TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!
What is your citizenship?
Canada
What city and state are you from?
Quebec
How old are you?
23
What is your education level and background?
Bachelor's Degree
Have you traveled abroad in the past?
Some international travel with friends, family, business, etc.
If you have traveled abroad in the past, where have you been?
Jamaica, U.S.A.
If you have studied abroad in the past, where did you study?
What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad?
It was the ideal situation to experience a new culture, and to get hands on teaching experience. Knowing I wanted to teach in the future, it was a good stepping stone into the world of education. The experience would also let me travel and meet new people.
What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad?
Not finding a job
TEFL CLASS INFORMATION
Why did you decide to get TEFL certified and choose International TEFL Academy?
I appreciated the fact that they were active in my life during the whole process, ready to answer my numerous questions.
Which TEFL certification course did you take?
How did you like the course? Please include information about the instructors, tasks, practicum, etc.
I thought the course was interesting and helpful. Although I never saw my instructor in person, I thought she provided good feedback and help for the class. I thought the task were challenging but enriching. Even during my teaching experience I look back onto the TEFL lessons as they are a great help for real life situations.
How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position?
It help me prepare for things to come. How a ESL teacher should go about their lessons and how deal with students of all ages.
TEACHING ABROAD IN BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Which city and country did you decide to teach English in and why?
I teach English in Bordeaux, France. I choose this city for its culture and beauty.
How long have you been in this country and how long do you plan to stay?
I have been in France for 4 month and plan to stay a year total.
How did you secure your English teaching job?
Handing out CV's (Resumes) once I arrived in France.
What school, company, or program are you working for? Please include the website if they have one.
How did you get your work visa? If you didn't get a work visa, please elaborate on working under the table without a work visa.
I applied for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa is offered for youth under 35. Getting this work visa was very simple as I am a Canadian citizen.
Tell us about your English teaching job!
I work part time hours teaching, and work a second job to pay expenses. I work 15 hours teaching a week, at 15£ an hour. The school I work for teaching several different languages, english being the most popular. As for vacation I have 2 weeks off for Christmas and the month if August completely off. My students range in age from 11 to 65, and all my classes are one on one.
How did you find somewhere to live and what is it like? Do you have roommates?
I found a small studio to live in not far from work. I had a friend living here already so in order to get a bank account, cellphone, etc I put everything under her address which made things go much smoother.
COUNTRY INFORMATION - FUN!
Please explain the cultural aspects, public transportation, nightlife, social activities, food, expat community, dating scene, travel opportunities, etc. about your country:
Living in France has been a great experience. People are very friendly. The food is excellent! In Bordeaux and the surrounding communities there are buses and a tram, making getting around easy. Nightlife is good as there are many young people in Bordeaux as it is a University city. Travelling is easy through train although can be expensive if you do not buy your ticket well in advance.
COUNTRY INFORMATION - MONEY
What are your monthly expenses?
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Rent: 360£
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Electricity: 18£
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Gas: 46£
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Internet/cellphone:40£
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Food:150£
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Transport: 15£
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Leisure: 50£
How would you describe your standard of living?
I think my standard of living is slightly low as I do not make very much money, therefore can not do much.
In your opinion, how much does someone need to earn in order to live comfortably?
800£ per month
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS IN FRANCE
What advice would you give someone planning or considering teaching abroad? Would you recommend teaching in your country?
I would recommend France for its beauty and culture, but not for its job potential.
Posted In: Teach English in France, Teach English in Europe, Bordeaux
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