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 in Switzerland?
Posts are available in (upper)-secondary schools and are open to 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 AS-level, Higher Grade or equivalent in German or French. Schools with bilingual sections also welcome assistants with degrees in any discipline (e.g. mathematics, science, history, geography, economics etc). However, it will be to your advantage if you have studied German or French at least as a subsidiary subjects. You will sometimes work in two schools.

Dates of appointment: mid August/early September to end June/early July, depending on the school's preference and the region (canton).
Hours: 12 per week, e.g. usually 16 lessons of 45 minutes each
Pay: SF3,200 per month gross (around SF2,600 net)
Age limits: the Swiss authorities are normally able to consider only candidates between the ages of 21 and 30.

Where can I go in Switzerland?
The majority of posts are offered in a variety of German-speaking cantons, with various posts in rural areas. Placements in larger towns (such as Basel and Zürich) cannot be guaranteed. (Cantons may include Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Basel-Stadt, Obwalden, St. Gallen, Solothurn, Schwyz, Zug and Zurich). A very small number of posts are offered in the French-speaking cantons and competition for these posts is extremely high. Posts are likely to be in rural areas (Cantons Fribourg/Vaud, Jura). It is unlikely that there will be posts in larger towns such as Geneve.

We recommend you research possible regions in Switzerland thoroughly before applying. You can find out more about what it is like to be a language assistant in Switzerland by reading the case studies from previous language assistants

Will I be interviewed?
All shortlisted candidates will be requested to attend an assessment day at our offices in the UK in March.

Will there be an induction course?
You will be invited to a one-day induction course in Switzerland at the beginning of September. The course will include information about living in Switzerland and teaching tips.

When will I hear?

You will receive an email from us confirming receipt of your application by early January.

			March or April - assessment days held at British Council offices in the UK
			Three to four weeks after the interview you will find out if you have been successful
			May/June (anytime) - you will hear from the host school directly regarding the location and the requirements of the job

Please also see our lifecycle document for more information.