Stories

Several members of the Class of 2023 will be heading abroad next year to serve as teachers in France, Japan, and Spain.

TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France)

The Teaching Assistant Program in France offers the opportunity to work in France for 7 months, teaching English to French students of all ages. Each year, about 1,500 American citizens and permanent residents teach in public schools across all regions of metropolitan France and in the overseas departments of France such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. The American cohort is part of the larger Assistants de langue en France program, which recruits approximately 4,500 young educators from 68 countries to teach 15 languages annually in France. For further information, please visit https://frenchhighereducation.org/teaching-assistant-program.

• Naiya DeLaure (Political Science and French) 

  • “For as long as I can remember, I have been exposed to French language and culture but have never had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in it. TAPIF is not only an opportunity for me to improve my language skills, but also to connect with my Belgian heritage and European upbringing. More than this, I see TAPIF as a way for me to represent the United States as an ambassador in France, sharing cultural context behind the English language and in turn gaining a deeper understanding of French culture and the intersectionality between the two. In a globalized world, it is more important than ever to create strong intercultural ties that foster international cooperation and understanding across generations.”

• Callie O'Neill (Psychology and French)

  • "While I was first exposed to the language at a very young age as my mom is a French teacher, it was living in France that truly allowed me to discover what I loved about the French way of life. The slow pace, intentionality in spending quality time with one another, and the genuine excitement for life's simple pleasures captivated me. So, this fall, I am going back to France to do just that, and most importantly, to continue following my desire to be a lifelong language learner, and to take time to experience life fully without the stresses of school or a demanding work schedule."

• Bianca Romero (History and French)

  • "I applied to the TAPIF program as a way to return to France where I studied abroad. I loved my time abroad and wanted to return and further improve my French. I look forward to the opportunity to explore vocation in education while immersing myself in another culture and language." 

JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program)

Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 70,000 participants from around the globe (including more than 35,800 Americans) to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. What makes JET unique is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan. With more than 55 countries around the world currently participating in JET, this program offers a unique cultural exchange opportunity to meet people from all around the world, living and working in Japan. Before departing for Japan and upon return, there are a number of JET alumni organizations that host social, volunteer and professional development activities to help individuals through the transition process. For further information, please visit https://jetprogramusa.org/.

• Lucy Schmidt (Political Science and Anthropology) 

  • "I applied to JET because the prospect of sharing my passions for language studies and cultural exchange through teaching English excites me. I can’t wait to build connections with my students, improve my  Japanese, and embark on several adventures next year!" 

CIEE (Council on International Education Exchange)

Since 1947, nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization CIEE has been bringing the world together, advancing peace by building bridges of mutual understanding between different people, different countries, and different cultures. With CIEE’s Teach in Spain programs, participants are placed as language and culture assistants at public schools in the region of Madrid, where they help students develop their English skills. With three-day weekends every week, participants have plenty of time to travel, learn Spanish, and get involved in the local community. For further information, please visit https://www.ciee.org/.

• Mikayla Apodaca (Psychology and Political Science) and Alec Qualitza (Psychology and Public Health)

  • "We are both so excited for this opportunity to be able to teach and live in Madrid while also exploring life abroad. The support of CIEE has helped us through the visa process and other preparation materials. Graduating from Santa Clara is bittersweet but we are looking forward to the future ahead!"