be found here.

For ML students at Southampton you must spend your Residency Abroad in a country where the language you are learning is spoken.

  • Do I need a TEFL qualification?

No, you do not need to have a TEFL qualification in order to be eligible to apply for British Council assistantship.

  • Will I be paid?

Whilst the pay varies between countries and even from region to region, in Europe you can expect to be paid anything from €800 to €1,100 per month.

  • What will I do?

British Council Language Assistants are paid to work between 12 and 20 hours a week supporting the teaching of English in a foreign school or university. More information can be found here.

  • Am I eligible?

Applicants must be a native-level English speaker and have completed secondary education in the UK. You must have passed two years of University level education by the time you start your assistantship. More information can be found on the British Council website.

  • What are the benefits?

A British Council Assistantship placement gives you the chance to gain transferable skills whilst immersing yourself in a foreign culture and language. Language Assistants are required to work no more than 12 to 20 hours a week and will therefore have the time and means to explore their host country. Furthermore, Assistants will gain teaching experience which is ideal for those who are interested in becoming a teacher, but it will also enhance other transferable skills essential to any career path.

  • Will I receive any funding?

Language assistants are covered by the Erasmus scheme in respect of the mobility grant.