British Council Language Assistants

British Council

Find out first-hand about all things language assistants...

We'll be chatting with colleagues, former assistants and experts on a range of themes. From finding accommodation to settling into school life; listen and prepare for your time overseas.

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26 episodes
Updated July 2

Episodes26

Newest first

July 2 · 48 min
Celebrating the 120th Anniversary
Celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Language Assistants Programme with us as we speak to former language assistants from the past four decades. Listen as they share their experiences abroad in Spain, Senegal, Germany and China, the highs and lows of their placements and how it lead them to where they are now.
Dec 4, 2025 · 48 min
Culture Shock: Episode 2
Welcome to our second episode on culture shock. This episode, Rand and Sian will be speaking to three former language assistants who have all had very interesting and different experiences with culture shock abroad. We are speaking to Isla, a former English Language Assistant in Germany, Lukas, a former Austrian Language Assistant in the UK, and Yiqing, a former Chinese Language Assistant in the UK. Listen as they share their stories about joining a musical choir in London, an queer gardening group in Cologne, experiencing conflicts when queueing, and more!
Feb 18, 2025 · 37 min
Culture Shock : Episode 1
This episode explores the foundation for understanding culture shock. Join the language assistants team with Saskia, Rand and Aobh as we dive into what culture shock is, the stages it involves, and why it’s such a universal experience for exchange students. We are joined also by George Wilson, the English and School Education Country Lead for British Council France. Through stories, expert insights, and practical examples, this episode will equip listeners with the knowledge to recognize and manage the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies life abroad.
Sep 13, 2022 · 18 min
What to pack?
Finola chats to Ellie who was an ELA in Austria during 2020-21 about what is best to pack as a Language Assistant. Listen for top tips on what you really need to bring and what you can get when you're there. Don't forget to leave space for delicious goodies and some marmite if you're a fan!
Jan 6, 2022 · 23 min
Documenting Your Time
Finola speaks to Georgia and Mabel about their experiences as assistants and how they kept a record of their time. They discuss their favourite memories and the joys of looking back on them. Ceilidhs in classroom and Christmas on the beach, listen in to find out how to keep track of your experiences.
Sep 13, 2021 · 45 min
First Experiences of Teaching as a Language Assistant
In this episode, we speak to former English Language Assistants Fran, Dylan and Haleema about their first experiences in the classroom. Providing quality first teaching tips, we hear about their favourite activities and the challenges they overcame to produce fantastic lessons. From quizzes about apple pie to what's the time Mr Wolf, discover what being an assistant in a range of schools is like from their first-hand experience.
Jul 12, 2021 · 27 min
Settling In
We hear from assistants Kate and Georgia about their experience of settling in as an ELA during 2019-20. From Welsh-cake candles to brass bands, listen to all their top tips for managing that initial period of the assistantship.
Apr 9, 2021 · 48 min
Chile
Join us for a trip to the country of the poets in South America with colleagues and assistants. First up, we hear from Gaurav and Ceana. Now both working at the British Council, they tell Finola about their experience as English Language Assistants in Chile. Then Ceana chats to Christopher, a Chilean Modern Language Assistant currently working in the South of England.
Jan 12, 2021 · 39 min
Spain
Finola and Leona speak to former ELAs and current Ambassadors Lucy and Laura about their experience as an ELA in Spain. From sunsets overlooking the Alhambra to chocolate factory school trips in Asturias, listen to find out more!
Dec 11, 2020 · 42 min
Germany
Joined by team member Elena and former assistants Luis and Ffion, Fin hears all about life in Germany. From admin to bakery etiquette, listen in to hear about the assistant experience and top tips for those heading to Germany.
Sep 3, 2020 · 49 min
Lockdown Learning
2020 has been a very different year for the Language Assistants programme, and this podcast looks to explore how this group of assistants and teachers have adapted in the circumstances. In the first part of this episode we speak to Emily, Joe and Mathilde who speak about their different experiences of Lockdown and the final stages of their assistantship. Not only on the journey they went on but how important it is to look after your own well-being during this time. In the second part, we hear from David Lynch, a British Council teacher currently based in Japan, who has had to adapt to virtual teaching. We discuss the challenges but also the possibilities that come with virtual teaching on this episode of the Language Assistants podcast.
Jun 4, 2020 · 36 min
Preparing to Teach
In this episode, former Language Assistant team members Bethan and Beth share their top tips for teaching. They explore how to prepare, what to bring and activities to try for future language assistants to get the most out of their teaching experience! Teach English
Mar 6, 2020 · 37 min
Exploring Gender Equality: Language Assistants and Beyond
With International Women's Day on 08 March, the Language Assistant podcast has carried out a special episode exploring gender within the programme itself and the British Council's work. On this episode, Finola is joined by Ceana from the Language Assistants Team, Anna from the Gender and Inclusion Team and Dalia from British Council Mexico. Some useful links from today's podcast: Gender in Education: Inspiring the Future British Council Gender Equality Resources
Feb 3, 2020 · 26 min
Canada
In this episode, Finola is joined by Renaud and Rhianna as they discuss life in Quebec. Featuring ski-doos, poutine and the topic of Canadian French, be sure to listen for all the top tips !
Jan 31, 2020 · 26 min
Austria
In this episode, Finola speaks to two former language assistants: Luke and Katrina about their experience in Austria. Both share their key top tips about life, admin and their experience...especially to keep your fridge stocked before Sunday!
Jan 21, 2020 · 21 min
Wellbeing
In this episode, Bethan and Andrew from the British Council discussing the importance of and ways to wellbeing for Language Assistants, with helpful links and their own personal stories along the way. As mentioned in the video: - 5 Ways to Wellbeing - Mind
Jan 20, 2020 · 33 min
France
In this episode, Finola speaks to three former language assistants - Jason, Clorrie and Isabel - about their experience as a language assistant in France. Starting with the typical week, they then discuss challenges and their adventures. From teaching the next generation of French chefs to having tea with a International Prize winning author!
Jan 6, 2020 · 26 min
Italy
In this episode, Olivia is joined by Felicity and Emma who look back on their time as a language assistant in Italy. From delicious food to Romeo and Juliet, this podcast has lots of helpful tips and provides an insight into the experience of being an assistant in Italy.
Dec 27, 2019 · 33 min
China
In this episode, Felicity gives the lowdown on eligibility criteria for China and Finola speaks to Jasper and Lorna - two former English Language Teachers in China. They talk about their experiences, the benefits and challenges of living in China as a teacher and share some invaluable top tips - useful information for those considering applying!
Dec 9, 2019 · 14 min
How to Apply
In this episode, Finola and Olivia look at the application process, how it works and what we are looking for in English Language Assistant candidates.