Giving up a successful career as a Blue Peter presenter is not an easy thing to do. But that’s exactly what Romana D'Annunzio did to become an English language assistant in Rome.

Romana tells us why she swapped the world of sticky back plastic to embrace a more creative way of learning.

I decided to embark on a new academic chapter of my life a few years ago, when I rather abruptly left my media job in London and swiftly applied to do a degree in English Literature and Italian.

Returning to study had always been on my ‘Top ten things to do before I die’ list and I’d spent a good few years procrastinating about it, until my will superseded my fear and by 2003 I had filled out my UCAS form. Before I knew it, I was fighting for a seat at my very first English literature lecture.

I know that it may sound incredibly clichéd, but studying has really opened my mind to new ways of thinking and I’ve learnt a great deal; so much so, that I was shocked to find out just how little I knew before this experience!

However, a return to study isn’t just all about gaining academic enlightenment; it has also enabled me to have some incredible new life experiences, such as the 8 months I have just spent in Rome working as a language assistant at a Liceo Classico (secondary school) for the 3rd year of my degree.

To have been given this opportunity by the British Council and to have experienced the highs and lows of living in one of the most beautiful and lively cities in the world has been a dream realised.

The students and teachers at the school were so friendly and welcoming, that I actually looked forward to going into work for 8am each morning - which was definitely a first for me!

I discovered that being an assistant gives you a wonderful opportunity to shake off the shackles of the curriculum, and embrace more fun and creative ways of learning. This will not only be enjoyable for them, but also help to build positive relationships with the students, which is incredibly rewarding.

A few years ago I gained some experience working with younger kids when I did a stint as a Blue Peter presenter at the BBC, a job that I was lucky enough to do for 2 years in the late Nineties. When I was on the show it sometimes did feel like being a ‘famous primary school teacher’. However, luckily for my students in Rome, I didn’t ever subject them to the BP traditions of making cards or advent wreaths!

My advice to anyone thinking of doing an assistantship as a mature student would be first and foremost to ENJOY IT. Doing this job in your thirties or older means you can benefit from having that little bit more life experience which enables you to cope better all round.

To be honest my experience living and working abroad was not always easy, financially it was tough, as was adapting to a new city, but all in all the happy times outweighed the stresses.

My time in Rome came to an end a few weeks ago, and I remember when I stepped off the plane in Scotland I kept thinking about how special my experience at the school had been and how privileged I was to have had the chance to do this. More importantly, I was struck by just how much I would miss them all.

If you are interested in finding out more information about English Language Assistants you can visit our web site or e-mail alison.frydman@britishcouncil.org or phone 0131 524 5736.