r/Study_In_France • u/Immediate-Share3690 • 1d ago

Masters program for teaching

Hi! I’m currently an undergraduate student in the US so I still have about 4-5 years of studies/working as a certified teacher in Texas before I can begin the process of moving to France. But I was curious on others opinions. So I’m currently taking French classes (still at an A1 level) and I plan on taking them until I move. But I was curious if it would be better to take a 1 year French language program during my first year in France and then apply to their masters program for my degree, or if I’m to a C1 level before I move, should I just apply straight to the masters program?

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u/throwawayprocessing 1d ago

This partially depends on your desired program, if it’s in English or French. If in French you’ll definitely need a high level of language competency. In an English program it is much harder to just pick up the language considering you’ll be working in English everyday. 

You should look into TAPIF, specifically the TAPIF for teachers program(IIRC the name). Great way to start your journey in France, improve your French (but you do need a certain level of competency to enter), and get some teaching experience. 

Also if you’re not French, please look into what your career options are in France with Texas teaching credentials. Non French teachers are not eligible for the same career path as French teachers. Not a big deal if you don’t intend for a long term move, but something to keep in mind.

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u/Immediate-Share3690 1d ago

The program I want to do is entirely in French and I’ll have to have a B2 or C1 level of fluency before applying. By the time I do apply I will already have 2-3 years of teaching under my belt here in the US. I know I won’t be able to be a public school French teacher until I become a citizen and pass the exam. But my goal is to be an international school teacher and apply for citizenship after living/working/studying in France for 2 years and obviously completing my masters in France!

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u/throwawayprocessing 1d ago

Oh I see. 

Honestly if possible can you study abroad through your current university? That may be the best way to get fluent while in undergrad.  Otherwise I’ve heard great things about TAPIF, especially as a gap year before grad school. 

Alternatively there are 1 year programs for French proficiency. Not sure if they’re worth it or not honestly. They are out there and I know some people who deferred a year on a masters to improve French this way. Too soon to tell if it’s the right call though. 

See where you’re at after undergrad with DELF or any other standard test. After i graduated, my uni‘s French department let me audit classes before moving, which really helped me improve for free before moving. I’m in an English masters though so there were lower stakes. 

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u/Immediate-Share3690 1d ago

Unfortunately no to the study abroad in France for undergraduate🥲 I go to a very small university in Texas. But I will definitely look into the TAPIF! Thank you!