THE LA PROGRAMME

Live and Teach in Madrid

What is a language assistant?

Well in definitive terms, a Language assistant (or LA) is an assistant teacher (generally a native speaker) who aids the teacher of modern foreign language, in this case English in a Spanish classroom, and acts as a valuable asset to the school in terms of the children’s language development in that foreign language. This is not just limited to language, but it also includes the exposure and exchange of other cultures and therefore the LA as a native speaker provides an authentic learning cultural experience for both the children and teachers.

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What is this program?

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The Comunidad de Madrid (Community of Madrid), alongside other comunidades in Spain offer a Language Assistant program (or Auxiliares de conversación) which bring native speakers from English speaking countries to work in public schools in Madrid. In Madrid there are a number of bilingual schools that offer students subjects to be taught in both Spanish and in English. There are also bilingual teachers who teach the English-speaking subjects solely in English. You can either be placed in one of these school types or a non-bilingual school in which case you will assist the English teacher. You do not get to choose which school you are placed in although you can select your preferences. This could mean you can be placed anywhere in Madrid, and I mean ANYWHERE, so don’t expect to be placed in the centre of the city (although there is that possibility). Another important factor is that the Comunidad de Madrid offer a 1000€ grant for each month of your placement in the program to pay for your living costs etc so you don’t need to worry too much about finances. There will also be many opportunities for you to pick up work as an English tutor so you can earn more that way too if needs be.

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Expectations and things to look out for (Paperwork can be a b____!):

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I joined the program via ConversaSpain which charges you a fee (and quite a lot at that…) to join the program. BUT the programme is actually supposed to be free, just make sure you sign up directly through the Comunidad de Madrid or if you are from the UK you can also sign up through the British Council. Don’t fall for the trap of paying excessive fees if you can help it.

Once you have signed up and your place is accepted, you will be required to sort out your accommodation and flight tickets yourself. I had some help from ConversaSpain on how to get the paperwork sorted etc but honestly these steps can be handled or helped by people who are already a part of the Auxiliares de conversación community, and there are many Facebook groups that can help you with that. You will also need to set up a new bank account, retrieve an NIE (or TIE if you are non-European), sort out your transport card, all that fun bureaucracy stuff we all love. Basically, just prepare yourself to be frustrated on the first few weeks of moving here – make sure that this is what you want to do because, even though you can technically pull out the program mid-way, it really isn’t worth all the stress and it isn’t fair on the schools you are appointed to either… Make those first few weeks worthwhile.

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And it will be worth it!

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Once you are settled in sunny Madrid and you meet your teachers at the school, working with the kids, start establishing a routine, things become easier and you will find lots of things to do in Madrid and Spain (or even around Europe) and you will have plenty of time to do so! It is true that some people feel that they’ve drawn the short straw, say you were placed out in the middle of nowhere up in the mountains… you might find that the school and kids make all that travelling up there from the city worthwhile and if it still isn’t then that’s okay. But consider this: the programme only requires you to work for around 16hours per week meaning you get one weekday off… (either Monday or Friday) yes, a three-day weekend, that gives you plenty of free time to do whatever you want! Plus, you do not need to have any teaching experience to join, just your enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitude is all! To find out more about the programme click on the link provided below.

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To find out more about what I do and my roles and responsibilities as a current LA, check out the ‘My School and Teaching experience’ section.