Are you considering doing an alternance in France?
In this article, our current HR and Pedagogical Development Apprentice, Ellie, tells you all about her experience working towards a fully-funded Master's Degree in France with My English Sister. Keep reading to find out more about this opportunity!
Q1) What made you decide to do an Alternance?
It has been my goal to live and work in France since graduating with a French degree. After doing some research, I saw that in France having a vocational masters is really important in finding work.
I therefore wanted to be able to pursue my studies in a business degree, and the idea of gaining practical experience at the same time really attracted me to doing an alternance. Of course, the financial pull of the alternance also was a factor in my decision, that I could get a masters for free while also earning.
Q2) Why did you choose My English Sister?
I had worked with MES as an English Sister during my Erasmus year in Lyon in 2021. I really enjoyed working with children, and also appreciated the support that the MES team provided when I was a beginner teacher looking for my first teaching experience.
When I found that MES could offer an alternance for me I was really keen to be back in the team and ensure that new English Sisters could have the same experience that I did, which is why the HR and Pedagogical Development role really stood out to me.
Q3) Did you have any previous professional experience before starting here?
After graduating from my UK university, I spent a year in Limoges working at the university as a ‘lectrice’, teaching English conversation and grammar classes to students. Also, as I said previously, I also had experience working a part time job as an English Sister during my Erasmus year in Lyon. This year has been my first professional experience working in HR however, which has been a great challenge!
Q4) What has been your favourite part of the experience?
I have really enjoyed being part of the close MES business team and working directly with Katy, Charlotte and the other apprentices and interns. I have found it really rewarding to take on more responsibility in terms of recruitment and helping MES develop.
I have also really appreciated the close contact I have had with the network of English Brothers and Sisters, being able to provide advice and support.
Q5) What has been the most challenging part?
Managing my time and balancing my different tasks has definitely been one of the bigger challenges in this role. Keeping up my energy levels during teaching sessions and then being able to switch on and focus for my study days was definitely not always easy, but has made me work on and improve my time management and organisational skills!
Q6) What would you say that living abroad in France has taught you?
Obviously, my language skills have improved massively since living here, and I now feel confident in my speaking ability. Living in France has also exposed me to a new culture and has allowed me to make new friends and connections that are totally different from those back in the UK.
Living abroad isn’t always easy and sometimes can feel lonely, so I have learnt how to be more independent and how to be more confident in starting new hobbies and meeting new people.
Living abroad has essentially made me a ‘yes’ person, and has taught me how to thrive even when outside of my own comfort zone.
Q7) Why would you recommend doing an alternance at MES?
Doing an alternance at MES means you gain a vast range of experiences while working with a friendly and supportive team. It can be daunting moving and working abroad, and having a team of other anglophone speakers who understand this, and who want to support you, is really special.
The size of the team means that you can have the autonomy and freedom to pursue your specific areas of interest within the business, and you can direct your apprenticeship in the direction you like!
Q8) What advice would you give to anybody about to start an alternance?
Spend time researching your master's course to make sure it interests you and the format will work for you - some courses have more live classes whereas others are more entirely independent study through reading and video material.
Figure out what your goals are for the alternance, and communicate those to Katy and Charlotte so they can help guide you and give you tasks that will help you achieve these goals!
Q9) Do you know what your plans are for the future?
When my alternance ends in January, I hope to find a permanent job here in Lyon as I have fallen in love with the city! I have really enjoyed my HR experience so aim to find a job aligned with this, but also would be open to pursue English teaching opportunities.
Q10) Finally, can you describe your time with MES in 3 words?
Non-monotonous, supportive, encouraging.
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