Bundesministeriums für Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur  - Sprachassistenz

What you get

You are working as a German-speaking assistant at a school abroad. The host school pays you a salary or a monthly grant of around 900 EUR net per month. The amount of remuneration varies depending on the country and ranges from around 500 EUR in Hungary (including accommodation and meals) to around 3,400 EUR in Switzerland. You work 12 to 16 hours per week, for up to 10 months depending on the country (often 8 months, from 1 October to 31 May). Your role is to support the school’s German teachers in the classroom, encourage pupils to speak and teach them about Austria. You do not mark assignments, deal with paperwork or have any contact with parents. The OeAD, Austria’s exchange service, runs the programme on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education. It is currently offered in 13 countries, including Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Turkey and the UK. If your university offers this, you can also apply for an Erasmus+ grant.

Who can apply

• Level: You are studying at an Austrian university of education or university, or have already obtained a degree there, preferably on a teacher training programme. Students and graduates of universities of applied sciences and certain vocational schools may also apply, provided there are still places available.
• Study progress: If you are still a student, you must have completed at least four semesters before the work placement begins.
• German: German is your mother tongue, or you speak the language at level C2 (nearly at native speaker level).
• Where you live: Your main place of residence has been in Austria for several years. Non-Austrians may apply if they have been living in Austria for several years and, ideally, have completed their schooling there. People from South Tyrol who are studying in Austria may apply for any country.
• Age: Depending on the destination country, either 30 or 35.
• Local language: In most countries, a basic knowledge of the local language is required.

How to apply

You must register online and submit your application; you may only select one country per year. Once the application deadline has passed, applicants who meet the requirements will be invited to a 15-minute interview with representatives of the OeAD and the host country (for Belgium, France and Switzerland, only where necessary). Based on the results of the interview, applicants are ranked and placed in schools in the spring.

How realistic are your chances?

This long-established programme is aimed at a small target group: students and graduates based in Austria with near-native proficiency in German, the majority of whom are aiming for a career in teaching. Places are allocated across 13 countries and vary depending on demand, meaning that popular countries fill up quickly, whilst places remain available in other countries and application deadlines are later. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply early and remain flexible regarding your choice of country. Your prospects are promising.