International Language Assistant Programme
This programme enables young native speakers of French, German, and Spanish to be employed as Language Assistants in New Zealand schools.
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Languages
Programme
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Teacher Aide
8 month programme
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Face to face
Nationwide
Ministry funded
Overview
The International Language Assistant Programme for French, German, and Spanish Language Assistants enables young native speakers to be employed as Language Assistants in New Zealand schools. This is administered by Tui Tuia | Learning Circle - Languages and the respective donor government organisations. The programme is available to schools offering languages at primary, intermediate and secondary level.
About the course
Registration information
For New Zealand schools
Please register your interest at the registration link at the bottom of this page. Registrations open on 11 June 2024 and close on 5 July 2024
For language assistants:
Tui Tuia | Learning Circle is unable to take applications directly from prospective language assistants. You must apply through the authorities in the respective countries
Before applying, please ensure you are familiar with the following:
Language assistants are selected in their native countries of France, Germany and Spain bring up-to-date cultural knowledge, authentic language and tons of enthusiasm. Working from February to October, Language Assistants are a fantastic addition to the foreign language classroom and provide an invaluable source of current language and cultural input for New Zealand teachers and students.
For New Zealand schools
- Programme runs from 10 February 2025 to 10 October 2025
- A two-day orientation will be held in Auckland on 10 and 11 February 2025, with the assistants’ the first day in schools on 12 February 2025
- An in-person debrief day will be held towards the end of Term 3. Please note: this is mandatory for all assistants to attend
- Registrations open on 11 June 2024 and close on 5 July 2024
Information for Language Assistants
- Tui Tuia | Learning Circle will provide accommodation for the orientation day
- Partial reimbursement for the visa application and some travel within New Zealand is available to language assistants
For New Zealand schools
- Schools must decide how many days a week they would like to have their assistant/s. This information will help Tui Tuia | Learning Circle create clusters
- If a school would like an assistant for four or five days a week, then they may not be placed in a cluster with other schools
- Most clusters are made up of 2-4 schools
Information for Language Assistants
- Language assistants work 6 hours a day to a total of 24 or 30 hours a week
- Language assistants follow the school calendar and do not work during school holidays
The approximate cost for hosting an assistant for one day a week for the duration of 2025 programme is:
- $3,201.31 for French and German
- $3,744.23 for Spanish
"When I received this birthday card from one of my students I realised again what I value so much about the job of a LA. Being able to support your students with all the kindness they deserve while not being forced to assess. This allows for a certain kind of connection that is hard to establish as a regular teacher."
Carl (Nonta) Philipp Leifeld, International Language Assistant – German, 2020
"There are so many things to do and so many places to discover in New Zealand that you'll never get bored. Moreover, to experience how students strive to communicate in another language and to see how much they are improving is amazing."
Beatriz Blanco International Language Assistant – Spanish, 2020
Meet the facilitators
Register here
Registrations for this programme closed on 5 July 2024. Please get in touch with us using the button below for enquiries.
