Senior elementary education foundations major Raven Behringer finds an authentic connection to the culture of schools, and France, during the study abroad teaching practicum in Montpellier, France.
You completed the study abroad program in Montpellier, France to earn some of your teaching hours. Tell us the highlights of the experience.
The whole experience was truly amazing, so it is hard for me to pick just a few highlights. However, a big highlight was being able to get so close with the French students who were mentoring us while we were in Montpellier. They were so kind and welcoming. Another highlight was visiting neighboring French cities through the study abroad program. As a group, we took excursions to Nimes, Anduze, and Sète. Each visit emphasized the beauty and uniqueness of the French culture.
I also got to learn French from a traditional French teacher. Our teacher taught us within the classroom, but also outside on the streets of Montpellier. She would take us to markets, restaurants, and cafes and teach us in these settings, giving us an authentic view of the French language and culture.
Did the experience impact your future studies/career direction at all?
This experience only reinforced the fact that I want to be an elementary teacher. I also want to keep learning and speaking French. I am hoping one day to be able to use my knowledge of the French language and culture to teach in a French immersion school, or even go back to France and teach someday!
Did your teaching improve?
This was my first teaching experience, and I think my teaching did improve. I started off not knowing much about classroom management. However, my host teacher took the time to teach me some valuable techniques and tips for managing a full and lively class.
What would you want other students to know about the study abroad program?
A year ago, when I started the program, I had no idea what it meant to be an ESL (English as a second language) teacher in the United States. Now that I’ve student-taught both at an elementary school and at a high school, I know exactly what I’m getting myself into. Especially as someone who is new to the K-12 system in the US, the student-teaching not only prepared me for the content-area skills I need in the classroom, but also helped me familiarize with the culture of public schools – such as being comfortable with using my last name with my students and interacting with colleagues and administrators.
How was your experience with the faculty?
The faculty in Montpellier were great! They were extremely helpful, and made my time in Montpellier much easier as I transitioned to life in France. You could virtually reach them at any time of the day which was comforting living in a new country.
Any other thoughts you want to share about your experience?
If students are feeling a little wary about going, just know that I was too. However, I have not regretted my decision for one second. This semester abroad changed my perspective on the world as a whole, the culture of France, and how I want to be as a teacher.
Learn more about the B.S. in Elementary Education Foundations program, and the study abroad opportunity Teaching Practicum in Montpellier, France.
