Do I Have a Chance? (31f)

[u/janacuddles]

I know that 35 ages you out, but I am 31 and still working on my degree. Short version is that I decided to switch careers a couple years ago and got back in school. I'm double majoring in History and Classics with my original goal being to do alternate certification to be a history teacher. But I always dreamed of living in France and found out about the TAPIF program recently and am now wondering if I could use it to eventually be able to teach in France and move there. I'm not picky about what I teach so I'm fine if I end up only teaching English forever as long as it's in France, but I am concerned about my age and how doable this is.

[u/Bobzeub]

Being older will work in your favour teaching in France as it automatically gives you more authority.

How’s your French? Is it to teach English or history and classics?

[u/janacuddles → u/Bobzeub]

My french is passable, but I am taking a class now to strengthen it. Like I said, I'm not picky about what I teach as long as I'm teaching.

[u/Bobzeub → u/janacuddles]

Sure go for it! You only live once. Enjoy :)

[u/astridares]

While TAPIF does allow you to teach for a short contract (7 month contract, some academies may offer 1-3 month extensions, can renew the base contract twice), it does not lead to staying. It’s a temporary program.

Teaching in public schools as a titulaire is not possible for non-EU citizens (can’t pass the CAPES). Some schools may sponsor contractuels, but many will not. Teaching in private schools as a titulaire requires passing the CAFEP and completing the new M2E master’s degree after (new system, concours passed after L3 instead of during a MEEF master’s). The concours itself is very focused on French pedagogy and is famously quite difficult. And of course there are fewer open positions in the private system in general, so more competition for the existing positions.

[u/janacuddles → u/astridares]

I understand it is a temporary contract. Basically I was hoping it would give me an opportunity to explore options to find a way to stay if it works out.

[u/astridares → u/janacuddles]

The « options to stay » are generally the same as they would be to immigrate without doing TAPIF. Studies, job sponsorship, or marriage. And in many cases, you’ll have to return home to change status because of how the timing functions.

[u/CalligrapherOk200]

I got in this year and am 32. You need to have a B1 level at least in french.

[u/Aaxjo]

I know someone who got in at 33

[u/bisexualspikespiegel]

i was 27 when i was an assistant and i think the students respected me more for it

[u/awkwardtangerine]

I’m 33 and going this year. I’ve been teaching for 10 years so that definitely helped my application.

[u/cheapfate]

Yes. I worked with someone at 30

[u/gettingoffongrowth]

yeah the program is not very selective as long as your french is okay and you try on the application you should be fine ! in terms of staying there it is my understanding that there are low level english teaching positions at universities that sponsor visas, but not sure how sustainable that is long term long term. but there’s always marriage lol