Learning about British culture - being a language assistant in the UK

Making my dreams come true

When I was younger, I always dreamed of travelling all over the world and meeting people from different nationalities. The idea of being able to communicate with them in their own language and find out more about their life style always fascinated me. That was one of the main reasons why I decided to start a career in language teaching in my country.  It was then after some years of hard work in Colombia when my dream came true. This was thanks to the British Council.  I knew the mission of this organisation was to offer assistance to people interested in studying English in the UK, but it was through a colleague that I found out they also promoted cultural awareness throughout a variety of projects.  I learned about the Foreign Language Assistant Programme in the UK, I applied for it, and in 2002 I got a job at a school in the south of England.  

Being a Foreign Language Assistant

My job as a Foreign Language Assistant consisted of teaching Spanish to small groups of students at a secondary school.  It was a rewarding experience since not only did I learn a lot about British culture but it also broadened my own perspective about foreign language teaching.  I had regular meetings with other assistants and learned a lot from their teaching experience as well. 

As it was the first time I had the opportunity to work and live in such a multicultural country, I realised teaching culture was essential in foreign language lessons. I really enjoyed talking about my country and asking students about their way of living. They were also interested in learning more about the countries where Spanish was spoken.

Learning about British Culture

I must say if I hadn’t participated in this programme, I wouldn’t have had the chance of travelling around Britain and discovering some of the stereotypes about the British were not true.  Before coming to the UK, I always heard people saying the British were not friendly; however, after doing so much sightseeing here, I have to admit that I have met nice and friendly people always ready and happy to assist anyone asking for help.  I think I would describe the British as one of the most patient and tolerant people towards foreigners. I’m glad I was offered this chance to live in this country and discover my perception of its people was completely wrong.

Growing up as a professional and as a person

At the end of the programme I became a qualified teacher and had the opportunity to teach in other countries.  After spending three years abroad I decided to come back to the UK in 2008, and since then I have been working for a language school in Manchester.

I will always be thankful that there are still institutions such as the British Council, whose main goal is to promote better understanding among people from different cultures. I think their job is much appreciated and I would definitely recommend participating in any of their programmes around the world.  They make one realise [that] stereotypes are not always true.  Projects such as the Foreign Language Assistant Programme not only make you grow up as a professional but also as a person.