British Council Language Assistants

Finola chats to Ellie who was an ELA in Austria during 2020-21 about what is best to pack as a Language Assistant. Listen for top tips on what you really need to bring and what you can get when you're there. Don't forget to leave space for delicious goodies and some marmite if you're a fan!

Finola speaks to Georgia and Mabel about their experiences as assistants and how they kept a record of their time. They discuss their favourite memories and the joys of looking back on them. Ceilidhs in classroom and Christmas on the beach, listen in to find out how to keep track of your experiences. 

In this episode, we speak to former English Language Assistants Fran, Dylan and Haleema about their first experiences in the classroom. Providing quality first teaching tips, we hear about their favourite activities and the challenges they overcame to produce fantastic lessons. From quizzes about apple pie to what's the time Mr Wolf, discover what being an assistant in a range of schools is like from their first-hand experience.

We hear from assistants Kate and Georgia about their experience of settling in as an ELA during 2019-20. From Welsh-cake candles to brass bands, listen to all their top tips for managing that initial period of the assistantship.  

Join us for a trip to the country of the poets in South America with colleagues and assistants. First up, we hear from Gaurav and Ceana. Now both working at the British Council, they tell Finola about their experience as English Language Assistants in Chile. Then Ceana chats to Christopher, a Chilean Modern Language Assistant currently working in the South of England. 

Finola and Leona speak to former ELAs and current Ambassadors Lucy and Laura about their experience as an ELA in Spain.  From sunsets overlooking the Alhambra to chocolate factory school trips in Asturias, listen to find out more! 

Joined by team member Elena and former assistants Luis and Ffion, Fin hears all about life in Germany. From admin to bakery etiquette, listen in to hear about the assistant experience and top tips for those heading to Germany. 

2020 has been a very different year for the Language Assistants programme, and this podcast looks to explore how this group of assistants and teachers have adapted in the circumstances. In the first part of this episode we speak to Emily, Joe and Mathilde who speak about their different experiences of Lockdown and the final stages of their assistantship. Not only on the journey they went on but how important it is to look after your own well-being during this time. In the second part, we hear from David Lynch, a British Council teacher currently based in Japan, who has had to adapt to virtual teaching. We discuss the challenges but also the possibilities that come with virtual teaching on this episode of the Language Assistants podcast.

In this episode, Finola is joined by Renaud and Rhianna as they discuss life in Quebec. Featuring ski-doos, poutine and the topic of Canadian French, be sure to listen for all the top tips !

In this episode, Finola speaks to two former language assistants: Luke and Katrina about their experience in Austria. Both share their key top tips about life, admin and their experience...especially to keep your fridge stocked before Sunday!

In this episode, Finola speaks to three former language assistants - Jason, Clorrie and Isabel - about their experience as a language assistant in France. Starting with the typical week, they then discuss challenges and their adventures. From teaching the next generation of French chefs to having tea with a International Prize winning author! 

In this episode, Olivia is joined by Felicity and Emma who look back on their time as a language assistant in Italy. From delicious food to Romeo and Juliet, this podcast has lots of helpful tips and provides an insight into the experience of being an assistant in Italy. 

In this episode, Felicity gives the lowdown on eligibility criteria for China and Finola speaks to Jasper and Lorna - two former English Language Teachers in China. They talk about their experiences, the benefits and challenges of living in China as a teacher and share some invaluable top tips -  useful information for those considering applying! 

In this episode, Finola and Olivia look at the application process, how it works and what we are looking for in English Language Assistant candidates.

 Whether you already have a Language Assistants placement confirmed, are thinking about applying in the future, or are generally looking for information to prepare you for living abroad ... then you have come to the right place! 

Each week the team will be chatting with colleagues, former assistants and experts on a range of themes. From finding accommodation, money matters, and insurance, to settling into school life, managing culture shock and making friends; they hope to help you prepare for time overseas. 

Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an episode! 

www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/outside-uk/english-language-assistants