Studying in France + TAPIF!
"The soft skills I developed in France helped my career in many ways"
- Name: Karen Adler
- Degree: French, Political Science (double major), Tufts University 2013
- Duration of the stay: January – May 2012 (study abroad); September 2013 – June 2014 (TAPIF)
- Current position: Editor, New York NY
Why did you decide to teach English in France?
I love teaching and working with students, and I love French—TAPIF combined both interests perfectly into one.
What was your role as a teaching assistant?
I worked at three primary schools in Nantes. I mostly spent time with smaller groups of primary students to play conversation games and help them practice speaking and understanding native English. In some classes I assisted the main teacher’s lessons and provided individual attention to students as they learned English.
How has your experience in France contributed to your personal and professional goals?
Working in France helped me become more confident outside of my comfort zone: once I knew I could work and live in a different language and culture, I became more self-confident and at ease in new settings. The soft skills I developed in France helped my career in many ways—I feel more comfortable speaking in front of an audience (if I can do it in French, I certainly can do it in English) and trying new things.
Can you tell us a little anecdote or memory of your stay in France?
There are too many to count, but on a particularly memorable day at one of the primary school I was working at, I was asked to teach a song before Christmas and the holidays to the students. No problem. Then, I was asked to sing in front of all the students, teacher, and even principal at the school, solo! I’m no singer, but somehow they persuaded me, and everyone at least pretended that my singing wasn’t horribly out of key.
In one sentence, for you, what was unique about your experience of studying in France?
It’s hard to sum it up in one sentence, but the most meaningful part of the year was the people I met—the students, teachers, and friends I made there.
