The British Council is currently recruiting students and recent graduates to join our Language Assistants programme. Language Assistants support the teaching of English in 14 countries across the globe. Last year over 2,500 people were placed in overseas schools, colleges and universities around the world, with 96% of them saying that the experience has enhanced their career prospects.

Over the course of a placement a Language Assistant will develop his or her cultural awareness, communication skills, creative thinking, time management and ability to work alone, or as part of a team. Becoming a Language Assistant is a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy becoming immersed in another culture, gain invaluable work experience and boost employment prospects with a raft of new transferable skills.

Students and graduates who wish to take advantage of this opportunity are encouraged to apply via the British Council website by 19 December 2014. Information about the role is available online, along with a selection of flyers explaining the benefits of becoming a Language Assistant. It is not essential for a student wishing to become a Language Assistant to hold an official language qualification. Equally, this opportunity is not limited to those wishing to forge a career as a teacher or a linguist. Instead it is open to anyone who believes a global outlook to be critical to their future success, as former Language Assistant Ed Cheney’s story demonstrates.

Full details about the Language Assistants programme and a video on the benefits of being a Language Assistant can be found on the Study Work Create portal; and interviews with recent participants are available on our Facebook page.