Newry Student Discovers Teaching Passion during French Placement

A Newry woman who was once so afraid of living abroad she nearly dropped her best subject at school has revealed how a year in France completely changed her life and career plans.

Chloe Meehan has spoken out as the British Council launches its latest recruitment drive for English Language Assistants, with the deadline for applications set for Wednesday 28 January.

The Queen's University Belfast student, now in her final year studying English and French, admits she was "terrified" at the prospect of spending time overseas. She said the year abroad requirement was the main reason she considered dropping French at A-level, despite excelling in the subject, because she genuinely didn't believe she could cope living away from home for that long.

Fast forward 12 months and the experience in Toulouse has completely transformed her outlook. Chloe worked in two middle schools with pupils aged between 11 and 15, spending 12 hours a week supporting teachers with conversation practice, small group sessions and cultural lessons.

She said the first month was particularly challenging, coinciding with her 21st birthday whilst battling homesickness and self-doubt in an unfamiliar environment. But she stuck with it and gradually found her feet in the classroom despite having no previous teaching experience.

Chloe explained how she initially spent hours meticulously planning lessons before realising that flexibility was the key to success. The hands-on experience helped her discover a genuine passion for teaching, and she's now considering applying for a PGCE with ambitions to teach English in France.

Her time overseas wasn't just spent in the classroom either. Chloe travelled extensively around France, visiting cities including Bordeaux, Marseille and Annecy, and even secured additional work at a summer camp in the French countryside. The experience also allowed her to build lasting friendships through work colleagues, other assistants and the Erasmus Student Network.

Reflecting on the transformation, she said anyone considering the programme should just go for it, noting that the fear beforehand is always worse than reality. She described the year not as one of loneliness but as a period of independence filled with new friendships, travel and unique experiences.

The British Council programme, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, has been sending young people overseas to teach since 1905. Around 1,800 assistants are placed in schools, universities and language centres across nine countries including France, Canada and Argentina each year, with placements lasting between six months and a year.

Colm McGivern, Director of British Council Northern Ireland, said the programme provides a unique chance to experience another culture firsthand whilst gaining professional experience and developing lifelong skills. He encouraged anyone considering their next steps to seize the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland on the global stage whilst building confidence and intercultural understanding.

The programme operates on a reciprocal basis, meaning international assistants also come to Northern Ireland and the wider UK to teach. Applicants don't need formal language qualifications as skills can be developed through travel, personal study or university courses, with requirements varying between destinations.

For more information and full eligibility criteria, visit: www.britishcouncil.org