'I have learnt an incredible amount, not just in terms of linguistic improvement but with regard to the education system and how good students of all different ages are at retaining and expressing what they have been taught. Every day I felt like I was achieving a great deal and making the most of my year abroad as I was always overcoming different challenges.... Being part of the teachers' "huddle" during coffee breaks was one of the best parts when I felt a real member of staff and I would recommend an assistantship to anyone who is thinking of becoming a teacher.'

'I had a fantastic year. I gained a lot of confidence from living abroad and I have made friends of many different nationalities!'

'At first it was hard then something clicked and I became so settled that I didn't want to leave. It has been the best experience of my life and it has changed me a lot...'

Assistants are appointed through the British Council. Most placements are in mainland France, but a small number are available outre-mer: Guadeloupe and Martinique, for example, and in Belgium and Québec. The British Council looks for an interest in and a commitment to teaching.

Candidates should be under 35 years of age. The level of allowance is such that foreign authorities may not be prepared to consider the appointment of a married candidate without written assurance that the applicant will not be accompanied by his or her partner and/or any dependants for any length of time during the period of the appointment unless proof of their financial independence can be provided. You have to be an EU passport-holder, and if you are a non-British passport-holder, you must have received secondary education from the age of 11 in Britain.

Teaching assistants receive an allowance, and in a few cases accommodation is provided by the school. Assistants work in secondary schools for 7 months (1 Oct - 30 April). Those in primary schools for 9 months (1 Oct - 30 June), and those in teacher training colleges for 6 months (1 Oct - 31 March). They currently also receive an Erasmus grant and may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.

If you choose this option, you will need to decide early in your second year as applications have to be at the British Council by 1 December. 

See www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants for more information.  Read an article about an LCS student's time as a teaching assistant.

'Amazing! Obviously it was up and down - it wasn't the easiest year in some respects but an incredible, amazing and rewarding (and challenging) experience. An opportunity in a lifetime!'