November 2000: From the University of Valenciennes where I was carrying on my studies, I applied through the Amity Institute for a Teacher Aid placement in the US, without giving any preference regarding the place of the assignment or the type of school I wanted to work at. The decision to temporarily move to the US was motivated by a strong will to share my knowledge on the French language and culture, and to have a closer look at the North American civilisation.
Also, because of the current economic context, and because I am preparing a diploma in Foreign Languages, a stay overseas has almost become a necessity. You can't learn how to speak a language by sitting on the benches of the U.
August 2001: Here I am ! Arrival at St Paul, Minnesota. First meeting with my host family, who would open the doors of their home for me for a whole year. That was the beginning of a wonderful experience, an adventure that would allow me to meet extraordinary people and share my culture with little kids aged 5 to 7. At the end of this experience, and if I consider it now that all this is over, it's cristal clear that I've gained a few skills in teaching (according to Stina, right ?) but also, I've been completely immersed in the American life, a too-often criticized society that is really worth experiencing, even if it has many drawbacks (like all societies, I guess).
If you wanna have a taste of what it's like, just click on the links below. Have fun, as much as I did !
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