How does the programme operate in Argentina?
The Language Assistants Programme is a bi-lateral mobility programme. We work with our partner organisation, La Secretaría de Educación Argentina, to send English Language Assistants to Higher Education institutions in Argentina.
You can find a timeline of what to expect if you apply for Argentina in the lifecycle document at the bottom of this page.
Am I eligible?
To be a Language Assistant in Argentina, you must:
- fulfil the general eligibility criteria
- hold a UK passport. Holders of other passports are not eligible for a placement in Argentina
- Be aged between 21 and 35 years on your placement start date
- have B1-level Spanish.
Given the popularity for placements in Argentina, priority will be given to undergraduates studying a dual-language degree.
Do I need to do a video interview?
If you are successful in your written application to Argentina, you will be required to complete a video interview. You will receive a link via email to complete your video interview.
Applicants not invited to complete a video interview may be offered a transfer to another destination as long as their application is of a high enough standard and meets the relevant requirements.
When will I start my placement?
Placements in Argentina run from 1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026.
Will there be an induction course?
There will be an induction held in Argentina for assistants by La Secretaría de Educación. Details will be confirmed closer to your placement start date.
How many hours will I work per week?
Language Assistants in Argentina can expect to work approximately 18 hours per week. This is divided into 15 weekly hours of class time, and 3 hours preparation time.
Please be aware that the number of hours and your specific timetable can vary depending on the region and institution that you are allocated to.
What holidays will I have?
In Argentina the academic calendar runs from March to December. The Language Assistant placement starts in April and ends at the end of August. Typically, assistants can expect to receive the same school and national holidays as their institution.
Holidays vary by institution, however, all assistants receive two weeks holiday during July, with the exact dates depending on the institution as well as public holidays.
Please note that these dates are not confirmed but have been provided to help give you an idea of what the academic calendar may look like. Your institution will give you full details of your term dates when you begin your post.
What type of institution will I be working in?
All placements in Argentina involve working in a university or teacher training institution (‘profesorado´) where the students are training to become English teachers. Some of the Language Assistants´ time may also be dedicated to teaching at additional institutions, for example, at secondary school level.
Individuals applying to be Language Assistants in Argentina must be flexible and adaptable. Please note that some placements involve working at multiple institutions and working for one institution for a period of several weeks, before changing to work for a different institution. Some placements may also involve travel within the province where the assistant is based, to teach for a period of time in a different institution and part of the province.
Timetables involving both early morning and evening classes are also common.
How many posts are available in Argentina?
Every year there are approximately five posts available in Argentina. As a result, places are very competitive. For this reason, priority is given to undergraduate students studying a dual-language degree. All other eligible applicants will be placed on the waiting list and candidates may be placed on a waiting list until 28 February 2026.
Where can I go in Argentina?
As we do not expect to find out the location of the posts until shortly before departure, an ability to adapt to a very different culture, flexibility and resilience are essential for anyone considering a placement in Argentina.
Most posts in Argentina are in towns or cities. However, you may find yourself allocated to a smaller town or more rural area. You may also find that you spend time during your placement travelling to and working in different parts of your allocated province.
As an indication, in previous years, assistants were allocated to placements at universities in the following regions and locations:
- Nor Oeste Argentino (North-West Argentina) - Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Rioja y Santiago del Estero.
- Nor Este Argentino ( North-East Argentina) – Chaco, Formosa, Corrientes y Misiones.
- CUYO - Mendoza, San Juan y San Luis
- CENTRO - Buenos Aires, City of Buenos Aires (CABA), Córdoba, Entre Ríos y Santa Fe
- Patagonia - La Pampa, Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz y Tierra del Fuego
Before applying, it is advisable that you research thoroughly the different provinces and think carefully about where you feel you would best be suited to being based.
Applicants are able to select regional preferences in Argentina from the options below. Exact locations of the posts are subject to change and we cannot guarantee that there will be a post available in the locations listed.
Applicants must therefore be flexible and willing to accept a placement in an area they may not have considered.
Buenos Aires is a highly popular destination. There are usually very limited places available here and so applicants need to be willing to include other locations as alternatives.
How much will I be paid?
Argentina has been, and is currently, experiencing high levels of inflation and a high cost of living. For this reason, it is recommended that you research the associated costs involved with moving to and living in Argentina. Additionally, it is recommended that you budget sufficient funds to cover the initial first few months.
The monthly allowance for 18 hours teaching is approximately $450.000 (Argentinian pesos). Given the current unpredictable inflation rates, the exact salary will be confirmed closer to the placement start dates by La Secretaría de Educación as the issuer of the monthly allowance.
What are the costs involved?
Pre-departure (November to March):
- International Child Protection Certificate (£99)
- Visa application including administrative fees ($600 - subject to change)
- Travel to nearest Argentine embassy for visa appointment
- Flights to Argentina (£1,000-£1,500 return) plus additional travel to region in Argentina
In placement (before receiving first payment):
- Accommodation costs including initial temporary accommodation and deposit for permanent accommodation in Argentina
- Residency permit costs on arrival (TBC)
- Costs for initial few months – you may not receive your first payment until June, so you will need sufficient funds for this time. Previous assistants have recommended budgeting for at least two months without pay (£1,500 - £2,500).
We encourage you to read more about the monthly allowance and how much money we recommend budgeting for Argentina in section 9 of the destination guide (available to view at the bottom of this page).
Will I need a visa?
Yes, all assistants will be required to apply for a visa.
La Secretaría de Educación manages the visa process in conjunction with the Argentine Embassy in the UK. The Ministry will give you instructions regarding obtaining the visa and put you in touch with the Embassy to carry out the process.
At this stage you should check the expiry date in your passport to ensure that your passport will not require renewal until at least six months after you return to the UK.
I’ve worked as a Language Assistant in Argentina – can I apply again?
Unfortunately, Language Assistants in Argentina cannot apply for a consecutive year in Argentina, although they are welcome to apply for a different destination. Please follow the guidance for returning applicants.
Where can I get information about my placement?
The guide for Language Assistants in Argentina 2023-24 is available below. This information has been provided for reference and is subject to change each year. Updated guidance for Assistants going out on placement in 2025 will be available in Autumn 2024.