Language Assistants

Arrival and settling in

The first week in school

Finding accommodation

Induction courses

Health care

Money matters

Travel and entertainment

Finding accommodation

What to do if your school can't help

It is not possible for the British Council to find accommodation for language assistants or to provide lists. Ask your school if they are able to find any accommodation for you, even if it is just for the first few weeks.

Also try the following: -

Ask around at school and advertise on the staff noticeboard
Buy the local newspaper and call early in the morning.
Look online such as www.gumtree.co.uk; www.flatshare.com
Assistants in London should buy LOOT magazine.
Check university or other student noticeboards.
Go to the local citizens' advice bureau/tourist office and ask if they keep accommodation lists.
Ask the previous assistant if they can offer any advice.

You can also visit the Monetos website for more advice on finding accomodation in the UK.

Accommodation at YMCAs and YWCAs can be expensive, but it usually includes all meals and provides an instant group of friends. They offer sports and social facilities, entertainment, cafeterias and restaurants, and accommodation.

Do not:

visit places alone
advertise your telephone number in public places
sign any contract with an agency without finding out if there are any fees to pay.

Your host school will not pay your transport costs between your accommodation and school, so make sure that you don't arrange accommodation too far away as travel could be expensive. However, if you are working in more than one school and have to travel to both schools in one day, and have to pay higher transport costs, the schools should make a contribution to your costs.

If you share accommodation with people other than language assistants or students, you may have to pay Council Tax (see section on Money Matters.)