Do your research before but so worth it!

I did TAPIF after graduating and it was worth it. I was able to get a letter from the French Embassy to postpone my student loan repayment. I lived in a foyer and received the CAF and a transportation reimbursement. It does take time to get these things but they are retroactive.

Many TAPIF-ers except this to be an extension of their study abroad programs. While it is a way to get back to France, you are responsible for your own housing and setting up your social security and carte vitale. It is a great way to take time to figure out what comes next in life while exposing yourself to new things and taking initiative.

Make sure to be clear on your expectations with your prof ref before you come. If you do not communicate with them, then they do not know what you expect. I lucked out and only worked Mondays and Tuesdays, but some people work 2-hour shifts in the mornings all week or random hours like that. You will have to press your prof ref for things like your Pass Éducation (discount card for teachers) and things like that but that's just basic adulting. You'll have the resources you need but you have to take the initiative.

And you can work under the table jobs, tutoring/babysitting in English pays pretty well and once you find one family interested, it's easy to spread the word out. There's so many facebook groups like "Americans in France" or "English speakers in France" or more specific to the region/city you end up in. The pay is not as high as in the states so that can be a culture shock to some but take what you can get. Some have worked as bar tenders at restaurants for cash only but make sure you don't get money to deposited to your French bank account unless it is from your Academie. Some people have also done remote work/internships in the U.S. while doing TAPIF but be careful with the hours and working laws.

Also lots of opportunities to volunteer from feeding refugees to helping with clothing drives. I know one person who volunteered at a prison. Find meaningful ways to fill the time!

The experience is what you make out of it so do your research and save up some money before coming. Expect the unexpected and be opened to anything! Also the French are not as efficient as what we are used to in the U.S. Be patient and prepared to wait ages to get your carte vitale/social security, but it will all be worth it in the end. Especially, if you want to stay in france after doing TAPIF, it's a great way to take a year to set up your life here.