Alternative Language Assistantship Programmes

Students of different nationalities are welcome to explore relevant options available to them. 

The University has no agreements with the programmes listed on this page and each individual prospective placement would have to be approved by the School.

Fulbright English Language Teaching Assistantships

American students who wish to undertake a work placement teaching English in Germany as an integrated year abroad (WIYA) can apply to the Fulbright English Language Teaching Assistantship programme through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. This option would be considered an independent work placement and individual students must seek School permission.

What will I do?
  • Support the teaching of English language and American studies to German students at all pre-university levels
  • Work approximately 12 hours per week
Where can I go?
  • Any of the 16 Länder in Germany (applicants may indicate three preferences)
How long will I be there?
  • Placements last 9 months from September to late June
 Am I eligible?
How do I apply?
  • Students may apply as an ‘at large’ candidate for one of 140 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships (ETA) in Germany
  • Applications should be made through the Embark online application system
  • The University of St Andrews is not responsible for the selection of students
  • Prospective applicants should note that applications for the 2014-2015 programme are already open and the deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) October 15, 2013
  • Application information is available on the Fulbright application information webpage.
What will I receive?
  • Benefits include a monthly stipend of €800, health insurance and Fulbright international travel benefits

Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF)

American students who wish to undertake a work placement teaching English in France as an integrated year abroad (WIYA) can apply through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF); a joint initiative of the French Ministry of Education, the Centre international d'études pédagogiques (CIEP) and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. This option would be considered an independent work placement and individual students must seek School permission. Please also see the TAPIF programme Facebook page.

What will I do?
  • Support the teaching of English language in primary or secondary schools
  • Work in up to three schools
  • Work approximately 12 hours per week
Where can I go?
  • Mainland France, Guadeloupe, Guyane, Martinique and Réunion
  • Area preferences can be indicated but prospective applicants are encouraged to be highly flexible
How long will I be there?
  • Placements last 7 months from 1 October to 30 April
Am I eligible?
  • Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must have completed the majority of their studies in the U.S.
  • Students who have completed their elementary, middle and high school studies in the U.S. and are undertaking their university studies in the UK are eligible, and are encouraged to apply
  • Candidates who have not completed all of their pre-university studies in the U.S. should contact Carolyn Collins at assistant.washington-amba@diplmatie.gouv.fr to determine their eligibility
How do I apply?
  • The application for the 2014-2015 academic year will be available on the TAPIF application web page in October 2013
  • The University of St Andrews is not responsible for the selection of students
  • The deadline is 15 January 2014
  • The programme is highly competitive and prospective applicants should commence preparation for their application early
What will I receive?
  • A monthly stipend of €790 per month (a gross stipend of €965 per month less mandatory deductions for health insurance and French social security).

North American Language and Culture Assistants in Spain

American and Canadian students who wish to undertake a work placement teaching English in Spain as an integrated year abroad (WIYA) can apply through the North American Language and Culture Assistant Program. Prospective applicants should read the 2013-2014 application manual thoroughly. The application process is complex and it is highly advisable that prospective applicants read the information carefully and prepare well in advance.

What will I do?
  • Support the teaching of English language in one or two primary or secondary schools
  • Teach 12-16 hours per week
Where can I go?
  • Placements are available throughout Spain
  • Area preferences can be indicated but prospective applicants are encouraged to be highly flexible
How long will I be there?
  • Placements last 8 months from 1 October to 31 May
Am I eligible?
  • Please check the eligibility criteria on page 3 of the application manual
How do I apply?
  • Consult the 2013-2014 application manual for reference – the application process is explained in detail
  •  Details of the 2014-2015 application process are not yet released (for reference, the application period for the 2013-2014 academic year ran from 10 January until 2 April 2013)
  • Positions are typically assigned in late April, on a first come, first served basis. However, places are limited and it is relevant to note that in 2013-14 applications received early in the application period underwent an ’early position assignment process’ in late February, so early application is highly recommended
What will I receive?
  • A minimum monthly stipend of €700 net. General health insurance is provided from the region in which you are located.

Students who are have applied to be a language assistant may be interested in the Supporting learning in TESOL