I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience France with the InterExchange Teach English in France program this spring. I realized my ability to thrive in an international setting and interact with people from all over the world. My experience inspired a strong interest to return to live and work in Europe. It truly changed my life and will continue to influence my future.
I was hosted by Sandra and Bernard. Their fun and youthful spirits and all-around support allowed for a perfect stay in France. My fondness for them and their extraordinary four year-old daughter, Nina, was immediate and consistent. Living with them, I was exposed to the French and Spanish languages on a daily basis, increasing my comprehension and fluency.
The InterExchange Working Abroad Grant financed my trip, and therefore allowed me to interact with people from all over the world. I made international friends through my host family, through art classes at a studio in Paris, through attending Polyglot club (to practice French-speaking), through my French language course, and through my own efforts to connect with the au-pairs in the area. This opened numerous opportunities for my future. I visited museums with friends, attended concerts, tours, and tried different foods. I traveled to Normandy, Brittany, the French Alps and Barcelona.
One of the most important things I gained from my European experience was my strong desire to return for professional development. The inspiration I felt living near an international center led me to network and look for jobs in my field, so that I would be able to return. I even had an interview on the Champs-Elysees! I intend to return to France in September as a French student and continue building a bilingual career in the environmental management field.
After being a student, myself, for the last four and half years, teaching English to Nina gave me a new and unique sense of accomplishment. I felt happy to directly contribute to her success and supplement her bilingual French-English education at school. I was able to transform a diverse set of activities into fun and effective English lessons. I’m proud that with my help of 15 hours of English lessons per week, Nina was able to advance to the next English level
- Jane S.
"I discovered that many of the challenges I face in my work are similar to the challenges facing Costa Ricans. Though we are far apart, we are all working to curb community violence, increase community involvement and raise happy and productive future generations."
— Michelle, Working Abroad Grant Recipient, Costa Rica
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