Scorching Spain and shining sand. The eclectic cultures and landscapes of Southern America. Mini paradises surrounded by Caribbean azures. Parties, newfound cities and exotic friends, the best year of your life.
That’s the mirage my trusting eyes focused on when I signed up for seven months of teaching for my year abroad. Several forms and meetings later, hearing previous assistants applauding the value and fun of the year out, I was wholly convinced. These months would be the most memorable of my university career. I was destined for northern France near the historical gem of Mont St Michel and, promised bicycles and baguettes galore, I waved goodbye to Glasgow filled with expectation. Planning, packing, poring over Google maps – no preparation could have softened the blow of what I actually experienced.
Reality descended upon me like a wave upon arrival. The jump across the Channel suddenly seemed oceanic. I swayed through the motions; two days later, another reality hit. A jarring thump as my colleague opened Anglais 5eme and said “page 41. We’re doing prepositions tomorrow. Prepare a lesson.” The next seven months brought more work than my two years of university. The night approached, reruns of dubbed Big Bang Theory in the background as I was bent over my laptop, tapping out worksheets, presentations and games.
It didn’t help my failing enthusiasm to know that there was a huge discrepancy between language assistant workloads. Whilst I spent evenings stressing and mornings rushing, others swayed into class late, with the luxury of Fridays off. My meagre twelve hours were spread inconsiderately over the week, making it impossible for me to travel at weekends.
Although the company of English speakers and cheap accommodation were blessings, the minuscule anglicised microcosm I survived in was the limit of the town’s social scene. In vain, I followed the British Council Survival Bible – “join German classes attended by the over 50s, drink at the local pub that smells and looks like your gran’s living room, sit in the park and hope a fellow flower-loving pensioner takes pity on you and starts a conversation”… (Rural Version). The officially issued advice was clearly tailored to those gifted with city postings, not us ‘out in the sticks.’ We really did try everything to integrate. Yet after seven months of solo teaching and little practical application of French, I left feeling disappointed in the placement and with my failure to fit in.
Whether you’re considering a period abroad, have recently returned or are checking in at departures, here’s the regrettable reality: my story is lonely, but it’s far from alone. Along the northern coast, in the small continental settlements, other assistants I knew had similar experiences. Isolation, boredom, misjudgement, at worst even bullying by colleagues.
Like all returners, I’m gradually readjusting to Glasgow’s buzz and banter in the nostalgic mirror of my year abroad memories. I acted at the school’s film club, I dined with teachers, and I valued my flatmates’ company. I wasn’t completely isolated. However, my time in France simply didn’t meet my expectations. Whether it’s a case of personal acceptance, unfortunate location or misplaced hopes, we learn. Don’t place too much in society’s conviction of the idyllic, sun-swathed year abroad. Such dazzling ideals will only leave you burnt.
