Key Messages for Tutors 2016/17
GENERAL POINTS
Contact
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Given the scale of the programme (over 4,000 applications last year) we expect to have contact with
universities only (unless specific information required from candidate) up until meetings with our
partners (March to May). After this time, candidates may contact us directly with any issues that arise.
Please contact us via Languageassistants.UK@britishcouncil.org
Application stage
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Applications open on 2 November 2015.
The deadline is 17 January 2016.
Universities may set-up their own internal deadlines.
We are investigating a later deadline for applications to China.
On-line application process
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For this application round we are launching an on-line application tool. Students will apply on-line;
tutors will be automatically notified of this and be able to upload references.
There is no requirement for tutors to ’batch’ and submit paper applications.
Erasmus+ grants
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In recent years UK undergraduates undertaking a Language Assistants position in the EU have been
eligible for Erasmus+ grants. This has been called into question and at present we cannot give an
assurance that universities will be able to offer such students Erasmus+ grants in 2016-17. We are
working with the European Commission and our EU partners to resolve this and will notify universities
as soon as we get further news. If you need any further information please contact Christopher Rennie
on: christopher.rennie@britishcouncil.org Telephone: +44 (0)20 7389 4782
Things for students to consider prior to applying
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Flexibility is a pre-requisite for the programme: although we aim to allocate successful candidates to
one of three area choices, this cannot be guaranteed.
Please stress to students that this is a job application. There are more students applying than we have
posts. Candidates are expected to complete the application with as much care and attention as they
would any other job application.
It is not acceptable for a student to submit an application and then drop out because they are not happy
with the location they are offered. Withdrawals severely compromise relations between the British
Council and our international partners, potentially damaging the programme itself for future generations.
The number of posts for each country varies from year to year and is fixed by our foreign partners.
Candidates applying to Canada, Latin American countries, China or Switzerland should ensure that
they select this country as their first choice. There is great competition for these posts. However we
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would like to encourage more candidates to apply for these posts. Academic ability is not the only
important factor; we look for candidates who show adaptability, flexibility and independence. We would
greatly appreciate your support in encouraging suitable candidates to apply for these posts. Candidate
for these posts will have to attend an assessment day as part of the selection procedure.
We might not be holding assessment days for Switzerland this year.
Candidates for Canada, Latin America, or Switzerland who are unsuccessful may be offered the
opportunity to transfer their application to a/another European country if they meet the eligibility
requirements.
Disabilities/medical conditions
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The declaration of disabilities or medical conditions is very important. Please ensure that students
provide the relevant information. It helps us and our partners to find suitable posts for them as well as
ensuring they have the appropriate support. If students fail to declare something then we cannot
guarantee we will be able to find a placement that meets their needs.
Insurance
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Students should be reminded to take out suitable insurance prior to their assistantship. We provide
advice on our website.
COUNTRY SPECIFIC
Austria
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Short term posts, in either the first or second semester, will be available once again, however please
note that these are limited.
Please note we must match first and second semester candidates to make up a full placement, and so
flexibility regarding which semester the assistantship is undertaken is more likely to be successful.
Belgium
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Undergraduates (students on a compulsory year abroad) take priority for Belgium, however final
year students are eligible and should also be encouraged to apply.
France
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In accordance with French government legislation, religious symbols are not allowed to be worn in
French schools. Ensure that students are aware of this in advance. We have added information to the
relevant page of our website.
In addition, if a candidate needs to take particular day/s as holiday for religious reasons, they/the tutor
should contact us in advance. The French government issues a list of the days that can be taken as
leave for religious observances and we can pass this on to them.
Primary posts in France are on the decline.
Canada
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Posts in Canada are extremely rural and can be challenging due to extreme weather conditions.
There are only two posts in cities.
Assessment days are conducted for short-listed candidates
Germany
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We anticipate a slight reduction in the number of posts in 2016-17 and candidates should be aware that
the process is competitive.
Short term posts, in the first semester [01 September – 28 February], will be available once again,
however please note that these are limited.
Although we hope to be able to place all undergraduates, a waiting list may be in operation. Once again
we will prioritise year abroad undergraduates.
North Rhine West Phalia had the most posts last year, with competition extremely high for the large
German cities. There are very limited posts in Berlin, Bremen, Munich and Hamburg. Candidates should
consider this when making their choices.
Preference for posts is now split by geographical region within Germany rather than by individual
Bundesland.
Italy
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The Italian Ministry of Education have advised that they expect a similar number of posts (circa 55) for
next year.
We would encourage graduates and final year students to apply. However, given the limited number of
posts available, they should be advised that they will be placed on a waiting list. If graduates are
allocated, it will most likely be later in the summer.
Posts in the Alto Adige region in Northern Italy are most suited to students studying both Italian and
German, and they will be given priority over other candidates for these posts. Please ensure students
are aware of this opportunity.
Some of these posts are rural and in small communities.
This year we provided a pre departure briefing for the first time and are considering doing so again in
2016/17.
Latin America (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico)
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Assessment days are conducted for short-listed candidates
Argentina: posts are for 6 months (March 2017 – September 2017.) Dual language undergraduates will
take priority and it should be noted that these posts are highly competitive. While we cannot guarantee
the number of posts as this varies, for 2015-16 there were only 8 posts available. We would not expect
this number to increase significantly for 2016-17
Candidates successful in gaining a post in Latin America will receive a safety briefing prior to departure.
In the past, Latin America was classed as one country for administrative purposes and candidates were
asked to rank the countries as area preferences. This year, applicants will be able to apply directly for
individual countries in Latin America and, where possible, be able to select area preferences in-country.
Spain
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Some posts are very rural, particularly in Andalucía, Cataluña and Valencia. Candidates selecting these
regions need to be realistic – not all can be in a large city. Candidates need to research carefully.
There are two types of posting in Spain; Ministerio posts and Comunidad posts. The conditions vary
slightly between each (e.g. timing of information) which can sometime confuse Assistants.
Switzerland
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Assessment days for Switzerland are no longer going to be held.
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Candidates must have teaching experience, and therefore posts in Switzerland are normally only
suitable for graduates or undergraduates with more experience.
Posts are available in French and German-speaking cantons.
China – GRADUATES ONLY
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Assessment days are conducted for short-listed candidates
Candidates don’t need to have any language skills, but they must have graduated by summer 2016.