Teach Abroad - English Language Assistant

Job description

Calling all placement year students, final year students and graduates – we offer the opportunity to teach English overseas on a paid placement for four months to one academic year working as an English Language Assistant (ELA). From Argentina or Colombia to places a little close to home such as France, Germany and Spain, don't delay in finding out where you could go!

As an ELA you will work between 12 and 20 hours per week in a primary, secondary or adult learning institution to support the teaching of English. As no prior teaching experience is required for most of our destinations, your role will be to support the main teacher in the classroom, working with smaller groups of students to practice their speaking, and bringing the English language to life by sharing your cultural experience of life in the UK.

• Placements available in 10 destinations worldwide: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada (Quebec), Colombia, France (including some overseas territories), Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
• With no formal language requirements in Spain, our programme is open to those from all academic disciplines. For other destinations, beginner-intermediate level in the target language is required, however, skills can have been developed through private study, travel or a course.
• Start dates and the length of placement vary dependent on the destination, beginning from August 2025.
• Teaching time is limited to between 12 and 20 hours a week, giving you plenty of time to experience the local culture and pursue other interests.
• You can select up to three destination preferences as well as your preferred regions, urban environment, and age group.
• We work with overseas partner organisations and local state education authorities to allocate you to a placement and support you throughout.

The British Council ELA programme is an international experience that immerses you professionally, linguistically and personally in a new culture. It is an invaluable opportunity to  strengthen your CV, gain international work experience and build confidence in sought after transferable skills. In addition, you will be joining a global network of Language Assistants and alumni as our programme has been running for almost 120 years.

In previous years, we have been able to allocate the majority of applicants who are successful in our assessment process to a placement.

What we are looking for

• No prior teaching experience required for most destinations.
• You must meet the programme-wide and destination-specific eligibility criteria (please visit our website for further details).
• You must have completed a minimum educational standard of UK A-levels, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or equivalent level.

Accepted degree subjects

Any

Additional job details

How to apply

Applications close at 13:00 GMT on closing date.

Your nominated referee must also complete the reference form by 13 February 2025, 13:00 GMT.

Applications without a reference after this date will be considered incomplete.

Applicants to Argentina, Colombia, Canada (Quebec), and France Overseas Territories who are successful in the initial assessment will be invited to complete a video interview at a later stage.

Click Apply to find out more about the placements we have on offer, check if you are eligible and sign up to our free information webinar on Thursday 16 January, 17.00-18.00 GMT, to hear from former ELAs about their experience and ask any questions you may have.

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 30 January 2025

Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.

Closing date:  30 January 2025