International Language Assistant Programme

Registration Information

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For New Zealand schools

Please register your Expression of Interest at the registration link at the bottom of this page. Registrations open on 14 July 2025 and close on 1 August 2025.

For Language Assistants

Tui Tuia | Learning Circle is unable to take applications directly from prospective language assistants. You must apply through the authorities in the respective countries.

• France

• Germany

• Spain

Before applying, please ensure you are familiar with the following: ‍

• ‍Host School Responsibilities

Language assistants are selected in their native countries of France, Germany and Spain bring up-to-date cultural knowledge, authentic language and tons of enthusiasm. Working from April to October, Language Assistants are a fantastic addition to the foreign language classroom and provide an invaluable source of current language and cultural input for New Zealand teachers and students.

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For New Zealand schools

• Programme runs from 20 April 2026 to 16 October 2026.

• A two-day orientation will be held in Auckland on 16 and 17 April 2026, with the assistants’ first day in schools on 20 April 2026.

• An online debrief will be held towards the end of Term 3. Please note: this is mandatory for all assistants to attend.

• Registrations open on 14 July 2025 and close on 1 August 2025.

• At this stage we are taking Expressions of Interest and will be in contact with schools who register with more details.

• Due to circumstances beyond our control the programme will be shortened to 2 Terms only in 2026.  We hope to restore normal service in 2027.

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Information for Language Assistants

• Tui Tuia | Learning Circle will provide accommodation for the orientation days.

• Partial reimbursement for the visa application and some travel within New Zealand is available to language assistants.

For New Zealand schools

• Schools must decide how many days a week they would like to have their assistant/s. This information will help Tui Tuia | Learning Circle create clusters.

• If a school would like an assistant for four or five days a week, then they may not be placed in a cluster with other schools.

• Most clusters are made up of 2-4 schools.

Information for Language Assistants

• Language assistants work 6 hours a day to a total of 24 or 30 hours a week.

• Language assistants follow the school calendar and do not work during school holidays.

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The approximate cost for hosting an assistant for one day a week for the duration of program in 2026 is:

• $2403.71 for French and German

• $2769.49 for Spanish

"When I received this birthday card from one of my students I realised again what I value so much about the job of a LA. Being able to support your students with all the kindness they deserve while not being forced to assess. This allows for a certain kind of connection that is hard to establish as a regular teacher."

Carl (Nonta) Philipp Leifeld, International Language Assistant – German, 2020

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"There are so many things to do and so many places to discover in New Zealand that you'll never get bored. Moreover, to experience how students strive to communicate in another language and to see how much they are improving is amazing."

Beatriz Blanco International Language Assistant – Spanish, 2020

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