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If you've just made the exciting decision to do a gap year in France, your next step should be determining which program is right for you. Let's break down the differences between Andégo Internships Abroad and TAPIF.
If you've just made the exciting decision to do a gap year in France, your next step should be determining which program is right for you. Let's break down the differences between Andégo Internships Abroad and TAPIF.
Andégo Versus TAPIF: Which Gap Year Program in France Is Right for You?
There are countless reasons to take a gap year in France. You’ll develop or boost your French language skills. You’ll build confidence and resiliency that will last a lifetime. You’ll immerse yourself in a new culture and become part of an international community. Not to mention France is a traveler’s paradise where you can marvel at the dazzling lights of Paris and medieval architecture of the Loire, sip wine among green and purple vineyards, and bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean. Is this a romantic vision of France? Yes. But is it also the reality? Yes.
One of the most well known gap year programs for teaching English in France is TAPIF, but another equally amazing option is Andégo Internships Abroad.
As Andégo Founder Robert Zenk explains, “TAPIF is a tremendous program, and our objectives [at Andégo] align in a lot of ways. We both aim to expose young English speakers to French culture, and to expose young French students to English-speaking cultures and the English language.”
So the question simply becomes, which program is right for you. Let’s break down the differences in age range, support, accommodations, and costs between the two programs.
Age Requirements:
–TAPIF is for participants 20–35 years old
–Andégo is open to anyone 18+
Robert notes: “For our participants, language isn’t this carrot that has to hang out there until you have a job and it’s actually useful…You can go have that experience right out of high school.”
Who should do Andégo?
Those fresh out of high school through to older professionals
Who should do TAPIF?
Those strictly between 20 to 35 years of age
Support Level:
–Andégo provides step-by-step guidance for visas, bank account and phone setup, hosts an orientation in Angers, and offers school and community connections.
–TAPIF participants manage most logistics themselves.
Who should do Andégo?
Those looking for a program that offers year-round structure and mentorship.
Who should do TAPIF?
Independent self-starters
Accommodation, Meals, & Stipend:
–Andégo covers year-long accommodations and meals. Andégo also offers a stipend of about €400 per month.
–TAPIF participants find their own accommodations, pay monthly rent, and purchase their own meals. TAPIF offers a stipend of about €800 per month.
Program Fee:
–Andégo charges a $7,500 program fee, (which translates into year-long accommodations, meals, and mentorship)
–TAPIF has no upfront fee, but participants cover accommodations + food (which can translate into $7,500+ for the year)
As Robert states, “If you want a program that will handle everything for you, and provide support from start to finish, go with Andégo. But if you prefer a high level of independence, then TAPIF is a better fit.”
Who should do Andégo?
Those seeking an upfront cost option for an all-inclusive year in France.
Who should do TAPIF?
Those comfortable navigating French the bureaucracy involved in finding accommodations, and who prefer to handle their own meals.
Let’s recap the main program differences:
You really can’t go wrong with either program, because both of them get you to France! Your choice should therefore depend on your age range, independence level, and how much support you want to receive during your adventures abroad.
Choose Andégo if you’re:
☑️ 18+
☑️ A recent high school graduate or college student seeking a gap year abroad
☑️ A professional desiring a sabbatical abroad without relocating your entire life
☑️ Interested in working as an English language teaching assistant at one of Andégo’s 50 reputable partner schools across France
☑️ Looking for an all-inclusive, fully supported experience with orientation, housing, meals, and ongoing mentorship
Choose TAPIF if you’re:
☑️ Between the ages of 20 and 35
☑️ Looking for maximum independence while living in France
☑️ Comfortable navigating French bureaucracy
☑️ Comfortable handling your own housing, meals, and connections
On a separate note, Andégo can also serve as a stepping stone to TAPIF. As Robert explains, “Andégo could be a great precursor to TAPIF. That’s to say, Andégo participants who are fresh out of high school might want to do an independent program like TAPIF later on, after they’ve already had that initial supportive experience abroad through Andégo. That travel bug will still be under their skin…And at that point, TAPIF could be a great option.”
So whether you prefer the structure and mentorship of Andégo, or the independence of TAPIF, both programs will give you an unforgettable experience abroad.
Read our full interview with Andégo Founder Robert Zenck, or join an upcoming info session to explore whether the experience is right for you.
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