The Ed Richardson Travel Bursary

Interested in undertaking a paid placement to teach English abroad?  

Apply to become an English Language Assistant and the Department’s Ed Richardson Travel Bursary could cover your expenses.  

The British Council English Language Assistant Programme 

What is it? 

The British Council is a UK public body sponsored by the government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Every year, the British Council English Language Assistant Programme supports students from the UK to teach English in an overseas educational institution on a paid six-month or one-year placement.  

What does it involve? 

The role of an English Language Assistant is to:

• Work with a teacher or small groups of pupils;

• Plan activities for small groups or the whole class;

• Produce resources to complement lessons;

• Run conversation classes or pronunciation workshops;

• Introduce personal experiences of UK contemporary culture.

• Teaching time is limited to between 12 and 20 hours a week to allow plenty of time to explore the host country.

• English Language Assistants are paid a monthly salary. 

Where can I go? 

Placements are available in nine destinations around the world: Argentina; Austria; Belgium; Canada; France; Germany; Italy; Spain and Switzerland. 

Why should I apply?  

As well as getting paid, developing your experience of teaching, and exploring a new country, you will: 

• Strengthen your CV;
• Gain professional skills including communication, presentation, time management, organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving;
• Develop your professional confidence.  

Am I eligible to apply?  

To be eligible for the British Council English Language Assistant Programme, you must:

• Have lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 years;
• Completed a minimum of A-levels or equivalent;
• Be proficient in English; and
• Meet any language requirement of the host country. 

How will it work alongside my studies?  

• If your application is successful, the department will intermit your next year of study for you to complete the British Council placement. You will then return to Durham the following year to complete your degree course. It does not count towards your grade and you will not pay tuition.
• Please note, this opportunity is not subject to the same processes and procedures as the placement and study abroad programs.   

Where can I find out more?  

Please visit the British Council website for further information.

Teach abroad as an English Language Assistant | British Council 

How do I apply?  

• Please complete the online application form by 13.00 GMT on 28 January 2026. You can access the application here: https://languageassistants.grantplatform.com/  

The Ed Richardson Travel Bursary  

What is it?  

The Ed Richardson Travel bursary was established in memory of Ed Richardson to support students in the School of Education at Durham University to teach abroad as part of the British Council English Language Assistant Programme.  

Ed enjoyed his years abroad as a teaching assistant, first in Spain and then Germany. He was very keen not just to improve his language skills, but also to gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences. Among the many people that he worked with, taught or just befriended, he left a deep sense of someone who cared for others, who loved life, and who believed that being a great teacher is one of the highest callings. It is Ed's family's wish that his full but foreshortened life be remembered and honoured by helping other prospective students to take up overseas teaching assistant placements, to enjoy them to the full, and to have the richest possible experience. 

What does the bursary cover?  

Whilst there is no fee to work as an English Language Assistant through the British Council and you will receive a salary, the bursary can provide additional support with the following costs:

• Return flights to the placement destination;
• Travel insurance;
• Accommodation and utility bills;
• The required International Child Protection Certificate costing approximately £90;
• Any additional costs for visas and vaccinations depending on the country;
• The bursary is one award of up to £5,000.  

Am I eligible to apply for the bursary?  

To be eligible for the Ed Richardson Travel Bursary, you must:  

• Have been accepted for the British Council English Language Assistant Programme.
• Be a first year or second year undergraduate student on the BA Education [X305] or BA Primary Education [X101] programme at Durham University that is interested in teaching in the future.
• Be third-year undergraduate student on the BA Education [X305] programme that has been accepted for a PGCE programme at Durham University [X6KB14; X7K214]. In this circumstance, you will be required to defer your PGCE place to complete the British Council English Language Assistant Programme if your application for the travel bursary is successful.
• Be in good academic standing with evidence of appropriate academic performance and attendance.
• Preference may be given to first generation scholars.  

Please note, postgraduate students are not eligible for the bursary but may still apply to the British Council Programme. 

How do I apply?  

Once you have received confirmation from the British Council that you have been accepted on the programme, please contact the departmental exchange and placement coordinator, Michael Priestley via email michael.j.priestley@durham.ac.uk to receive a short application form for the travel bursary. 

When do I apply?  

Have questions?  

If you have any questions about the information on this page, please contact the departmental exchange and placement coordinator, Michael Priestley via email michael.j.priestley@durham.ac.uk