Have you struggled through 2024? Tired and unmotivated by your nine to five job? Perhaps it’s time to broaden your horizon and try something new.
That is exactly what 45-year-old Belfast woman Emma Magee did in 2022 when she applied to become an English language assistant in Udine in north east Italy.
Emma was one of 1800 people chosen through the British Council’s English Language Assistant Programme (ELA) and this year they are again looking for people from across Northern Ireland to embark upon this cultural exchange.
At first, I was nervous because it was a totally new experience, but I was surprised at how quickly I adapted.
— Emma Magee
Participants can apply to work in 10 different countries across the world – Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada (Quebec), Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, for six months to one year.
Language requirements vary between countries, but applicants can be from any walk of life, and do not need a formal language qualification to apply – their language skills can be acquired through travel, private study, or university language courses.
It was after turning 40 that Emma first thought about changing careers and undertook part-time study to complete her TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate.
“Italy was my country of choice as I learned Italian during the pandemic and I had also started to teach English online through my voluntary work, discovering I had a passion for teaching,” explains Emma, whose previous role was working as a clerical officer.
“I was an ELA in a scientific high school called Malignani ISIS. It specialised in science and engineering subjects, but my job was to teach about various aspects of Irish culture and expose the students to a native speaker.
“I worked 12 hours per week, but I found most of my work outside the classroom preparing slides and activities for class. The school comprised 3000 students aged between 14 and 20 years old, with my timetable changing every six weeks so I had the chance to work with a variety of teachers and students.”
“At first, I was nervous because it was a totally new experience, but I was surprised at how quickly I adapted. Both teachers and students were kind and helpful to me. I worked four days a week, so it gave me the opportunity to travel around my host region and Italy as a whole. Train and bus travel are very affordable, so I got the chance to learn more about Italian culture.”
As well as teaching internationally, the placements give participants a unique opportunity to develop professional skills, and fully immerse themselves in a new culture for six months to a year.
Two years on Emma still loves life in Italy, and since completing the programme she has been teaching in private schools across the country.
The experience has also given Emma the confidence to try new things.
“Through the programme my public speaking skills have improved and I’m no longer afraid of taking myself out of my comfort zone and experiencing something new. It not just demonstrates your hard skills but also your soft skills such as being a good communicator, working well as a team and good time management.
“I would recommend the programme to anyone - it will not just boost you on a professional and personal note, but it is a great way to experience living and working in another country. You also have the opportunity to travel to places within your host country, broaden your cultural experiences and sample the local cuisine.”
Another previous participant of ELA is BBC news presenter Reeta Chakrabarti who spent her placement in France.
“I was in a little town in the north-east called Montbéliard, around 50km from Besançon, and I taught in two local lycées there. I made good friends, found an undiscovered knack for teaching, and by the end of the year ended up speaking fluent French.
“I would have no hesitation in urging anyone who has this opportunity to grasp it with both hands, and go.”
The programme, supported in Northern Ireland by the Department for Education, operates on a reciprocal basis. Modern Language Assistants from around the globe teach French, German, Italian, and Mandarin in schools across the north.
“The English Language Assistant programme is an opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, develop invaluable skills, and represent Northern Ireland on a global stage,” says Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland.
“If you have a passion for languages, cultural exchange, and inspiring others, I encourage you to apply for the programme and help make 2025 your best year yet.”
Applications for the English Language Assistant programme are now open. The deadline to apply is Thursday January 30.
For more information and full eligibility criteria visit: https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/outside-uk/english-language-assistants.
