ALL has received confirmation that recruitment for the 2011-12 Language Assistants programme is now open, following a decision from the Department for Education to continue funding the scheme.
Ministers have decided that the Department will be funding the foreign language assistants programme next year, and the deadline for applications will be extended in consequence of the delay in a decision being made. The British Council confirmed to universities yesterday afternoon that the funding suspension has now been lifted.
Director of ALL Linda Parker said: “Following the proposals for sweeping changes in the education system, it’s good to know that the DfE has decided to continue to fund the Foreign Language Assistants programme for outgoing students in England and Wales. This unique scheme plays a very important role in the education of undergraduates learning foreign languages and at a relatively modest cost. Language teachers and university lecturers across the country will be relieved to hear the news and pleased that representations from across the sector have led to this result.”