"A gutsy step to improve myself and my understanding of the world"

• Name: Christin Neary
• Degree: B.A. French and Psychology from Indiana University, study abroad Aix-en-Provence 2008-09, TAPIF and other English teaching experiences
• Duration of the stay: 7 years
• Current position: Foreign Credentials Evaluator

Why did you decide to study in France?

Since I began studying French in middle school, I’ve always been drawn to the French language and culture. I started taking French in middle school because out of our choices for foreign language, the French class had the best field trips!

How has your experience in France contributed to your personal and professional goals?

During the majority of my time in France, I was teaching English. Teaching is an invaluable way to develop many transferrable skills in the workforce. Today I work in the field of comparative education, where my knowledge of the French educational system is called upon every day. On a personal level, it feels incredible to have my language skills mastered enough that most French people think I’m French when they meet me.

Image

Can you tell us a little anecdote or memory of your stay in France?

One time I was riding the metro in Lille, and a little girl asked me where my parents were. I told her that I was riding the metro alone because I was a “grande” (grown-up). She was impressed. Both she and her mother wished me a great day as they left, and I felt a wave of accomplishment. Though I often felt lost having moved to France on my own, it was moments like that one when I was reminded that living there was a gutsy step I took to improve myself and my understanding of the world—and something to be rather proud of!

In one sentence, for you, what was unique about your experience of studying in France?

In the US I would not have been able to… meet so many people from around the world, all united by a common love of sharing intellectual conversation over delicious French meals.