The Ministry of Education of Spain and the Education Office
of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C., promote a Language/Culture Assistants program
for primary and secondary schools in the states and provinces that have signed an
educational agreement with the Ministry of Education of Spain, as is the case of
Washington State through OSPI.
These Assistants will help students and teachers of Spanish to learn about Spanish language and culture.
Any school interested in the program should contact the Spanish Language Consultant at OSPI.
OBJECTIVES:
- To provide the opportunity for students to learn Spanish from
native speakers.
- To increase global awareness on the part of students taught by
foreign teachers.
- To increase understanding of the language, history, and
culture of the Assistant's home country.
- To provide the opportunity to develop lifelong professional
relationships and friendships.
COSTS
- Language/Culture Assistants' salaries and medical
benefits are paid by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Spain, but free lodging and
transportation should be provided by the schools. Since all assistants receive a minimal
stipend, schools should provide free lunches whenever possible.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
- The program is designed primarily for
elementary and secondary schools. All candidates are assigned individually
in Spain. As a prerequisite to acceptance in the program, candidates must
have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree. Most assistants are teachers who
have completed their teacher training, and they are usually 22 to 25 years
old.
- Assistants may not replace a teacher. They
should assist teachers in language and culture classes by working with
small groups of students to develop speaking, listening, reading and
writing skills, and cultural understanding. Assistants work up to 20 hours
per week.
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