Please ensure that you read the supplementary notes for applicants for Latin America (MS Word) before you apply. Please be aware that these notes have been updated since the online application system opened and some of the details may have changed.

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 in Latin America?
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
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 placed initially.

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 to live on but posts in Latin America require a larger financial commitment than posts in Europe. Before you leave the UK you can expect to pay around £1,000-£1,200 for flights, visas and immunisations. You will also need access to around £400-600 (depending on the country) once you arrive in Latin America for initial expenses including mobile phones, deposits for accommodation and rent.

Where can I go?
Posts are available in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and Venezuela. We recommend that you research possible destinations in Latin America thoroughly before applying.

If you wish to express an area preference, you may choose a maximum of three of the countries mentioned above.

You should be aware of the following before making your country choices:

• Flexibility regarding location is encouraged to improve your chances of being posted
• Posts in ARGENTINA are likely to be from mid March to mid July 2011. There may also be the possibility of posts from August - mid December 2010 (tbc).  As a result, they're suitable for Joint Honours students who have to spend time in two countries during their year abroad. You may wish to combine this with a first-semester placement in Austria or Germany.
• Undergraduates applying for Argentina will take priority over graduates. If you're a graduate you should be prepared to consider a placement in your second or third-choice country.
• There is no British Council office in ECUADOR or PARAGUAY. Assistants will be placed directly at the Catholic University of Ambato or the Asociacion Cultural Paraguayo-Britanico in Asuncion with other Assistants.
• You'll be informed of the exact starting date around two months before departure. It is not possible to be accepted for any country unless you are available for the full duration of the appointment.
• You must be in the UK two weeks prior to departure in order to obtain your visa in London.

You will need to be mature, open-minded, adaptable and tolerant for posts in Latin America. You will find that the living conditions and cultures differ significantly from those in Europe.

Will I be interviewed?
All short-listed candidates will be interviewed at British Council offices in the UK between mid January and late February.

Will there be an induction course?
You will be invited to a one-day briefing in London in late June/early July. Induction courses are held in each country, usually at the local British Council office and at the employing institution.

When will I hear?

			Mid January to late March - interviews
			Mid April - you will find out if you have passed the interview stage
			Mid to late May - you will find out whether you have been allocated to a country immediately or are held on a waiting list
			June/July (anytime) - you will find out the location of your post from the British Council in the UK and/or from your host country