Placements abroad
Immersion in the culture and language by visiting the country itself is considered the best way to acquire or improve language skills. Whether at school, college, university or during adult or working life, there are many organisations and websites which enable access to this experience in the working and study context.
The Higher Education Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies (LLAS) and Careers Europe provide key information for all phases of education, aimed at both students and intermediaries such as careers advisers, language teachers and lecturers.
Other support organisations and websites include:
AIESEC
AIESEC’s challenging work abroad programme offers an excellent opportunity for graduates to encounter new people and cultures whilst working.
The British Council
Schools are advised to contact the British Council to find out about current projects and ways of partnering with other countries, as well as European funded programmes.
EURES
The European job mobility portal, connecting Jobcentres across Europe.
Goworkabroad
Focusses on finances, language issues, legalities and practicalities of working abroad.
Leonardo da Vinci
Vocational training exchanges in Europe can be arranged by schools and colleges and sometimes supported through the Leonardo European funding programme.
One Life – Travel
For all the advice a young traveller could ever want.
PLOTEUS
PLOTEUS aims to help students, job seekers, workers, parents, guidance counsellors and teachers to find out information about studying in Europe.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
This is a very popular way of spending time in a country and earning at the same time. By making good use of leisure time and perhaps time with colleagues native to the country, you will be able to develop your knowledge of the target language. You will normally need a TEFL qualification to work at a language school.
For more information, try these sites:
www.tefl.com
www.tefl.net
Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO)
VSO is an independent charity that works through volunteers. For those interested in sharing their skills and experience with people in the world’s poorest countries, there are challenging roles available through this programme.