English Language Assistant Program

Manitoba has a long-standing education agreement with the German states of Lower Saxony and Hamburg that allows post-secondary students and recent graduates to apply for positions as English language assistants (to teachers in Germany).

Assistants have the opportunity to improve their German by living and working in Germany and also acquire some teaching skills.

Life in Lower Saxony and Hamburg

Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) is the second largest state in Germany. Situated in the northwest, its many attractions include the idyllic Weser River valley, the charm of the East Frisian Islands and Germany's most northerly ski resorts.

Eight large cities and a multitude of towns offer a remarkable mix of contemporary and historic culture and architecture plus plenty of opportunities for shopping, recreation and entertainment. Hamburg, located on the Elbe and Alster rivers, is one of Germany's three city states. It offers stunning natural beauty, an impressive harbor and 1,200 years of dynamic history. The city is renowned for combining tradition with an exciting contemporary scene. As Germany's second largest city, Hamburg is a hub for commerce, culture, sports, entertainment and tourism.

Who Is Eligible To Apply?

Undergraduate and graduate students of any discipline may apply, as well as recent post-secondary graduates. Applicants should have at least basic German language skills. The German authorities normally only consider candidates under the age of 35. Candidates must also be:

• Canadian citizens
• Native English speakers or use English in their everyday language, and have received their education in English
• Proficient in both spoken and written English.

How Does It Work?

English language assistants are placed in secondary or elementary schools for nine months from September to May. Assistants help teachers develop the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge of German pupils. Their main role is to lead activities that focus on oral skills.

Assistants work 12 hours a week and are sometimes assigned to more than one institution. Assistants receive a monthly salary of approximately $1,014 (703 Euros). Salaries are usually paid by the host schools. Related costs such as airfare, participation in orientation programs and insurance coverage (travel, health and liability), are the responsibility of the assistants.

How Are Assistants Selected?

This program is very similar to the Foreign Language Assistant Program that has been offered for years through cooperation between the Canadian Association of University of German and the German Pedagogical Exchange Office.

Interested candidates submit applications to the Manitoba International Education Branch by January 31 each year. A selection committee reviews applications and interviews the strongest applicants in late February.

Download: APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT as an English Language Assistant in Germany (Fillable PDF Format) 

 Download: REFERENCE FORM for an Application for Appointment as an English Language Assistant in Germany (Fillable PDF Format)

Candidates who distinguish themselves in the interview are included on a list sent to education authorities in Lower Saxony and Hamburg. The German partner organizations decide where successful candidates will be placed. Candidates are advised by the end of March each year whether they have been selected or not.

Is There An Orientation Program?

There is a three-day orientation program near Cologne in early September each year. It provides assistants all the information required for living in Germany and offers an opportunity to learn and pratise teach skills.