Language AssistantsLanguage Assistantsin Bilingual Schools in Bilingual Schools

José Antonio Alcalde, Bilingual CoordinatorElizabeth Therese Gaughan, Language Assistant

La Arboleda Secondary School, Lepe (Huelva) SPAIN

in Andalucíain Andalucía

Importance of Language Importance of Language AssistantsAssistants

• Native speakers of L2• Especially important as

speaking/pronunciation models• Primary source on culture of home

country• Provide support for teachers• Bring new and different ideas and

techniques• Serve as contacts to further resources

in home countries

Qualities of an Outstanding Qualities of an Outstanding Language AssistantLanguage Assistant

• Personable and outgoing • Open-minded• Flexible• Proactive and participative• Resourceful, creative• Likes kids• Experience/interest in teaching

or working with young people

Programs that Provide Programs that Provide AssistantshipsAssistantships

• CIEE—Council on International Educational Exchange

• Ministry of Education of Spain• Regional Education Departments• Comenius Programme

2009-2010 Statistics2009-2010 Statistics• Total number in Andalucía: 1037• Almería: 96, Córdoba: 96, Huelva: 89,

Málaga: 170, Cádiz: 146, Granada: 112, Jaén: 103 and Sevilla: 203

• English: 820, French: 148, German: 38Others: Italian, Chinese

• Source countries: USA, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Ireland, Austria...

DutiesDuties• General purpose is to share their

language and culture throughout the school

• 12-16 hour weekly schedule from October to May

• Assist teachers in bilingual classes• Prepare materials• Conduct conversation lessons• Give presentations• Chaperone school trips• Help with student exchanges

Prior to ArrivalPrior to Arrival• Provided with a Welcome Pack• Contact LA-host school by email• Plan budget as allowance will take time• Introductions, getting-to-know-you• Find information about destination• Inquire about materials to bring

Getting SettledGetting Settled

• Find housing with help of past language assistants, new contacts at school, and internet/paper advertisements

• Must register as a foreign resident • Set up bank account to receive

monthly payment• Health insurance is included in grant

Starting at SchoolStarting at School• Provincial orientation meeting first

week in October• Meet with bilingual coordinator• Organize schedule• Observe lessons• Become acquainted with school and

faculty

Working with TeachersWorking with Teachers• Must coordinate (plan ahead, who

will do what)• Work together to find and create

materials• Important to communicate about

expectations (what’s expected of LA)• Give reciprocal feedback • Learn from each other’s strengths

and weaknesses

Working with StudentsWorking with Students

• Interact with students in L2, in class and throughout the school

• Use of realia, body language, whiteboard, etc. to support language

• Important to have realistic expectations about student abilities

• Adapt strategies to different age groups

Keeping ConnectedKeeping Connected• Connect with other LAs at orientation

meeting• Maintain social relationship to avoid

isolation• Share ideas/advice both personal and

professional• Use Facebook, blogs, social

networking to keep in touch• Opportunity to meet people from

other countries (including the locals!)

Free TimeFree Time• Travel on weekends• Take a language course• Participate in cultural activities

(dance classes, festivals, gastronomy)

• Teach private lessons• Join a gym• Attend community events

Lasting EffectsLasting Effects

• Materials created by LAs can be used year after year

• Pave the way for future assistants• Serve as a contact for future

exchanges, pen pal, etc.• Experience/materials for LA’s

portfolio and CV

Benefits for Language Benefits for Language AssistantsAssistants

• Improve Spanish language skills• Cultural immersion• Get teaching/job experience• Plenty of free time to study, travel,

etc.• Time to consider career aspirations• Meet new people from different

cultures

Useful LinksUseful Links

• Plurilingualism Promotion Plan in Andalusia

• North American Language Assistants• British Council Language Assistants• CIEE Language Assistants• Sample Welcome Pack• Education System in Spain• English Language Assistants in

France