Language assistants

The two main schemes to place English language assistants in schools across the world are the British Council’s language assistantship programme, and Comenius which is part of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme.

It’s a great opportunity to work overseas and make a difference.

What does a language assistant do?

As a language assistant, your job is to bring the English language alive for your students, and to give them a taste of UK culture. You’ll usually support an English teacher, and you may be asked to plan activities, texts, role plays and games for your students.

You’ll probably start by working with small groups of students, and you may even be asked to teach whole classes.

Find out more specific details of each country and the assistantships available on the British Council’s language assistant pages.

Where can you go?

British Council language assistants can work in 14 different countries: French, German, Spanish and Italian speaking nations (including Spanish-speaking South American and French overseas regions) as well as China.

What qualifications will I need?

To apply to work as a British Council English language assistant you will need to have completed at least two years of your university studies.

You will usually also need the equivalent of an A-level or higher in the language of the country you want to work in. If you don’t have a language qualification, but you already have some fluency in the language of your destination country, you may still be eligible - get in touch with the British Council for more information.

You can apply to work as a Comenius assistant, if you are studying towards a teaching qualification. Again, you’ll need a minimum of two years study in teaching.

Remember this

An assistantship through the British Council is a job. You will be paid for your time spent as an assistant and will need to behave professionally and responsibly.

Your school will introduce you to a colleague who will be your mentor while you are there. So if in doubt, just ask your mentor – they will be happy to help.