Job Discussion Forums

Obarnicle · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 5

I'd like to do this in 07-08, and I'm just curious about the required level of one's French. Have beginning French speakers been accepted as assistants?

I see on the application one is supposed to go to a local university to have the level of your proficiency noted by a professor. I've a BA in Lit, TESOL minor.

Any feedback appreciated.

akalucyliu · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 3

You should be fine with beginning French. Sometimes, I think it's actually preferred because it forces the students to speak English with you. There were at least two Teaching Assistants I knew that had beginners-level French, so you should be fine.

You could go to a university or the Alliance Francaise, whichever easiest for you.

marksuth · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Japan

I've been looking into the assistant francaise program so came here to see if there were any post and wanted to say thanks to everyone who's posted all the great info.

I just had a few of other questions. How hard/easy is it to get private lessons? especially if you're in a smaller town. Also, the pay seems appropriate if it is 12 hours a week, but is it tough to live on it alone? I'm wondering about those 12 hours too. I'm currently teaching in Japan, and the contract says 29.5hrs a week, but I end up spending almost another 10hrs a week preparing lessons and other stuff, but it is for a company. Are there typically materials already at the schools? What kinds of materials are needed for teaching these lessons? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Nmarie · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 85 Location: Paris

Marksuth,

The preparation involved and whether there will be material depends on the grade level and particular school (s). Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a uniform pedagogical system. As a 9-month primaire assistant, I was expected to devise my own program. I bought material just to avoid the stress of not knowing what to do; however, if you're creative with kids, you may not have to. From what some assistants say, there generally seems to be less preparation with the higher grade levels.

I've always found privates in Paris and was offered a few in Nancy, though I didn't do them there. I'm not sure about small towns. In general, I would consider that as extra, rather than relying on it as income.

There is a wealth of information at the following site:

www.assistantsinfrance.com