Hi! I’m a french major and I would really like to start my abroad journey to France. I want to be able to stay for a year or two, maybe longer. I was wondering how you began yours? I have no clue where to start except for going to school and such.

Salut! I am in a program called TAPIF – Teaching Assistant Program In France. Anyone can apply to the program and you do not have to be interested in becoming a teacher (I have no interest, I was a French/Journalism major during undergrad.) The only requirements are that you must have basic French skills, be over the age of 20 and have 3 or more years of college completed. So most people, like me, do the program immediately after graduating college.

TAPIF is great for people who want to spend a year in France because instead of taking out loans to fund your stay, you’re actually making money, so for only 12 hours a week (and four 2 week vacations — plenty of travel time!) you get 800 euros a month. You don’t however get to choose the city. The application will ask you for your top 3 choices, but it’s a gamble. I was placed in Paris, but it was not my first choice. The program lasts 8 months, but you can apply for the year after if want. 

If you do not meet those requirements and you don’t want to wait, there are still a couple things that you can do. It all depends on your financial situation and education situation.

– You can ask your school about the study abroad options. This was not an option for me as it was too expensive and I wouldn’t have been able to afford tuition and living expenses in France without a job and going to school. But if taking out a loan isn’t a problem for you or your parents or someone is able to help you out financially, I have heard wonderful stories from people who have studied abroad and had a great time. You can do this for up two semesters I believe.

– You can apply directly to schools in France. Tuition here is much cheaper, so in terms of education you will probably be saving money. However If you want to live in Paris, finding an apartment is difficult and very expensive. Living outside of Paris is cheaper, obviously. 

I hope that helped! Don’t hesitate to ask any further questions. Bonne chance.