ErasmusInSchool

1. What is Erasmus In School?

Erasmus In School is a free online platform that connects Teaching Assistants with schools / companies across the world.

2. I want to be a Language Assistant, do I have to pay to use this platform?

No, the use of this platform is completely free. That means you can register, carry out searches and send private messages for free.

3. I am part of a school or company, do I have to pay to use this platform?

The use of this platform is for free.

4. How much should schools and companies pay the Language Assistants?

Schools/ businesses are encouraged to set out in writing the terms and conditions of working together (that both parties agree on) before the start of the Language Assistant Program.

The Language Assistant may receive financial support according to the law of the country as well as other optional extras such as free transport, training, help with accommodation etc.

If the Assistants are volunteers, they will receive another form of financial support.

5. What is a Language Assistant, Conversation Assistant or Teaching Assistant?

A Language Assistant, Conversation Assistant or Teaching Assistant is a native speaker who offers language support in the classroom, teaching their native language or another language with which they have advanced knowledge (certified C1).

The majority of Teaching Assistants are students or recent graduates, who help with the teaching of a language whilst sharing their culture.

6. What are the main responsibilities of a Language Assistant, Conversation Assistant or Teaching Assistant?

Working with the teacher in the classroom or independently with small groups of students to offer language support. They help develop the listening comprehension and verbal fluency of the students as well as helping to prepare students for oral exams.

7. What are the basic requirements in order to be a Language Assistant in another country?

All Language Assistants must have a criminal record certificate issued by their country of origin as well as medical and visa insurance if necessary.
For EU Assistants going to another EU country, they can apply for the European health card (EHIC) to receive medical support. More information here: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559

8. Do I need to have studied Linguistics, Education or have undertaken another kind of training in order to be a Language Assistant?

No, you don't need to. However, having this kind of training as well as having teaching experience or experience of working with children is highly valued by the schools/ businesses and will increase the chances of being selected as a Language Assistant.

9. Am I required to be a student with an Erasmus grant in order to be a Language Assistant?

No, you don't have to be. However, having the support of an Erasmus grant or another type of grant is always an advantage as it gives the Language Assistant additional financial support.

10. What are the benefits of being a Language Assistant?

Language Assistants receive numerous benefits, among which:

They obtain a number of skills that are transferable to any professional field, such as:
- Improve communicative capacity
- Social skills
- Planning and Organisation
- Persuasion
- Teamwork
- Motivation
- The ability to adapt and overcome
- Creativity
- Leadership

In addition to the skills you obtain as a result of teaching practice, you also acquire other practical skills.

11. How much does a Language Assistant earn?

The salary varies, because it depends on the conditions agreed with each school (according to the regulations in force in that country) and the number of hours per week of teaching.

There is also the volunteer Language Assistant category. This may consist of another type of compensation such as accommodation, food, transportation, pocket money and/or training.

12. Does the Language Assistant receive a form of accredited certificate after his/her time with the school/ company?

Yes, the Language Assistant receives a diploma that makes his training in the teaching of a language for foreigners official, which when teaching the English language to foreign students is known as TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign Language).

The difference between our TEFL diplomas and those provided by other companies, is that ours can only be obtained after successfully completing the program at the Educational Center. In this way, the Language Assistant receives a significantly more practical training program because they have guaranteed contact with students from the first day.

The diploma can be requested online after the teached program is completed in the Educational Centre. This diploma is issued by Erasmus in School in collaboration with the Educational Center where it has been achieved. The diploma can be ordered online and costs €30.

13. Can I be a Language Assistant in my own country?

No, we do not accept applications from Language Assistants who want to work in their own country. In accordance with our vision for Language Assistant placements, the objective of the Language Assistant is to encourage the learning of languages through conversation in the foreign language as well as with the cultural exchange.

14. What does the role of a Language Assistant require?

All Langauge Assistants have a tutor. The tutor is the mentor responsible for guiding and supervising the work of the Assistant. The tutor is the person in charge of aiding the Langauge assistant with the learning process as a teacher as well as in his/her integration in the new educational community that the Language Assistant is part of.

15. Why host a Language Assistant?

Hosting a Conversation Assistant is a unique way to improve student language skills, foster communicative-based learning, and broaden their inter-cultural understanding.

The Assistants provide security and improve the communicative skills of students and teachers in different contexts, encouraging foreign language acquisition in a natural and practical way.

The Langauge Assistants also provide constant contact support and interaction with foreign language and culture, offering Educational Centers the following benefits:

- Improve verbal fluency and listening comprehension in a natural and fun way.
- Prepare for oral exams with the help of a native teacher.
- To promote a quality bilingual education.
- To broaden knowledge about other cultures and their ways of thinking.
- To develop international educational projects

16. What nationality, age and training should Language Assistants have?

The age, nationality and language appear in the public profile of each assistant. The Assistant has the option of sending his/her CV to the educational centers, so that they can see the employment history of the Assistant.

Normally, the Assistants are young people between 18 and 25 years old, and students or recent graduates.

17. Can a Language Assistant teach during after-school hours?

Yes, the Language Assistant will be able to teach during after-school hours. The timetable and number of hours per week must be specified in the agreement between the Language Assistant and the college/academy beforehand.

18. Does the school or company have to find a host family for the Language Assistant?

No, it's not the school's responsibility to find a host family for the Language Assistant.

However there are schools that provide a host family for the Language Assistant, through families of the students, to make the program more attractive and reduce the Language Assistant's costs.

19. What steps can I take to help get chosen to be a Language Assistant?

We recommend you find out the nature of the program in as much detail as possible, have a video conference beforehand so that both parties are familiar with each other as well as agree and sign the agreement conditions before you start the program.

20. I have more questions, where can I find out more?

You are welcome to get in touch with us by sending an email to faq@erasmusinschool.com. We will try to answer your questions within 48 hours.

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