Exciting Opportunities with France’s Language Ambassador Program 2024
For ambitious Costa Rican university students who boast proficiency in the French language, the doors to an overseas adventure have just swung wide open. The Embassy of France in Costa Rica has unveiled a thrilling scholarship competition, inviting participants to spend seven glorious months in France. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers participants a chance to assist in teaching Spanish at French schools and colleges.
Previous Success and a Look Towards the Future
In a grand ceremony hosted by the diplomatic office, 31 lucky Costa Ricans who made the cut this year were celebrated, gearing up for their impending French sojourn. Furthermore, the spotlight was thrown on the upcoming 2024 program, encouraging more individuals to apply and embrace this cross-cultural journey.
Bridging Cultures Through the “Language Assistants of France International Education” Program
As per the details shared by the diplomatic office, this initiative aptly named the “Language Assistants of France International Education” serves as a dual-benefit system. Not only do chosen candidates get to immerse themselves in the French way of life and culture, but they also stand as representatives of Costa Rican heritage.
Operating under a seven-month contract with the French Government, the Costa Rican language assistants will team up with local educators, enriching Spanish lessons with their unique perspectives. In return for their invaluable contributions, participants will receive a monthly remuneration of approximately 1,000 euros for 12 hours of work per week.
This year’s batch, including students from the French Teaching stream, will showcase activities deeply rooted in Costa Rican culture, aiming to present a fresh instructional approach to Spanish for French students.
Eligibility and Application Details for 2024
The race for the 2024 slots kicks off from September 18th, closing curtains on October 22nd. Comprehensive competition guidelines are accessible at www.cr.ambafrance.org/espanol.
Open to both undergraduates (in their third year or beyond) from any public or private institution and active French teachers with a relevant university degree, this competition has a few essential criteria. Participants need to be native or naturalized Costa Ricans, residing in the country, aged between 20-30, single, childless, and have a strong command over French – both oral and written, aligned with the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Notably, individuals who aren’t pursuing a French Teaching degree but have undergone training at institutions like the Alianza Francesa can also jump into the fray, provided they hold a certification verifying their language competency level.
Decades of France-Costa Rica Collaboration
This impactful program, which had its humble beginnings in France in 1905, has been uplifting Costa Rican lives since 1982. Over the years, 866 Costa Ricans have reaped the rewards of this intercultural bridge, honing their professional skills and polishing their French.
Interestingly, Costa Rica stands out as the lone Central American nation boasting a reciprocal system. This allows French language assistants to also experience the vibrant educational landscape of Costa Rica annually. Expressing her contentment over this bilateral scheme, Ambassador Alexandra Bellayer-Roille voiced her hopes for its future expansion, facilitating enriching lessons in Costa Rica’s public schools and colleges, reminiscent of the Costa Rican impact in France.
