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Ever wanted to teach English overseas? Are you an undergraduate doing a language degree or a recent graduate in any discipline? Then the English language assistant programme could be for you.
John Parker and Louise Norris enjoyed their year working as language assistants in Spain so much, that they came back the following year as Language Assistant Leaders, to help the 2003-2004 group with advice and survival tips. We spoke to Louise and John at the Language Assistant welcome party, held at our Madrid centre last autumn . . .
John - " During my stay in Spain, I was amazed at how well I was received by everyone. I was in Asturias and everybody was just so friendly helpful. The food was great too - I definitely put on a few kilos, but don't tell my mum!"
Louise - "I was staying in Zaragoza and working at the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas (Official Language School). The first term was the hardest, getting used to everything, but I stayed over Christmas and I really enjoyed the rest of the academic year.".
John worked at a typical state secondary school, with over 1,000 pupils:
John - "The staff made me feel very welcome. The head of the department became my Spanish mother and as her son was away in Dundee, I sort of became her substitute son. As far as the teaching went, they gave me a free rein and complete authority over the class which was great as it helped me build up my confidence."
Louise - "It was interesting to see what my class thought of British people - they're convinced we eat too many potatoes."
John -"Yeah - we're obsessed with fish n' chips, David Beckham and we all wear glasses."
John and Louise made good use of British Council reources while in Spain.
John - "The resources on the British Council Language Assistant online community are incredible. I often sent an e-mail off to Clare Lavery, who runs the site, and was amazed to see how quickly she fired a response back with suggestions and activity ideas. You really feel part of a community"
Louise - "Yes, and the site has some good web links too. I also really appreciated the British Council orientation course and welcome party too.. It's great to meet up with 200 other Language Assistants and realise they are in the same boat as you. There's a great atmosphere - . that's why we came again this year!"
To be a Language Assistant you must be a native English speaker who will have completed two years higher education by the time you start.
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