“Me in front of Friends’ School Lisburn – my host institution“, The photo is taken by Carina.

My Experience as a Language Assistant in Northern Ireland

Introduction

In this report, I will reflect on my time as a language assistant in Northern Ireland. I will cover my experiences with the schools I worked with, my accommodation, the city of Belfast, and my overall evaluation of this stay in academic, cultural, and social terms. Additionally, I will discuss the unique learning and working experiences I gained and how this stay abroad has influenced my future work as a teacher and my personality.

The Schools and Working Practice

I worked primarily with two schools, Friends’ School Lisburn and Wallace High (September – May), as well as a brief period at Grosvenor Grammar School (January – May). Additionally, I also worked in the Preparatory Department (PreP) in Friends’ and Wallace.

In the Grammar Schools, I primarily conducted one-on-one sessions with students in Year 13 and Year 14 (ages 16-18) to prepare them for the conversational part of their final exams. Each lesson lasted 35 minutes. At the start of each lesson, I provided a brief input on the topic using texts, videos, or presentations, and then encouraged the students to engage in conversation. Occasionally, I used conversational board games to facilitate learning. Additionally, at Wallace High, I offered “drop-in classes” during lunch breaks for Year 11 and Year 12 students, lasting 15-20 minutes. These sessions included vocabulary games, board games, and quizzes to make language learning fun. At Grosvenor Grammar School, which I joined in January 2024, conversation groups consisted of 3-4 students.

In the Prep, I had the flexibility to design the curriculum based on the students’ age groups. Topics covered included numbers, colors, animals, introductions, body parts, clothing, school supplies, Austrian culture, and specific themes for holidays like Christmas and Easter. The lessons were designed to be interactive with frequent method changes to maintain the attention of younger students. Generally, the classes were enjoyable and motivating, as most students were enthusiastic about learning a new language.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Belfast was facilitated through contacts from previous language assistants. I found a room in a fully furnished house on Lisburn Road, which cost £450 per month excluding bills. The location was fantastic, with convenient access to public transport and amenities. The house was a 35-minute walk or a 10–15-minute bus ride from Belfast city center.

The City of Belfast

Belfast is a vibrant city with a rich cultural and social scene. You can explore the Titanic Museum to learn about the city’s shipbuilding heritage or stroll through the historic Crumlin Road Gaol to see a jail from inside. The lively Cathedral Quarter is perfect for experiencing the local arts scene, with its galleries, street art, and live music venues. For a taste of nature, the Botanic Gardens, the Cave Hill Country Park and the Black & Divis Mountains provide stunning green spaces and panoramic views of the city. Food enthusiasts can indulge in the culinary delights of St. George’s Market, while those interested in politics and history can take a guided tour of the famous murals and peace walls that tell the story of Belfast’s past. The city also served as a hub for exploring other parts of Northern Ireland and Ireland, including trips to the scenic North Coast and the Mourne Mountains.

Evaluation of the Stay Abroad

Academically, this experience enhanced my teaching skills and flexibility. Working with different age groups from primary to grammar school students allowed me to adapt my teaching methods to various learning needs. The respect and support from my colleagues at the schools significantly contributed to a positive working environment.

Culturally, living in Northern Ireland was an enriching experience. I immersed myself in the local culture, participated in social events, and traveled extensively, which broadened my understanding and appreciation of the region’s heritage and traditions.

Socially, the stay was fulfilling. I built lasting friendships with other language assistants and locals. The British Council organized networking events that facilitated these connections, and through various meetups and excursions, I created a supportive and engaging social network.

Unique Learning and Working Experiences

The stay abroad provided unique learning experiences that would not have been possible otherwise. I gained practical insights into the British education system, developed innovative teaching strategies, and enhanced my ability to engage students in language learning. This hands-on experience was invaluable and significantly boosted my confidence and teaching proficiency.

Impact on Future Work

I believe this experience will be highly beneficial for my future work as a teacher. The skills and knowledge acquired during this period have equipped me with a diverse toolkit for language instruction, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. These competencies are essential for creating an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Influence on Personality

This stay abroad has profoundly influenced my personality. I have become more independent, resourceful, and open-minded. The challenges and experiences I encountered have strengthened my problem-solving abilities and resilience. Furthermore, the opportunity to engage with different cultures and communities has enriched my personal and professional life.

Conclusion

My expectations for this stay abroad were exceeded in every aspect. The experience provided significant professional growth, cultural enrichment, and personal development. I highly recommend future language assistants to embrace this opportunity, utilize available resources, and build connections with their peers and mentors.