Von Münster nach London, ein kleines/ großes Abenteuer

September – November 2025
Hello everyone! My name is Emma, and I am currently living and working in London as aGerman Language Assistant at Channing School, an all-girls school in Highgate.

I will stay here for eight months as part of the Language Assistant Programme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The programme supports cultural and educational exchange between Germany and the UK. I am currently still studying for my Master’s degree in Germany. During my studies, I wanted to gain more practical teaching experience before starting my Referendariat in the future. I also wanted to live abroad, improve my English, and learn more about the British school system. Since the UK is no longer part of the Erasmus+ programme, I searched online for other opportunities. That is how I found the DAAD.

At Channing School, I work 12 hours per week as a German Language Assistant. I mainly work with students in Years 10 and 11. My main task is to help them improve their speaking skills in German. I usually teach students in small groups, which helps them feel more relaxed and confident. Together, we practise speaking, revise vocabulary and grammar, and prepare for exams. The school provides teaching materials, and I work closely with the German teachers to support students with their current topics and workload. I enjoy being able to adapt my lessons to the needs of each group. Sometimes we focus on exam practice, and sometimes we have more open conversations about everyday topics or German culture. In addition to my teaching hours, I also help with several after-school activities. These include a German Book Club, a German Fun Club for younger students, and a Just Dance Club. These clubs allow students to experience the German language in a fun and relaxed way. Another part of my work is my role as a Cultural Exchange Ambassador. This is a separate programme that supports exchange between schools in the UK and Germany. I work with a small group of younger students and support an exchange partnership with a school in Germany. In this role, the focus is on cultural exchange and understanding, not only on language learning.

My first weeks at Channing School have been a very positive experience. The teachers and students have been very welcoming, and I felt comfortable from the beginning. The students are motivated and interested in learning German. I also enjoy seeing the differences between the British and German school systems. Living in London has been an exciting experience as well. Highgate is a beautiful area, and London is a very lively and diverse city. I am learning a lot, both professionally and personally. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to become a Language Assistant. This experience fits well with my studies and has given me valuable teaching practice. I am looking forward to the next few months and everything that is still to come.