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Find out what it is like to be a Language Assistant by reading recent experiences of assistants in different countries.
RECENT CASE STUDIES
Find out what past assistants have said about their experiences.
All views expressed are of the individuals concerned and are not necessarily those of the British Council.
GERMANY
"I know that the skills I gained from the programme will be useful when looking for jobs in the future and I'm now considering becoming a teacher because I loved it that much!" Emily Beever, ELA Germany 2010-2011.
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CHINA
"Don’t worry about the details - they’ll sort themselves out. Stop thinking about it and do it!" Will Shaw, ELA China 2010-2011
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FRANCE
"My advice is to go for the assistantship, especially if you want a career in teaching." Katie Whitehouse, ELA France 2010-2011
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MEXICO
"Mexico has so much to offer and there is some truly spectacular scenery to see. Be sure to check out the dates of festivals and carnivals, it’s probably the best way to see some otherwise sleepy places." David Tracz, ELA Mexico 2010-2011.
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CHILE
"If you’re an open-minded and positive person, do the assistantship! I think this programme can only bring you advantages which is why this is my second assistantship!" Elizabeth Wright ELA in La Serena, Chile 2010-2011.
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SPAIN
"As a language assistant the students really look up to you and they show a real interest in you, your language and your country. After this experience I am definitely considering teaching as a future career." Kayleigh, ELA in Baza in Spain 2010-2011 (Lancaster University).
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Austria
"Being an assistant has improved my confidence enormously. " Thomas Evans, ELA Austria 2010-2011.
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Switzerland
"I wish all assistants the very best and long may the BC programme continue giving great opportunities for people to work abroad." Lathana, ELA Switzerland 2010-2011.
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Belgium
"Employers really do look favourably on a year abroad and I would encourage anyone even someone who has a non-linguistic background like me to get up to the required language level and do an assistantship. It’s great fun and it’ll improve your employability." Michaela Bygrave, student of Development Geography at KCL, ELA to Belgium 2010-2011
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Italy
“The most important thing that I have learned so far is how to adapt to living in a different culture…” Abbey Cameron, ELA in Alto Adige, Italy, 2010-2011.
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Canada
"For anyone wanting to make the most of their lives and have wonderful experiences to share with their grand-children, the English Language Assistant Programme is a good place to start." Laura Gardner, ELA Canada 2010-2011
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COLOMBIA
"You will learn a lot, you will meet amazing people and you will have a lot of fun. There will be times when you feel miles away from your comfort zone, but the benefits completely outweigh the bad bits. I wish I could do the year all over again!" Anna Harborow, ELA in Bogotá, Colombia, 2010-2011.
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ECUADOR
"The assistantship has definitely influenced me as I have stayed in Ecuador for another year! Teaching is also something I wish to do in the future. Thank you to the British Council for giving me this opportunity!" Lucy Knowles ELA Ecuador 2009-2010.
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PARAGUAY
"My language skills improved a lot, mainly because I was based just outside the capital and was the only foreigner, so I had to speak a lot. It’s good to try and spend time with as many Spanish-speaking people as possible." Lucy Tebbitt, ELA to Paraguay 2009-2010
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ARGENTINA
"I would recommend applying for an assistantship - I have never met another assistant who did not enjoy their time working for the British Council." Anisha Vadher, ELA Argentina 2008-2009.
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