Applications to be an English Language Assistant in 2024/25 are now open! 

How to apply to be an English Language Assistant

Established in 1905, the British Council’s English Language Assistants (ELA) programme is a major UK mobility initiative that offers paid teaching placements abroad, providing the perfect opportunity to travel, teach and gain invaluable experiences along the way.  Every year we send around 2,000 English Language Assistants from the UK to support the teaching of English in 13 destinations around the world.

The deadline for applications is 01 February 2024. The final reference deadline is 15 February 2024.

Here's what you need to know: 

Language Requirements: Language requirements vary between countries. For Austria, Canada, Germany and Switzerland you require A2 in the target language. For other destinations, you require B1 in the target language. In the case of Hong Kong and Spain, there are no specific language requirements for applicants. You are welcome to apply regardless of your language proficiency.

Passport Requirements: passport requirements vary depending on your desired destination. Here's a brief overview:

  • Argentina: this programme is exclusively available to applicants with UK passports.
  • Canada: applicants holding UK or Irish passports are eligible for this opportunity.
  • Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland: language assistants with passports from the UK, Ireland, or any European Union (EU) country can apply for these positions.
  • Belgium, Chile, Colombia, and Hong Kong: these destinations offer greater flexibility, accepting applications from individuals with passports from a variety of countries. 

Please ensure you check the language, passport requirements and other destination-specific for your selected destinations before applying.

For a more detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria, we encourage you to refer to the comprehensive table available on our eligibility criteria webpage. This resource provides specific information on passport requirements for all participating countries in the English Language Assistant programme.

Apply now

Webinar 

Monday 18 December, 17:00 - 18:00 GMT

We're hosting an upcoming free webinar. Sign up here to discover more about the programme, listen to insights from former English Language Assistants regarding their experiences, and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the programme.

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