The Ultimate TAPIF Guide 2026
$15.00
Want to teach English abroad in France? Interested in applying for the TAPIF program? This is your ultimate TAPIF guide! You’ll learn how to step-by-step apply for the TAPIF program, how to obtain your visa and prepare for France, how to find housing in France and open a bank account, and more. Plus, you’ll get TAPIF lesson plan ideas and advice for teaching ESL.
Want to know how to successfully teach English abroad and thrive in France?
The goal of this 2026-2027 TAPIF guide is to support you during each stage of your TAPIF journey from applying for the program to departing from France. Each chapter discusses a different topic in-depth. I’ve researched everything you’ll need to know and included lots of useful information that you won’t find in the official TAPIF handbook. You’ll also discover a checklist at the end of every chapter that will help you throughout your TAPIF journey.
This guide also includes my experiences participating in the 2019-2020 program. My personal observations about the program are not universal to all assistants, schools, regions, etc., but they will hopefully give you insights into life as an assistant in France.
This TAPIF guide includes…
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How to step-by-step apply for the TAPIF program + my statement of purpose
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How to successfully obtain your visa and prepare for France
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How to find housing, open a bank account, and get settled in France
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How to plan your lessons and be an amazing teaching assistant
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How to navigate daily life in France, make extra money and make friends
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How to depart from France and renew your teaching contract
Ready to begin your adventures in France? Get access to all the information you’ll need for TAPIF! 🇫🇷
Chapter 1: The Application Process
What is TAPIF?
Is TAPIF Right for Me?
The Pros & Cons of the TAPIF Program
The Application Step-by-Step
Choosing a Region, City Size and Age Group
Writing Your Statement of Purpose
My Example Statement of Purpose
Writing About Your Experiences
Waiting for a Response
What If I Am Waitlisted?
Application Timeline
Chapter 2: Preparing for France
Contacting Your School
Selecting the Right Visa
Applying for the Visa
Scheduling & Attending Your Appointment
Organizing Your Documents
Booking Your Flight and Other Transportation
Researching Housing Options
Purchasing Additional Insurance
Getting Organized in Your Home Country
Saving Money
Practicing Your French
Connecting with Other Assistants
What Do Pack
Pre-Departure Checklist
Chapter 3: Getting Settled in France
Opening a Bank Account
Choosing a Bank
Finding Housing
Living at Your School
Signing up for CAF Benefits
Purchasing Housing Insurance
Validating Your Visa
Attending Your OFII Appointment
Setting Up Healthcare
Organizing Transportation
Getting Around France
Buying Cell Service
Setting Up Internet and Television
Exploring Your City
Post-Arrival Checklist
Chapter 4: Teaching
Your First Day
Orientation and Training
Getting to Know Your Colleagues
How to Be an Amazing Teaching Assistant
Your Teaching Responsibilities
A Typical School Day
An Actual Teaching Assistant’s Schedule
A Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant
Teaching English Abroad
Creating Engaging Lessons
Preparing Students for the Bac
Structuring Your Lesson Plan
A Simple Lesson Planning Worksheet
20 ESL Lesson Plan Ideas
Getting Paid
Receiving a Salary Advance
School Vacations
Teaching Checklist
Chapter 5: Daily Life in France
Tips for Day-to-Day in France
Grocery Shopping
Sending and Receiving Mail
Laundry
Dealing with Culture Shock
Dealing with Bureaucracy
How to Spend Your Free Time
Finding a Second Job
Learning French
An Assistant’s Travels in France
How to Make Friends
Managing Your Money
Making Extra Money
Chapter 6: Departing from France
Paying Taxes
Closing Your Accounts and Plans
Moving Out
Breaking Your Lease
Getting Rid of Your Stuff
Packing
Obtain a Work Attestation and Recommendations
Keep in Contact with Friends
What to Do After TAPIF
Renew Your Teaching Contract
Find a Job in France
Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock
Who wrote this guide?
This guide was written by Lily, a former assistant who participated in the TAPIF program during the 2019-2020 school year. She taught English at a high school in Lorient, located in the Brittany region of France. She is sharing her extensive research on the program with you.
Why should I pay for this. guide?
This is called the ultimate TAPIF guide for a reason. It provides tons of important information that will help you have an amazing experience in France. The guide also expands on available resources with further details, insider tips, and my personal advice and experiences. You’ll end up saving more time and money by having invaluable information all in one place.
Is this guide updated?
This guide was last updated in summer 2026. It will continue to be updated each year if new information becomes available about the program. I also add new resources frequently to the extra resources page. I originally wrote the guide based on my experiences in the 2020-2021 TAPIF program.
What is the format of this guide?
This guide is a PDF file. When you purchase the guide, you’ll be able to download the PDF file instantly.
Are payments secure?
Payments are completely secure and are processed using standard, safe payment services including PayPal and Stripe. I will not receive any of your credit card details or personal information.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me using the contact information on my website! I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible.