A collage of two photos. A teaching teaching a student on the left. A woman walking in a street on the right

Every conversation. Every classroom. Every connection - they all begin with a shared curiosity.

For 120 years, the Language Assistants Programme has turned that curiosity into understanding, helping people see the world through someone else’s words.

What began in 1905 with a few pioneering teachers travelling abroad has grown into a global exchange that has endured everything history has brought our way.

For generations, language assistants have embraced the adventure of teaching English in other countries or sharing their own language and culture here in the UK.

Now, we’re celebrating all those journeys — and the people behind them.

Share your story with us.

If you have ever been a language assistant, we would love to hear from you. Tell us where and when you worked, and how it affected your life and/or career. 

It could be about the beautiful cities you explored, the wonderful people you met, a thoughtful gift from your students, a lesson you learned from your colleagues, a solo adventure, or any cultural surprise that made your time unforgettable.

Share your memorable experience by posting on your social media page either: 

  • a short selfie-style video (around 30 seconds) speaking directly to camera, or 
  • a photo post with a short description about your memory

Don’t forget to add #LanguageAssistant120 so we can find your story – and connect you with others sharing the same spirit from past to present.

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