Five Essential Life Skills You’ll Develop as a TAPIFer
The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young Americans to live in France for an academic year by teaching English. For many such people, TAPIF is their first foray into bonafide adulthood after completing their undergraduate degrees. Jalen and I are proud to say that we are two of the many adventurous TAPIFers who dove head-first into life abroad in our early twenties. As 2019-2020 TAPIF alumni, we know better than anyone that while TAPIF is an opportunity to let the good times roll, it is also a formative experience that imparts real life skills on its participants. Keep reading to find out the practical abilities that all language assistants develop while teaching English in French elementary, middle, and high schools.
1. Communication Skills
In any relationship, whether it be with family members, friends, romantic partners, or professional colleagues, effective communication is crucial. TAPIF’s raison d’être revolves around developing these important communication skills. Whether you’re working to impart knowledge of the English language on young French students or endeavoring to make yourself understood in a conversation with French coworkers, TAPIF participants cultivate expert-level communication skills daily.
2. Money Management
Like it or not, money makes the world go ’round – and managing it carefully can often mean the difference between financial security and hardship. Because language assistants have to stretch a modest stipend of approximately 800 € per month to cover rent, groceries, transport, phone subscriptions, and more, they become accustomed to conscientiously using their savings and income to support themselves. You won’t get rich from the TAPIF stipend, but the financial skills mastered during the program will set you up for future success.
3. Strategic Planning
Do you feel that life happens to you, or that you control your life? Strategically planning how you spend your time puts you in the driver’s seat. Participating in TAPIF requires candidates to submit their applications months in advance, obtain their work visas independently, organize their travel to and from France unassisted, secure accommodations with little to no help, and juggle working for up to three separate schools for the duration of their contracts. All of these tasks train TAPIFers to successfully devise and execute complex plans that allow them to achieve their short and long-term goals.
4. Adaptability
Adult life is full of unexpected curveballs, and it’s not a matter of if, but when. Fortunately, language assistants become pros at adjusting to new circumstances during their time with TAPIF. From working in an unfamiliar school system, to spending time away from friends and family, to facing everyday difficulties in a foreign country, TAPIFers learn to embrace change and respond effectively to challenging situations – a skill that will help them cope with life’s unpredictabilities well after their TAPIF contract is up.
5. Bravery
Chasing your dreams can be scary, but discarding them out of fear is even worse! Language assistants begin nurturing their courage the second they hit submit on their TAPIF applications and don’t stop until the day they say goodbye to their students and coworkers. An opportunity as momentous as embarking on a transatlantic journey doesn’t come without serious nerves and anxiety. However, TAPIFers are often stellar examples of how learning to grapple with your fears is the key to making your wildest dreams come true.
@the_francofile Follow your dreams! 🌟 #americaninfrance #frenchlife #expat #expatlife #lifeinfrance #france #moveabroad #liveabroad ♬ Rango the chain – mr_gameclips
In a nutshell, TAPIF manages to fit a whole lot of personal growth that will serve its participants for years to come into a seven month contract. If you’ve taught English with TAPIF, let us know in a comment how the experience shaped your life. If you haven’t yet participated in TAPIF, leave your questions and concerns in a comment and apply today!
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