Thinking of spending some time abroad in order to improve your English language skills, meet new people and get in touch with different cultures? Then you should be aware that there are more opportunities out there than participating in the Erasmus programme — which is also a great option of course.
However, if you want to earn some money and gain experience in teaching, there is the possibility of going abroad as a foreign language assistant on the so-called „Pädagogischer Austauschdienst“. Thus, you don’t need to worry about how to finance your time away as the programme covers your living costs abroad.
As a foreign language assistant, you accompany teachers in their foreign language classes. Being a student from Germany, this means that you will have to assist the teacher in German language classes. This enables you to gain a different perspective on teaching methods and offers an excellent space for intercultural interactions. The hours of work vary according to the country you want to go to. However, in most cases, you are expected to work for about 12 hours a week. Thus, you will have plenty of time to prepare and conduct your classes as well as do fun stuff and meet new people.
There is a wide range of choice among anglophone countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, USA, etc. … Before you can start as a foreign language assistant, you need to make sure that you have studied the required minimum semesters of your degree. Additionally, be aware that terms might vary according to the country you are intending to go to. This concerns the period of application as well as the duration of your stay and the financial aid that you will receive. In the U.K. for instance, you can choose to either stay for 6 or 8 months while you would have to stay 11 months in Australia. Therefore, double-check the specifics for each country to avoid unfortunate surprises. Also, if you are intending to go abroad as a foreign language assistant, make sure to plan your stay well in advance. In most cases, you have to apply a year before the actual start of your stay. Additionally, specific terms apply for the application process of the U.S.A. Therefore, be organised and inform yourself thoroughly about the different steps necessary for the application.
For more detailed information, have a look at this brochure and visit the website of the „Kultusminister Konferenz“.
