Very enjoyable, but manage your expectations

*I am a current participant in my first year of the program and this review reflects my views as of this first month and a half.*

I'm greatly enjoying my experience with TAPIF! I think it can be a great option for those who want to live abroad, meet new people, practice French, and who feel prepared to be independent. I'm writing this review with the intention of sharing my own experience while also acknowledging where to manage expectations as experiences are very variable, and I've happened to be fortunate in many aspects.

It's important to note that this while TAPIF is a program, it is mainly a job allowing you to live and work in France--it does not have the same infrastructure as a study abroad program might. You will receive guiding information from the program, and depending on your professeur référent, you'll have some help when you get there, but you should be prepared to navigate the difficulties of opening a bank account, finding housing, and other logistics on your own. It's also important to have a decent level of French to navigate these situations!

I'm enjoying my city, Toulon, a lot, as well as the chance to explore other areas nearby. My teachers and advisor have all been kind and helpful, and I've enjoyed teaching at my schools and have just the right amount of responsibility and importance in the classroom. My city and school situation are two aspects that greatly contribute to my overall positive experience, however prospective applicants should be prepared for how variable these things can be. You can be assigned anywhere from a big city to a small, rural village, so keep that in mind if you feel you really want to be in a specific location. In terms of the school, you may find that teachers are not giving you enough work, giving you too much, etc, so it's important to communicate with them from the beginning and speak with your prof ref if you have any issues.

Making friends with the other assistants in my city has been one of the best parts of the program! There are many assistants in my area and everyone has been very friendly and enthusiastic to get together. I'd highly recommend finding/making a group chat for your region/city so you can start communicating with your fellow assistants early on.

SAVE UP BEFORE DOING TAPIF! Possibly your biggest challenge in this program will be living off the salary. You will see the number when you are completing your application, but take the time to really think about living on it month to month (keeping in mind that it will not be enough in big cities), and how feasible it will be depending on how much money you've saved up. You will not be able to work another contractual job (many assistants earn some cash on the side by tutoring or babysitting). Though I've truly enjoyed my time, this is an aspect of the program I think is worth taking into serious consideration before deciding to accept a position.