If exploring France has always been your dream, why not do it? Even better, why not explore the country with an experience that could help you stand out in future job applications or even find your future career path? These are the possibilities if you undertake a placement in France through TAPIF.
But what is the TAPIF program? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you need to know before applying.
Why choose France?
France is one of Europe’s largest countries, making it a destination that’s bound to have a little something for everyone. Take in the cafe culture in Paris, explore the Mediterranean coastal cities, or simply immerse yourself in history in cities like Lyon or Dijon.
In 2024, in particular, France will attract a variety of tourists from art lovers to history buffs to sports fans thanks to the variety of events taking place across the country. These include the Impressionism Festival in Normandy and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Beyond its world-famous cuisine and sophisticated culture though, it’s also a country that’s brimming with teaching opportunities, if the TAPIF experience has sufficiently whet your appetite. As just over 50% of the population speaks English, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding students.
Full-time English teachers who work in France will typically earn anywhere from €1,000 to €2,000 a month, with the majority of teaching roles based in cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse. If you’re working in a school, you’ll work from September to June or July and then summer is for you to decide. You could work in a summer camp or just travel until the next school year begins.
TAPIF In a nutshell
The Teaching Assistant Program in France sends 1,500 US citizens to France as language assistants every year. By taking part, you’ll get the opportunity to teach in a public school in one of the numerous regions of metropolitan France and teach a variety of ages and proficiencies.
While you’ll be able to state your preference in terms of location by providing your top 3 region choices, remember that top choices can’t always be accommodated. The good news is that France is well-connected by rail and it should be easy enough to hop from city to city on your days off.
Applications close in the first two weeks of January and successful applicants will begin their contracts on the 1st of October until the 30th of April. An important note to consider before applying is that you must have a French Language proficiency of at least B1 to be able to participate. Your application will also need to be in French.
During the program, you’ll work 12 hours a week and receive a stipend of €785 per month. Unfortunately, this monthly income won’t get you very far if you have your heart set on living in Paris, so consider putting some money aside before you depart. Alternatively, select a more affordable city and plan a trip to remember with therebelchick.com’s tips.
How to stand out from other applicants
Although you don’t need a TEFL qualification to apply for TAPIF, it could bolster your application and increase the chances of its success. Getting TEFL qualified can be done either online or in person if you live near a training center. You could even choose to complete your modules online alongside your teaching placement, seeing as you won’t be working full-time.
The industry standard is a 120-hours course and you would get the opportunity to observe experienced teachers in action and pick their brains for industry insight and teaching tips. Were you to complete it before your placement, this would allow you to step into the classroom on your first day of the job feeling as prepared and confident as possible.
Suppose you discover a real passion for teaching English during the program. In that case, you’ll already have the qualifications and experience you need to continue building your teaching career, either in France or elsewhere. Potential roles you could apply to include positions teaching online, working at a private language school, or even tutoring.
What if teaching isn’t for you?
TAPIF doesn’t have to only be about teaching English if you discover that’s not your passion.
You’ve already got a language under your belt if you successfully applied and took part in the program. Not only that, but you’ll have experience living and working in another country.
Employers who see this on your CV, will see a candidate who’s not afraid of a challenge or navigating unfamiliar situations by leaving their comfort zone to go abroad. Furthermore, linguistic skills are desirable, especially for multinational companies seeking to expand their operations globally.
Consider TAPIF then as an opportunity to live out your travel dreams while simultaneously making your CV more dynamic and interesting to prospective future hiring managers. Falling in love with French culture or teaching or both can be a bonus.
Things you should know
From 2025, the ETIAS, also known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is expected to be introduced. This will be required by 30 different European countries, so be sure to stay up to date and be ready to apply when it eventually comes into place.
The ETIAS will allow its holders to stay for up to 90 days for either tourism or business purposes and some countries that will be required to apply for it before traveling include the UK, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. It will only cost 7 euros through the official website and will be linked to your passport.
You won’t need to reapply for a new one if you travel to a new country where ETIAS is required. It will be valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires, so you can make the most of your time in Europe during your time off by immersing yourself in a variety of cultures with a single application.
Overall, TAPIF is a great option for anyone proficient in French, looking to experience French culture, first-hand. Whether you fall in love with teaching English or simply the pain au chocolat, it’s an opportunity for travel and growth – whatever form it takes.
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