What Is An English Language Assistant?

An English Language Assistant, or English Teaching Assistant, is a teacher who works in an EFL classroom in collaboration with another, more qualified teacher. 

English Language Assistants (ELAs) are employed in non-English speaking countries to support the English teachers. Due to their native level of (or high proficiency in) English, they work alongside the teacher to help them carry out activities. At the same time, they communicate with the learners, engage in natural conversation in English, and help with pronunciation.

You can think about it as a sort of TEFL internship.

Teaching assistant jobs abroad are an opportunity for the students (and teachers) to be exposed to another culture and outlook on life. 

Because of the nature of the job, ELAs are often young teachers who are wanting to get experience in the classroom without taking on the full responsibility of being the main teacher. 

English Language Assistants are there first and foremost to provide an authentic source of English. They primary aim is to engage with the learners and get them to participate in the English lesson.

The ELA is there to provide an extra set of hands (or ears) in the classroom. In classrooms with students of more than 25, it’s much easier to control a lesson with more than one authority figure. 

In an EFL lesson especially, there might be more than one level of English within a class. ELAs can be utilised to work alongside certain students who may be ahead or behind the class.

Read more: Teaching Different Levels In The Same Class

ELAs can be tasked with helping to plan lessons or devise appropriate games and activities for use in the classroom. They can be asked to host informal after-school or lunch-time conversation clubs, or help out with extra-mural activities..

ELAs are not expected to deal with discipline issues or assessment. They are not usually tasked with administrative duties, though they can be asked to help with class preparation.

How much do classroom assistants earn?

Salaries for English Language Assistants vary from country to country. For the most part, ELAs are given a stipend rather than a salary. In other words, your monthly remuneration is enough to live in the country, but not enough to live extravagantly or save extra money. 

Here are a few examples of monthly stipends for ELAs in popular countries:

• France €1,000 ($1,100)
• Spain €800 – €1,000 ($900 – $1,100)
• Germany €1,000 ($1,100)
• Japan ¥280,000 ($1,900)

English Language Assistants are in high demand all over the world. Decide which country you would like to work in as an ELA and apply through their website. 

Make sure you read the eligibility requirements for your program of choice, particularly any passport or language requirements. Most programs require you to submit letters of reference and criminal background checks. 

A TEFL qualification might not be a requirement to become an ELA, but it will be a massive boost to your application. And it’s valid for life – so you can use it again at any time to find yourself a job teaching English abroad or online.

JET

The Japan Exchange and Teaching programme looks to promote international communication between Japan and other countries. On the JET programme, English Language Assistants are referred to as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs).

Placements on the JET programme are in junior, secondary and high schools for one year. The programme is sponsored by the Japanese government. ALTs are paid an annual salary of ¥3,360,000 ($23,000). 

Certain academic criteria may apply, depending on your circumstances. A TEFL qualification is not a requirement but will help your application. No Japanese proficiency is needed to apply to the programme but you are expected to make an effort to the language during your JET year.

TAPIF

The English Language Assistants Program (TAPIF) in France places assistants with French teachers in French classrooms. Assistants teach around 12 hours of lessons a week, with the possibility of other responsibilities after-hours, such as excursions or conversation clubs. 

Placements are for 7 months, with a salary of between €780 and €815 a month. ELAs are responsible for the cost of their flights to and from France, their visas and accommodation during the programme.

TAPIF is aimed at current students who are able to spend some time abroad. Certain academic requirements apply, and a level of B1 in French is needed. 

Medeas

Medeas places ELAs in primary and secondary schools in towns and cities around Spain. Teachers spend 10 hours in the classroom each week. They are paid a stipend of €400 to €1,200 a month, depending on teaching hours and accommodation status. You have the option of organising independent accommodation or living with a host family. 

To be eligible, you need to be a recent graduate (with any degree) and a native-level English speaker. No Spanish proficiency is needed. There is no fee for the programme but a refundable deposit of €850 must be paid on acceptance into the programme.

A TEFL course is included in the programme. 

British Council

Every year the British Council sends English Language Assistants to primary and secondary schools in 13 different countries, including France, Germany, Argentina and Chile. These placements are from 6 months to 1 year.

These are paid programmes, but stipends vary depending on the country. Requirements also vary but generally, ELAs need to have a UK or EU passport or a passport from a participating country but have been resident in the UK for at least 5 of the last 10 years. Other academic and language requirements may apply.

Applications for the British Council Teaching Assistant programmes close in February each year for the following year.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program

The Fulbright ETA places US teachers as assistant teachers in schools in a number of countries around the world. Placements are from 6 months to one year. Eligibility requirements vary from country to country.

Apply online on the official website but through a Fulbright Program Advisor at your tertiary institution. You apply for a grant to the country of your choice. Applications include a personal statement and a statement of purpose.

As you can see, there are many opportunities to become an English Language Assisstant. It’s a great way to test the waters of TEFL, get some experience and find your feet in the classroom.