Each year, the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) places around 1,300 Americans into French secondary public schools to work as English language teaching assistants for 12 hours a week for an academic year. It is one the Cultural Services of the French Embassy's longest running and most sought-after programs—students gain experience and improve their skills and, as alumni, gain access to scholarships with partner universities in the US and France for graduate studies.
Alumna Margaret Morgan previously participated in TAPIF.
"I learned about TAPIF through the French professors at UNL and I thought it was a great opportunity," she said, "especially because I was unsure about what I wanted to do after graduation. I applied because I have always liked working with kids and I also wanted to work on my French."
She was placed in two middle schools right outside of Paris and said the experience was great.
"The kids are excited to see me each day and are usually interested in what I am teaching," she said.
It took more preparation than study abroad, she said, but it was worth it.
"I think others should consider this program because it pushed me out of my comfort zone," Morgan said, "and I [gained] valuable knowledge about France, different school systems and myself."
A number of UNL students have participated, and Jordan Stump, Willa Cather Professor of French, encourages students to join.
"We've had a long relationship with TAPIF, and it remains a principal aspiration for many of our students," he said.
