Eng. Teaching Assistant in France
Donation protected
My name is Vanessa and I am not your typical American 26 year old. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2013 with a Liberal Arts degree in French. I was unsure of what I really wanted to do and felt pressured to follow the crowd. You know, settle into a career, buy a house, have kids. ButI really felt that I was being called to do something completely different than the norm and out of my comfort zone. Ever since I returned from my study abroad in France (2010) I have not stopped dreaming of going back. Thats why after a year or so of working as a server and at a hospital (not using my French degree which I went thousands of dollars in debt for..) I decided that I needed to make a change.
I applied for the Teaching Assistant Program In France.
(http://highereducation.frenchculture.org/teach-in-france) Out of all the programs available, this one seemed the most legit because it's sponsored by the French Ministry of Education. I was hopeful at first because I graduated with honors and my favorite French professor who is well known in the "French Education" world, wrote me a recommendation letter.
Fast forward 4 months later and I start to doubt myself and wonder, "If they don't chose me, then what? Would I re-apply? Give up? Go back to school and in more debt?" Thankfully I didn't have to think about it long because I received and email informing me of my acceptance into the program! Never in my life have I cried pure tears of joy like that. It is an incredible feeling when your dreams start to become your new reality. Apparently this years' pool of applicants was the most competitive yet! The fact that I was chosen is a blessing from God and confirmation that if I trust and follow Him, He will lead me where I need to be. I'm going to teach English in France starting in October until April!
I don't have an education degree nor do I have teaching experience ( it wasn't required thank goodness) so I plan on getting certified to teach english as a second language. I also plan on working my tail off and saving until the departure date but I am afraid I will come up short. The assistants are paid (around 790euros/month after taxes) yet I will not receive my first paycheck until the end of October or November. I also have to pay for my flight, a security deposit for an appartment, and all of my food. What's more is I don't want to defer my loans so I would like to have $400 set aside for each month that I'll be gone.
I began saving before I applied to be on the safe side so I have some funds, but I will need more regardless of how much I work and save. I honestly don't want to take out a loan for this due to the fact that I'm already in debt.
When I return to the states, my French will be even better which is why I plan on teaching it or possibly interpreting. This isn't just a dream come true for me, it's an opportunity to kick start my career. A career that will fit who I am as an individual as opposed to settling for what comes my way, unsatisfied and wondering where my life went 20 years from now.
I've decided to be brave and embark on this adventure. But I can't do it alone! I need your help! If you can't donate, well wishes or sharing is appreciated :)
I also plan on starting a blog about this amazing opportunity so if you're interested, stay tuned and I will leave the link in the comments section before I depart (or this summer when I document the preparations.)
Merci!
Vanessa
I applied for the Teaching Assistant Program In France.
(http://highereducation.frenchculture.org/teach-in-france) Out of all the programs available, this one seemed the most legit because it's sponsored by the French Ministry of Education. I was hopeful at first because I graduated with honors and my favorite French professor who is well known in the "French Education" world, wrote me a recommendation letter.
Fast forward 4 months later and I start to doubt myself and wonder, "If they don't chose me, then what? Would I re-apply? Give up? Go back to school and in more debt?" Thankfully I didn't have to think about it long because I received and email informing me of my acceptance into the program! Never in my life have I cried pure tears of joy like that. It is an incredible feeling when your dreams start to become your new reality. Apparently this years' pool of applicants was the most competitive yet! The fact that I was chosen is a blessing from God and confirmation that if I trust and follow Him, He will lead me where I need to be. I'm going to teach English in France starting in October until April!
I don't have an education degree nor do I have teaching experience ( it wasn't required thank goodness) so I plan on getting certified to teach english as a second language. I also plan on working my tail off and saving until the departure date but I am afraid I will come up short. The assistants are paid (around 790euros/month after taxes) yet I will not receive my first paycheck until the end of October or November. I also have to pay for my flight, a security deposit for an appartment, and all of my food. What's more is I don't want to defer my loans so I would like to have $400 set aside for each month that I'll be gone.
I began saving before I applied to be on the safe side so I have some funds, but I will need more regardless of how much I work and save. I honestly don't want to take out a loan for this due to the fact that I'm already in debt.
When I return to the states, my French will be even better which is why I plan on teaching it or possibly interpreting. This isn't just a dream come true for me, it's an opportunity to kick start my career. A career that will fit who I am as an individual as opposed to settling for what comes my way, unsatisfied and wondering where my life went 20 years from now.
I've decided to be brave and embark on this adventure. But I can't do it alone! I need your help! If you can't donate, well wishes or sharing is appreciated :)
I also plan on starting a blog about this amazing opportunity so if you're interested, stay tuned and I will leave the link in the comments section before I depart (or this summer when I document the preparations.)
Merci!
Vanessa
Organizer
Vanessa Dillingham
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH
