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British Council Language Assistants 2023/24

I couldn't find anything for Language Assistants for this year, so hoping this thread can be helpful for anyone and everyone who needs help and/or has questions... I know I have a few myself. 😬
I've been accepted in Belgium, and now I'm trying to figure everything out.

Reply 1

anonomon

How competitive is the British Council English Language Assistants programme? Has anyone ever not got in?

Reply 2

Paperplane8006

I'm not sure how competitive it is, but I think as long as you've got some experience in teaching, it should be fine. I think it also just depends on how many people are applying to a specific country (and how many places they have available).

Reply 3

JasJasjasjqs

Original post by Paperplane8006

Hi I got accepted to Belgium for 2024-2025. How was your experience last year?

Reply 4

Paperplane8006

Hey, congratulations!

I had a really great time. I worked in the same high school throughout the year. I helped out with lessons, and most of the times, I was able to prepare my own lessons. It was super fun and interesting learning all of the different things, also weird being in a high school that was so different from mine. The teachers were also really helpful and they made it really easy to integrate into the school.

Also, just so you're aware, if you're aged between 18-24, go to an 'ESPACE TEC' (they're the bus company for the whole of Wallonia), and you can get a bus pass for 12€ for a whole year (plus 5€ for the card). With it, you're able to travel on any bus to any place. You'll need to take a form of I.D. and proof of address in Belgium.

If you have any more questions, let me know. I hope you also have a good time in Belgium next year!!

Reply 5

JasJasjasjqs

Original post by Paperplane8006

Hey, congratulations!
I had a really great time. I worked in the same high school throughout the year. I helped out with lessons, and most of the times, I was able to prepare my own lessons. It was super fun and interesting learning all of the different things, also weird being in a high school that was so different from mine. The teachers were also really helpful and they made it really easy to integrate into the school.
Also, just so you're aware, if you're aged between 18-24, go to an 'ESPACE TEC' (they're the bus company for the whole of Wallonia), and you can get a bus pass for 12€ for a whole year (plus 5€ for the card). With it, you're able to travel on any bus to any place. You'll need to take a form of I.D. and proof of address in Belgium.
If you have any more questions, let me know. I hope you also have a good time in Belgium next year!!

Thank you! What school were u assigned to/what area if u don’t mind me asking.
Also how was it with the French language, were u expected to speak French when communicating and explaining things or was English accepted. Im kind of nervous that my French level is not that good.
Also thanks for the bus card tip it will be very useful :smile:

Reply 6

Paperplane8006

I was working in La Louvière.
I was also worried that my French level wasn’t good enough, but the students were helpful and curious too. They get excited when they find out that you’re able to understand them, so it’ll be fine. The students often commented on the fact that French was difficult, so don’t worry too much about it.
I spoke in English with the students (I often tried different ways to communicate with them if they weren’t understanding, such as miming or rephrasing), and they often understood. There were times where I’d sometimes speak too fast or say a phrase (like idioms or just colloquial words) that they didn’t understand, so I’d just rephrase it. Don’t forget that you’ll have the teacher there with you, though, so you’ll be able to ask them for help if there is any confusion.
Oh, and in regard to the bus pass, you’ll also need to take an I.D. photo (similar to the one you get for a passport), since they need to put of you on the card.