Foreign Language Assistant Scheme
The Foreign Language Assistant (FLA) scheme aims to provide additional support to school communities to experience the target language and its culture with a native speaker.
Through the scheme, schools can apply to host assistants who speak French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. PPLI plays a key role in supporting the teaching and learning aspect of the FLA scheme.
This page houses information for language assistants coming to work in Irish schools, MFL teachers, and school management. For detailed information, click on the section relevant to your interests.
Applications for the 2026-27 Foreign Language Assistant Scheme are now closed.
2026-2027 Plan of Support
The table below provides an overview of the support available through PPLI for 2026-2027 FLAs and their cooperating teachers. Further information will be found in the 2026-2027 FLA Information Newsletter, which will be available in summer 2026.
Optional Pre-arrival Support Sessions for FLAs
These optional online sessions aim to support FLAs as they plan their arrival to Ireland.
FLA Induction: Ashling Hotel, Dublin 8, D08 P38N
The annual FLA induction aims to support FLAs shortly after they begin at their host school. Attendance is mandatory for FLAs.
Support Sessions for FLAs and Cooperating Teachers
These support sessions are held in person, at venues nationwide. There is a choice of dates and venues. Registration information is sent in September.
FLA Community of Practice (CoP)
This CoPs is an online meeting, taking place in the evening, where FLAs can come together to share good practice and exchange knowledge and ideas. Activities depend on participants. Registration information will follow closer to the time.
Thematic Communities of Practice (CoP) for FLAs and Cooperating Teachers
These optional online events are held in January, with FLAs being notified of registration in December 2026. FLAs may attend these CoPs with their cooperating teacher(s).
FLA Location Map
View the location of the FLAs in the school year 2025-2026 in the map below.
Use the menu to filter by language, and the enlarge button to view a larger version.
FLA and CT Activities
View the results of past activities and collaborative work between FLAs and CTs here.
What Foreign Language Assistants Say About Their Experience
School Management Information
MFL Department Information
Language Assistant Information
