city job hunting, market treasure hunting

The time of year has come to France, when thousands of foreigners enter the country to begin their year abroad as a language teaching assistant. Americans, Canadians, Brits, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and many more have been placed in elementary, middle, and high schools all around the country to serve as a cultural and linguistic link to their respective country and language, and I so wish I were participating in this program again!

But, I was unfortunately not renewed for the job and am therefore continuing to hang out in France, trying to find some form of employment!

Enjoying English! for French 6th graders.

I am now giving private English lessons to 4 clients, who are all very different. It’s nice because I am making a bit of money on the side and getting to practice adjusting my teaching methods for different students at different levels with different needs. I am working with a 10-year-old whose family is moving to the States next year, a girl my age who is preparing for an English airline exam, a boy my age who is getting ready to travel abroad, and a businessman whose company just went international who will need to be able to express himself in English. Each lesson is personalized, so that means I’m preparing a lot on the side, but getting a lot of experience teaching in varied situations.

visa #2!

It’s August, so that means it’s time for a trip to the French Consulate in Houston – right?

Apparently. Last year, I had my interview for my first French visa for my exchange program through Baylor. This year, it was time to step it up. I was interviewed for my second French visa for my teaching assistant position. Just like last year, I made my drive more bearable by stopping in College Station to visit one of my best friends, Helen. I stayed for a couple of days and was glad to be able to spend some quality time with her and her dogs (my god-puppies).

Dexter & Zeus!

We talked about my upcoming appointment, and she told me that we should make this visit a yearly tradition – you know, every year before I get my French visa, I should come visit her. Ha!

i love my mailbox

As you all could tell, if you read my previous post, or have been victim to my countless rants in person or via Facebook, I have been oh so very patient while waiting for my work contract to come in the mail. Ha!

Well, no worries – I finally got it in the mail yesterday!

a watched pot never boils.

I found out on April 4, 2011 that I was offered the English Teaching Assistant position in Lille, France that I had been hoping for for the previous 8 months. I felt great! I was so excited that my plan came through. I HAVE A JOB!!!

3 months and 4 days later, I am still waiting to hear more information. (Now I’m just being selfish.) I know that I’ll be teaching somewhere in Lille, but that’s like saying I know that I’ll be teaching somewhere in Dallas-Fort Worth. I am trying very hard to be patient, but since I constantly stalk the Facebook group for future Lille assistants and have noticed that a good 85% have received their placement, I am quickly becoming green with envy!

With around 2 1/2 months until I hop on my plane to Brussels, of course I am anxious.