1. CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TRUST AND ENGAGEMENT FOR THE UK WORLDWIDE

2. Working as an assistant General role Ambassador of the UK Supporting teaching of English language and culture Taking small groups, team teaching Getting involved in the life of a school and community

3. Why be an assistant? immerse yourself in local language and culture learn about another education system get valuable life experience - build confidence and independence gain transferable skills – build your CV and improve your career prospects experience teaching integrate into a local community abroad represent the wider British Council aims receive an allowance British Council offers 2 programmes to be an assistant…

4. English Language Assistants Opportunities for UK undergraduates and graduates to improve their foreign language skills in a real-life context, and to contribute to the teaching of English in schools abroad.

5. What would I do as an ELA? Assist teachers in a primary or secondary school, college or university develop students skills in English inform students about contemporary UK culture make lessons fun and interactive work 12-20 hours a week work around 8 months

6. Where can I go as an ELA? You can state your preferences re: Country Age group Region (for most countries) Environment (city, town, rural) Any specific requirements (medical/dietary, scholarships, religious/family reasons, etc.) NB Preferences are NOT guaranteed!

7. Where can I go as an ELA? French-speaking countries Belgium Canada (Quebec) France (including Corsica and Outre-mer) Switzerland

8. Where can I go as an ELA? German-speaking countries Austria Germany Switzerland

9. Where can I go as an ELA? Spanish-speaking countries SPAIN LATIN AMERICA: ArgentinaChile ColombiaEcuador MexicoParaguay

10. Where can I go as an ELA? Other countries UNDERGRADUATES Italy FINALISTS / GRADUATES China

11. What support would I get an as ELA? Pre-departure information pack Contact details of predecessors, peers and former foreign language assistants In-country induction course Mentor teacher appointed in school Ongoing support from British Council and/or partner agencies abroad Access to teaching resources through the British Council website www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant, including Language Assistants Manual www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant

12. What about money as an ELA? Costs Salary – FLAs receive monthly allowance ERASMUS status (work placement) and grant if eligible www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus

13. Am I eligible to be an ELA? Yes if: You are a native-level speaker of English You have completed your secondary schooling in the UK You have successfully completed minimum of 2 years at HE You have a minimum of Higher/A(S) Level in appropriate language (except China) Meet age limits set by partner agencies for certain countries NB Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.

14. How do I apply to be an ELA? Application Deadline: 1 December 2011 Application form and guidelines available on www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants from 17 October. NB Incomplete applications will not be accepted

15. What happens next? December - March Applications are processed and assessed (eligibility and quality). British Council acknowledges receipt of applications to tutors. Candidates contacted and scheduled for interviews (if applicable). April - May Matching meetings by country. June - July British Council informs your tutor of the status of your application. British Council starts to write out to candidates re region youll work in. Some candidates placed on a waiting list.

16. July - August Specific details of postings start to come through. Waiting list candidates sought to replace applicants who withdraw. Detailed info packs sent to all assistants. September - October Departures and in-country induction courses 1 Sep/1 Oct = start date for most assistants

17. Questions? Ask your tutor Contact British Council: 0161 957 7755 language.assistants@britishcouncil.org