Language Assistants

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WHERE CAN I GO?

Austria

Belgium

Canada

China

France

Germany

Italy

Latin America

Spain

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languageassistants-ela-success-stories-chile.htm   SEE WHAT PREVIOUS ASSISTANTS SAY

Latin America

Become an English language assistant in Latin America

Please ensure that you read the supplementary notes for applicants for Latin America (MS Word) before you apply. Please be aware that these notes have been updated since the online application system opened and some of the details may have changed.

Why should I choose Latin America?
Posts are available in six countries. Tropical islands, beaches, scenic treks, mountains, rain forests, jungle, rivers, waterfalls, ancient ruins as well as awe-inspiring hectic cities can make a year in Latin America a truly amazing experience.

What are the terms and conditions in Latin America?
Assistants are usually responsible for whole classes in Latin America.  Terms and conditions vary in the six different countries. Undergraduates studying Spanish at university and graduates of any discipline with Spanish AS-level, Higher Grade or equivalent may apply. Teaching experience or an interest in teaching as a career are required for some posts.

Dates of appointment
Academic Year 2012-2013:
Argentina: 15 March 2013 - 15 July 2013 (TBC)
Chile: late July or late August 2012- late June or late July 2013
Colombia: late July 2012 - late May 2013
Ecuador: 1st  August 2012 -30th May 2013
Mexico: early September 2012-late June 2013
Paraguay: unfortunately the programme in Paraguay is under review and will not be going ahead during 2012-13. Candidates applying to be an assistant in Paraguay will be given the opportunity to request an alternative country choice

Please note that you may have to arrive a few days early for an induction course.

The competition for posts in Latin America is high and demand always exceeds supply. A waiting list is in operation over the spring and summer for those not placed initially.

Posts are mainly in universities, teacher training institutions and language schools with a few posts in secondary schools.

The local allowance is sufficient for one person to live on but posts in Latin America require a larger financial commitment than posts in Europe. Before you leave the UK you can expect to pay around £1,000-£1,200 for flights, visas and immunisations. You will also need access to around £500-700 (depending on the country) once you arrive in Latin America for initial expenses including mobile phones, deposits for accommodation and rent. For more information, please read Essential Information: Before you go (also given out at interview).

Where can I go?
Posts are available in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico We recommend that you research possible destinations in Latin America thoroughly before applying.

If you wish to express an area preference, you may choose a maximum of three of the countries mentioned above.

You should be aware of the following before making your country choices:

• Flexibility regarding location is encouraged to improve your chances of being posted
• Posts in ARGENTINA are from mid March to mid July 2013.  As a result, they're suitable for Joint Honours students who have to spend time in two countries during their year abroad. You may wish to combine this with a first-semester placement in Austria or Germany. The dates for Argentina for 2012-13 are to be confirmed. There may be the possibility of extending this post until September 2013.
• Undergraduates applying for Argentina will take priority over graduates. If you're a graduate you should be prepared to consider a placement in your second or third-choice country.
• There is no British Council office in ECUADOR. Assistants will be placed directly at the Catholic University of Ambato with other Assistants.
• You'll be informed of the exact starting date around two months before departure. It is not possible to be accepted for any country unless you are available for the full duration of the appointment.
• You must be in the UK two weeks prior to departure in order to obtain your visa in London.
  

You will need to be mature, open-minded, adaptable and tolerant for posts in Latin America. You will find that the living conditions and cultures differ significantly from those in Europe. You can find out more about what it is like to be a language assistant in Latin America by reading the case studies from previous language assistants.

Will I be interviewed?
All shortlisted candidates will be requested to attend an assessment day at our offices in the UK in January or March.

Will there be an induction course?
You will be invited to a one-day briefing in London in late June/early July. Induction courses are held in each country, usually at the local British Council office and at the employing institution.

When will I hear?
You will receive an email from us confirming receipt of your application by early January.

January - March - assessment days held at British Council offices in the UK
Mid April - candidates will find out if they have passed the assessment stage
May/June - you will find out whether you have been allocated to a country immediately or are held on a waiting list
June/July (anytime) - you will find out the location of your post from the British Council in the UK and/or from your host country
Please also see our lifecycle document for more information.