CatchingHumesGhost

Hello all, I asked this question in a thread, but I thought that I may get some answers if I post it here, as well. I'm from the US, but have been in France the past two years through the TAPIF program. In September, I'm starting a job as a "lecteur d'anglais" at Poitiers University. I had to decide between this position and a funded masters at Ole Miss. I was extremely conflicted on that choice, because on one hand, it seemed like I shouldn't give up an oppurtunity to teach in France to study French in the US, while on the otherhand, I feel that with my Bachelors degree, I am lacking in the professional-level, field-specific vernacular that I may need when applying to PhD programs. Furthermore, while I'm working as a lecteur, it is possible that I could go start masters program. There is a literature program offered at Aix-Marseille University that I could do à distance for the first year, while working. However, the only parcours avaiable would be "Etudes Culturelles - Mondes Anglopones". I would have the chance to choose the time period and subject, but it would be focused on anglophone lit. The program itself is taught in French or English, depending on the professor, while the first mémoire (thesis) is written in French. I would have the freedom to steer coursework and research towards a comparative tint, between French and English. Would the fact that the program has an Anglopone leaning be an outright detriment to French PhD applications in the US? It wouldn't really cost me any money to go study there. I see that at Brown University, for example, they have PhD students who had masters in English, but these were French nationals, so it may not be seen in the same way. Thanks for your time and perspectives!

Hello all, I may be in the wrong thread to ask this question, but any insight would be appreciated. I'm from the US, but have been in France the past two years through the TAPIF program. In September, I'm starting a job as a "lecteur d'anglais" at Poitiers University. I had to decide between this position and a funded masters at Ole Miss. I was extremely conflicted on that choice, because on one hand, it seemed like I shouldn't give up an oppurtunity to teach in France to study French in the US, while on the otherhand, I feel that with my Bachelors degree, I am lacking in the professional-level, field-specific vernacular that I may need when applying to PhD programs. Furthermore, while I'm working as a lecteur, it is possible that I could go a masters program. There is a literature program offered at Aix-Marseille University that I could do à distance for the first year, while working. However, the only parcours avaiable would be "Etudes Culturelles - Mondes Anglopones". I would have the chance to choose the time period, at least. Would this be helpful for French PhD applications? Maybe even hurtful since it's in the focus is in English? The courses and assignments are an even split between French and English. It wouldn't really cost me any money to go study there. I see that at Brown University, for example, they have PhD students who had masters in English, but these were French nationals, so it may not be seen in the same way. Again, thanks for your time.

I realize it may be a bit of a stretch for many US applicants, but you could try considering MA programs in Europe. At least in France the application process is still open and in many cases has not even started (a part of Sciences Po, for example). In September of 2019, a new law was passed here that drastically increased tuition costs for foreign students, however, there are many universities that have simply refused to alter their fees. If anyone is interested, I can send them a link to all of these public universities that still have essentially free MA programs. Unfortunately, the majority of the programs will require either a B2/C1 level of French, since most of the internationally focused ( and thus taught in English) programs come with their own tuition fees. I'm less familiar with the german system, but I am applying to several universities there and the application process has just begun. Tuition fees are the same for international students as they are for german citizens, which is to say it's free. Again, I realize that it may not be feasible for many folks in the US. Also, I'm not really sure what sort of implications there would be for someone having a european-based MA who intends to eventually apply for a US PhD program? In any case, I hope it can maybe help someone.

Thank you very much, I must have missed that. Appreciated.

Excuse me for asking a fairly unrelated question, but with the news of the Northwestern admits (Congratulations), it seems that I won't be accepeted anywhere. So, what is there to do inbetween application cycles that will keep me from becoming too estranged from the field, assuming that I still would like to apply next cycle? I've been teaching English in France for the past year and there's an oppurtunity for me to stay, which seems like a somewhat attractive option. Do you guys have any other suggestions?