Jessica Evangelista Talks Living & Learning Abroad Part II
In this segment, Jessica Evangelista shares her experience transitioning from studying abroad in Paris as a college student to relocating to Paris after college to enroll in a French Master's program.
By Norrell Edwards — October 27, 2023
This is part II of our interview with Jessica Evangelista, an educator and doctoral student in Paris, France. In this segment, Jessica shares her experience transitioning from studying abroad in Paris as a college student to relocating to Paris after college to enroll in a French Master's program. Please remember this interview reflects solely Jessica Evangelista's opinions and insights; this interview does not reflect the thoughts, feelings, or opinions of any past, present or future client, employer, or any other entity affiliated with Jessica Evangelista.
From Student to Educator
Dr. Norrell Edwards:
Did our time studying abroad prepare you to be a real student in Paris? Did it prepare you to be part of the French system?Jessica:
No, not really. Our classes in our study abroad program were pretty isolated. I am not sure if you remember, but we took a lot of special classes through the program, as well as française à l'étranger (fle) or French as a Foreign Language classes. So, they were different; they were created for foreigners. French methodology is very specific. Once you get it, you get it. Some of the very limited French I knew when we studied abroad did help. But otherwise—no.N:
Was it a difficult transition, becoming a full-time French student doing your French Master's?J:
I wasn't culturally shocked or homesick. I was ecstatic and very excited to be here. Again, learning the French methodology was a bit of a challenge, but just a challenge within the system I wanted to be in. I know a lot of students are surprised by how conservative some of the most prestigious universities can be. That can be a downside. The place I'm doing my PhD is invested in cutting-edge research and methodologies — I love and value that.N:
Honestly, I think that's the case for many institutions. The older and more prestigious—the more entrenched some of their old-school values are. Did you fall in love with teaching? Had you imagined wanting to be a teacher/educator before moving abroad?J:
No, I never imagined myself becoming a professor until I came to France. Then, once I started doing it—I enjoyed it. Right before the pandemic, I got tired of it somewhat. I wanted to start my school here, actually. I started a nonprofit giving lessons and paid myself as an employee. But after the pandemic, I grew tired of it.J:
I think I am tired of teaching English. I love teaching phonetics and grammar, but it does have its limits. Now, I'm looking to teach more towards my research. I don't know if I'll like it, but it feels exciting.Finding Your Lane as an Educator
N:
While I was doing my PhD, I taught a lot of 'Intro to Freshman Writing.' It could be very repetitive and boring. I think that's kind of normal in the education world. I used to also teach these business writing classes for a language nonprofit. There is A LOT of demand for writing instruction, which can be your bread and butter when you're first starting. At the same time, I think it's easy to get burned out on that too.N:
The long-term goal is always to get to a place in your career where you can teach your specialty. Now that I am a tenure-line professor at a small liberal arts college, I am lucky to be able to teach any number of classes on diverse literature. I get to do that because there's a need for that at my college.J:
Yea, it's important to hit a balance between serving the need and also serving your interests. It's great when they line up. Last summer, I tried working as a substitute teacher for middle school, too. I usually teach high school and thought middle school would be easier. It wasn't. The French public school system is definitely under-resourced and has its issues.N:
It sounds like you got a lot of trial and error in figuring out what you do and don't like teaching-wise.Getting the Work Done on Your Own Terms
N:
How are you feeling about going into your doctorate?J:
I feel good because I have a supportive advisor; that has been key for me. He knows how I work. I hand in things late; I disappear sometimes. There's nothing I've ever handed in early or on time. He knows and trusts I'll get it done eventually — just on my terms. I have a life outside school, and I can't always balance it all. I know some professors don't like that. I'm fortunate that he understands and respects my process.N:
I find that can be the key to most professional experiences from school to the workplace—if you find someone you work well with—the sky's the limit.J:
Yea, I like that he engages with my work and provides constructive feedback and comments. I've had other professors who don't do that. That isn't helpful. The comments feel like a dialogue where he gives me room to argue my perspective most times—whether that's for the phrasing of a sentence or an idea I'm pushing. He really reads through it.N:
I've also had professors who don't read your work. Avoid them at all costs.Major Takeaways
Studying abroad did not prepare Jessica for the methods and content she'd engage in as a French Master's student. However, she was mentally prepared for the challenge because of her desire to start fresh. Becoming an educator developed for Jessica with time; a big part of her success was finding a mentor and advisor who respected her work style. Finding someone who will really engage with your work and enter a dialogue with you is invaluable. Jessica also tried out several different teaching contexts, from teaching middle school and high school to university to explore her career trajectory.
Norrell Edwards
Norrell Edwards is a scholar, educator, and communications consultant for non-profit organizations. Her employment experience and research interests place her work at the nexus of global Black identity, cultural memory, and social justice. Norrell graduated with a BA in English Literature from Hunter’s College followed by a PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park in 20th and 21st Century Black Diaspora Literature.
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