Opportunity for Global Experience

The French Embassy in Kenya on Friday, November 14, 2025, announced the opening of applications for its highly anticipated English Language Assistant Program, making 170 positions available for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative offers Kenyan university students and recent graduates a unique seven-month contract to work as English teaching assistants in public primary and secondary schools across mainland France and its overseas territories. The program, managed by France Éducation international on behalf of the French Ministry of Education, serves as a cornerstone of the educational and cultural cooperation between Kenya and France.

Program Details and Responsibilities

Successful applicants will be contracted for a period of seven months, from October 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. The primary role of a language assistant is to support French teachers in English language classes. Assistants are expected to work approximately 12 hours per week, focusing on improving students' conversational skills, building their confidence in speaking English, and sharing insights into Kenyan and Anglophone culture. This role is designed not for experienced teachers but for young people eager to gain international professional experience, enhance their linguistic skills, and act as cultural ambassadors.

Eligibility and Application Timeline

The application window is set to run from Friday, November 15, 2025, to Wednesday, January 15, 2026. To be eligible, candidates must be Kenyan citizens aged between 20 and 35. They must have completed the majority of their studies in Kenya and be enrolled in a university, TVET institution, or an Alliance Française at the time of application, having completed at least two years of higher education. A key requirement is a minimum proficiency in French, demonstrated by a B1 level certificate on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). All academic disciplines are welcome to apply.

The selection process will unfold in stages throughout early 2026. A pre-selection of candidates based on their application files will occur in January, followed by interviews for shortlisted applicants between January and February 2026. The results from the interview stage will be announced in May 2026, with final school placements and assignments confirmed in June 2026.

A Platform for Professional and Personal Growth

The program offers significant benefits beyond the classroom. Participants gain hands-on experience in one of the world's most respected education systems, developing valuable teaching, communication, and intercultural skills. This experience has proven to be a stepping stone for many alumni, opening doors to further education, international careers, and research opportunities. While the assistant's salary is modest and designed to cover the cost of living for a single person, participants are covered by French social security. However, assistants are responsible for their own international airfare and accommodation, and are advised to have at least 1,500 euros for initial expenses before receiving their first stipend.

Strengthening Kenya-France Relations

This educational exchange is a key component of France's broader strategy to foster linguistic cooperation and strengthen ties with Kenya. The program promotes mutual understanding by immersing young Kenyans in French daily life and, in turn, enriching French classrooms with authentic Kenyan culture. The French Embassy and its cultural arm, the Alliance Française, actively promote the program and support applicants. To provide more information, the Embassy has scheduled an information webinar for Monday, November 17, 2025, and an event at the Alliance Française in Nairobi on December 4, 2025, to mark the International Day of Language Assistants.

With 170 positions available, this represents a significant opportunity for Kenyan youth to gain a global perspective, enhance their employability, and contribute to the enduring partnership between the two nations. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and consult the official French Embassy website for detailed guidelines.