Language assistantships
The British Council’s English Language Assistant programme gives eligible School of Modern Languages students the opportunity to live and work abroad as part of an integrated year abroad.
Students support the teaching of English language and culture while improving their own language skills. The programme can help students gain work experience, develop confidence and experience life in another country.
British Council's Language Assistants (ELA) programme
The School of Modern Languages has a long and successful relationship with the British Council's English Language Assistant (ELA) programme.
This well-established programme is the most popular option for School of Modern Languages students who wish to complete an integrated year abroad (WIYA).
The programme is not only for students considering a future career in education. It can help you improve your language skills, explore a new community, develop greater independence and gain valuable skills and experience for future employment.
Role and responsibilities
As an English Language Assistant, you will support the teaching of English language and culture.
You will:
- take small groups or team-teach
- work in a primary school, secondary school, college, state-run language school or university
- be an ambassador for the UK
- get involved in the school community
- work between 12 and 20 hours per week
Placement countries
English Language Assistants can apply for placements in 14 countries, including
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain (currently suspended for 2026–2027)
- Switzerland
- and countries in Latin America.
School of Modern Languages students considering this as an integrated year abroad (WIYA) option must choose a country where French, German, Italian or Spanish is one of the official languages.
Check the for more details.
Teaching age groups
English Language Assistants can teach primary, secondary or adult groups, depending on the country.
You can include preferences for the type of institution and age group in your application.
Placement dates and duration
Dates and duration vary by country.
Placements typically start in September or October and end in late May. Some options in Latin America have different dates.
Eligibility
You must have achieved at least Higher or AS Level in the language of the host country.
You must also:
- Be a native speaker of English.
- Have completed all your secondary school education in the UK.
- Have successfully completed two years of university education on first sitting.
British citizens who went to school overseas can apply and may need to complete an additional telephone interview.
Check the British Council eligibility information and country-specific requirements before you apply.
The programme is competitive. Placements are not guaranteed and students must gain Honours entry.
Application process
You must apply online with a reference from your tutor.
Some applicants may need to attend an interview. This usually applies to students who wish to go outside Europe.
The School of Modern Languages supports students during the application process and provides a reference.
The British Council then passes applications through a national clearing system, in cooperation with the Ministries of Education in the relevant countries.
Payment
A local authority or host school will pay you.
You will usually receive a monthly stipend. Net pay varies by country.
International Child Protection Certificate
All language assistants must obtain an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC).
This is a criminal record check for UK nationals, or non-UK nationals who have previously lived in the UK, who want to work with children overseas.
The British Council will tell you to apply for an ICPC if you receive a provisional offer of an assistantship.
Do not apply for an ICPC until the British Council tells you to do so.
You will be charged a fee for the International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC).
Refer to the (PDF) for more information.
More information
Find full information about the programme and country-specific placement information on the relevant .
The (Spotify) is also a useful resource.
Other language assistantship programmes
Students of different nationalities can explore language assistantship programmes available to them.
Other programmes include:
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships
- Teaching Assistant Programme in France
- North American Culture Assistants in Spain
The University does not have agreements with these programmes. The School must approve each proposed placement before it can go ahead.
Students who have applied to become a language assistant may also be interested in supporting learning in Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).