Foreign language assistants
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Last updated: 24 March 2010
The Foreign Language Assistants (FLAs) programme is managed in the UK by the British Council. The programme provides native speakers of Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese and Japanese, from 18 countries worldwide, to support qualified teachers of foreign languages in the UK.
The programme offers an invaluable resource for the promotion and support of language teaching and learning and FLAs can contribute greatly to all aspects of a language department's work by providing authentic native language support. The scheme is broadly reciprocal and many English Language Assistants (ELAs) from the UK travel to partner countries on a similar programme.
FLAs are either currently studying English in their home country or training to be teachers of English. They are selected by either the local Ministry of Education appointed agencies or by the British Council in their respective countries. Chinese assistants are all qualified teachers.
Over 2000 FLAs per year help thousands of pupils to improve their language skills particularly oral skills. The aim is to promote awareness of the international dimension and global citizenship through providing different cultural perspectives. FLAs help pupils and teachers to meet National Curriculum and national examination board requirements by working closely with individuals or groups in conjunction with the class teacher. They can prove effective at all levels of education, from primary initiatives through to HE.
Working in the UK enables FLAs to improve their English language skills and broaden their cultural knowledge while developing their teaching skills. It is a cost effective and stimulating method to prepare for a teaching career. For ELAs from the UK, their stay abroad can help them towards the attainment of their PGCE.
Language assistants wishing to teach Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese or Chinese in the UK, must apply to the office in their home country. The British Council website provides a list of eligible countries and all contact information. Chinese assistants must currently be teaching English in a school in China in order to be eligible.
British Council: Language assistants
The British Council matches applicant profiles with school or college requirements and produces a range of printed advice on conditions of employment and support for classroom teaching. This service is provided free of charge to schools, colleges and LAs. The British Council also provides online support for FLAs and ELAs abroad and offers a primary FLA starter pack containing activities and resources.
British Council: Teaching English
FLA allowance (paid from the school budget) for 2009-10 is £6,872 (plus London weighting where appropriate) for a timetable of 12 hours per week over a period of eight months (October to May). The official period of appointment for Chinese assistants is September to June, therefore the total cost to a school outside London would be £8,217.77. It is often possible to arrange for assistants to be shared between two or three different schools.
Applications by maintained schools and colleges should be made through the LA coordinator. Secondary schools should contact their modern language adviser. Primary schools should contact the primary coordinator in their LA. Independent schools and post-16 establishments should apply directly to the British Council.
Comenius assistants
Under the EU education programme, Comenius assistants are available from the 31 EU, EEA and associated countries for periods of between three to ten months. The objective of the programme is to develop knowledge and understanding of the diversity of European cultures and languages. The programme also endeavours to help young people acquire basic life skills for future employment and for active European citizenship. Application forms and guidance documents can be found on the British Council website.
British Council: About Comenius
British Council: Comenius application forms and guidance
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