« Language assistance is a good opportunity to do a lot of things at the same time » – Susanne Müller, Switzerland

Susanne Müller, 22 – is one of the young people who came from abroad to Nevers to be a language assistant in a school. She came from small town called Eich, Switzerland. There are just 1500 people but it’s a very beautiful place – you can see stunning mountains on a horison. There is also a large magestic lake.

Susanne and her sister, Freiburg (Germany)

Susanne has studied in Luzern, the closest big town to Eich. Her specialization is teaching for primary school (6-11 years old).  She came to Nevers thanks to  « Movetia » –  a program that gives a chance for students to go abroad to get first professional experience.

« The first week I arrived, I mostly just observed the teacher’s work. Also at the beginning I had a training for 2 days in Dijon. »

She told me that she works usually with a small groups of children as it is easier for teaching and also for the kids to learn. She creates different activities and presentations where she speaks about her country.

« Not all the kids are that curious but I’m sure they like my classes. »

I also asked her if there are problems between people who speak different languages in Switzerland, but she said there are no conflicts in this regard. All official documents are usually written in at least 3 languages – German, French and Italian so no-one should feel excluded. There is also another official language called Romansh.

Eich, Switzerland photo by Krol:k (Wikipedia)

« I came from the German speaking part of Switzerland, a lot of young people and I speak both languages. We learn it in school. »

Susanne is going to stay in Nevers until the end of March so I asked her what she thinks about living here.

« In general I like it but I admit it is a bit quiet. Although maybe it’s me being not that curious to find more places to go out. I like « Langues de Chat » – it’s a place where you can meet new people. Also I like the restaurant « Ta sœur » and the bakery « Les Gouters D’Enora ».

I have already traveled a bit in France – Montpellier, other town around like Avignon, Nimes. Also Paris, Dijon, Tour, Bourges and Strasbourg. »

« Regarding differences between France and Switzerland, there are some in culture or mentality but it’s hard to specify what. It’s just small details like different products in the supermarket or different bread. Also it was quite suprising to see all shops closed around midday. »

I asked her what exactly motivated her to do this kind of program, so she answered that it is a good opportunity to do a lot of things in the same time – to have a year off, learn French, travel and work.

Thanks to Susanne for the interview, I wish you a joyful time in France and find a job that pleases you! Good luck!