The guide is addressed to the colleagues of the foreign language assistant in the languages departments since the assistant's work, to a large extent, depends on a successful relationship with them. The foreign language assistant is defined as a native speaker of a foreign language, e.g. French, German, Spanish, Italian, who serves in a British school for a 1-year appointment. Assistants are usually between 20 and 25 years old, female, and future teachers. It is asserted that the formerly restricted role of the assistants, that of preparing oral examinations, providing the only spoken foreign language pupils ever heard (in some cases), and minimal involvement in departmental activities, should now involve the development of all language skills for a wider range of pupils. It is pointed out that this new role consists not only of linguistic and social contact with pupils, but of the preparation of materials and in-service training of language teachers. A summary of the main administrative arrangements that are typically made before an assistant arrives at a school is presented. The assistant's arrival and induction at the school are described, and the assistant's role in the school and in the classroom (middle school, intermediate level, sixth form) are also discussed. One appendix summarizes aids and activities for the assistant and another lists reference materials. (EJS)