I just discovered this website and I don't know why I didn't look for something like this sooner!
My name is Josh, I'm 29 and I'm an expat from the USA. I've been in Lille since October 2011 and I love it here. As many people already know, it can be hard to make new friends in a strange country, and I'm trying to build up a social life. I'm PACsed with my french partner, but I would like a social life of my own as well. I came here as an English assistant, I studied linguistics, and I'm interested in sci-fi books, USA sitcoms, video games, yoga, nature, witty conversation, and meeting new people. I also really need to work on my French.
Apart from the social aspect, I am also interested in getting some TEFL certification. I've found a few sites online that offer courses but they seem expensive or they are offering in-class instruction in Paris or further. Is there opportunity to get a respectable certification here in Lille (or around Lille)? Or, are there any online courses that someone could recommend that are respectable?
I'm here on a visitor's visa and I'll soon have a "carte de sejour vie privée" (thanks to my PACs) that will allow me to work. I'm looking for something that actually QUALIFIES me to to teach.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!
Introduction, Friends, and TEFL
Hi,
I'm a qualified TEFL teacher and although I don't know the north of France very well I would recommend avoiding online TEFL courses. Granted they may give you the certificate (although some aren't worth the paper they're written on) you would learn so much more finding a language school where you can do a 4 week course with qualified teachers.
I qualified at TEFL Toulouse, it's not cheap (1500 euro) but a massively satisfying experience with a great set-up and everyone on my course walked out feeling it was money well spent. But damned hard work!
Good luck with whichever route you decide to take
Hey Josh
I am moving to Lille in August. Will be looking to meet people when I arrive. Big fan of sitcoms and sci-fi too. How have you got on finding a social life outside of your partner?
Hi Andrew -
I've been focused on passing the DELF test (the test for French proficiency) and just living life. I haven't made any new French friends yet. I did meet a fun American girl who's moving to Lille in September.
I'll send a you a PM and maybe we can meet up in August.
Bonjour;
J'aimerais parfaire mon anglais avec un ou une américaine expatrié(e) sur Lille .
J'aime cuisiner, lire, voyager, voir des expos, aller au cinéma...
Peut-être pourrions-nous nous perfectionner mutuellement dans le respect et la bonne humeur?
Articles to help you in your expat project in Lille
Many of the countries of the world which are famed for their quality of life are to be found in Europe. However ...
Paris is probably the worst city you can go to if you don't have friends and only a guide book for nightlife ...
A true love affair has developed between Australians and France. The reasons for this are numerous but often ...
A vibrant and energetic town on the Garonne river, Bordeaux is well connected by rail to Paris - and then to the ...
It's no secret that France has one of the highest taxation rates in the European Union, even though they do not ...
Lille is located in the heart of the northeastern railway system of France. It takes only one hour to travel to ...
