This highly respected local government scheme has now been in existence for over seventeen years and is approved by the French ‘Education Nationale’.
Since 2006 the team of three primary school students teach in twenty-nine schools in the counties of Montaigu and Rocheserviere. Pupils come from “Cycle 3”, which is the French equivalent of years four, five and six. Teaching takes place in the schools six hours per day on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Schools are closed on Wednesday and you are therefore free, although be prepared to sacrifice it in order to either catch up with lesson preparation or to complete projects such as the Pantomime or sports day. Friday is spent at the office in Montaigu planning future lessons or projects. Students manage their own time at weekends. Normally, this time is devoted to host families and their various activities. In addition, it should be noted that during the school holiday periods (see school calendar below) throughout the academic year, students do not teach and thus, as with weekends students are free to organise their own time.
The contract starts in mid September and finishes at the end of May. Upon arrival in September, students spend the first two weeks in the office with Julie, undertaking an induction programme. Here, you observe and carry out practice lessons, establish timetables, organise transport and finalise personal administration such as third party insurance and the opening of French bank accounts etc.
Every student, regardless of status, receives around 170 euros per month from the Syndicat. This sum is not a wage, as accommodation and food are already provided, but is more of an allowance to help you meet your personal needs throughout the year.
| Event | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Rentrée scolaire des enseignants | lundi 3 septembre 2007 | |
| Rentrée scolaire des élèves | mardi 4 septembre 2007 | |
| Vacances de la Toussaint | samedi 27 octobre 2007 | jeudi 8 novembre 2007 |
| Vacances de Noël | samedi 22 décembre 2007 | lundi 7 janvier 2008 |
| Vacances d'hiver | samedi 16 février 2008 | lundi 3 mars 2008 |
| Vacances de printemps | samedi 12 avril 2008 | lundi 28 avril 2008 |
| Vacances d'été | jeudi 3 juillet 2008 | mardi 2 septembre 2008 |