One hundred and fifteen years ago, France’s Education Ministry launched the Assistant d’anglais (English language assistants) programme. The initiative brings native English speakers from around the world to France for seven months (October to April) to teach alongside the lead English teacher in French schools. The aim is to introduce French culture, language and way of life to young people from around the world (the programme is open to those up to the age of 35) and for those enrolled to share their language and culture with French students.
Candidates from India are particularly popular within the scheme, according to the French embassy, and this year has seen a bumper number heading off to fill some of the 4,500 posts available, with many from previous years going on to full-time employment or further studies in France. As well as speaking English, to qualify for the programme those from India must also speak French, with a minimum level of B1 or a BA in French, have a degree or be in the last year of their bachelor’s course and have an IELTS Certificate of Proficiency with a grade over 7.5.
Those interested should visit ifindia.in