Jessica Evangelista Talks Living & Learning Abroad Pt. I
This is part I of the fifth interview in this series where I talk with friends of mine about their career trajectories.
By Norrell Edwards — October 27, 2023
This is part I of the fifth interview in this series where I talk with friends of mine about their career trajectories. Interviews generally cover an overview of the individual's current position, their reflections on how their college experiences prepared them (or didn't!) for their current position, and other career-related advice. In this particular 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.
Jessica Evangelista has an associate's degree from Westchester Community College. She transferred to City University of New York Hunter College and received a degree in Literature in 2013. Once she finished, two years later, she moved to France. In France, she did a Master's 1 & 2. In her first year, she did a Master's in Communication In her second year, the Master's 2 was in American Studies/History. This fall, she begins a Ph.D. contract with Casa De Velàquez. In the year that passed between finishing her Master's and starting the Ph.D. contract, Jessica worked as a full-time lecturer in Anglophone Studies in a university English department. 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 Studying Abroad to Living Abroad
Dr. Norrell Edwards:
It's funny I'm convinced our time abroad was really unique. The stereotype is that Americans are isolated from the cultures and communities they study abroad. They spend all their time with other Americans speaking English. I swear we had to do a lot of adult things; just remember apartment hunting, registering for classes, taking the metro everywhere, working, plus opening and closing a French bank account. I felt like I got a taste of adult life in another country, maybe even more than I had previously experienced in the U.S.N:
How would you say your time studying abroad impacted your trajectory to where you are now?Jessica:
I look back at our time and remember not studying at all — I don't regret it either. I was having the time of my life just hanging around. It was a fun time.Jessica:
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:
What would you say to students about your interest in school or academics changing? What would you say to students who haven't had the best grades?J:
Moving to Paris helped me start over academically. My grades weren't terrible, but in Paris, there wasn't so much weight placed on what I had done previously in the U.S. As a foreigner, you're treated differently than native French students in a way that can play to your advantage.A Clean Slate in a New State
J:
Yea, my advice is to leave the country. I don't understand the U.S. higher education system too well because I never thought I'd get a Master's degree, much less do a Ph.D. It sort of just came with time.J:
If you want to do a PhD—do it in a foreign country. Most of the time, it's free or considerably cheaper than in the U.S. Plus, there's more leniency for foreigners. You can often request to do your doctorate in English, too. I speak French, but naturally, I express myself so much better in English. A Master's in France you do have to do in French, but the Ph.D. you can do in English. Plus, you don't have to take GREs like you do in the U.S. I remember you studying for those while we were in Paris.J:
I know it's difficult to move to a foreign country, but honestly, that money you would spend in the U.S. — you could do it somewhere else for free. One place I was looking to do my PhD was Norway. I came close to working with a researcher there. Germany has a lot of Master's programs in English as well. Additionally, the visa you get allows you to work. For example — I've always worked on the side to be able to pay my rent and meet other needs.Working Abroad
N:
What kind of work did you do while pursuing your Master's?J:
Mostly teaching. I taught in public schools. I also gave private classes for some time; that was great because I could make my schedule. In France, there is a huge demand for English teachers and tutors. There might be less demand in a country like Germany or Norway. So that's also something to consider when planning to move abroad. It's helpful to live somewhere where English isn't a national language or where there is a high demand for English lessons.N:
Yea, that makes a lot of sense. I remember working as a "baby speaker" in Paris. I was essentially just an English speaking playmate. It was a great gig. I'd come over while the mom was home and talk to her eight-year-old about his day for an hour or so, and that was the job.J:
Yea, there are a lot of work opportunities. My friends did different things, like working in bars, bakeries, stores, restaurants, cafes, or babysitting. One friend is a caretaker for the elderly.N:
It is a close parallel to the jobs people take in the U.S. while studying for their degrees. You're doing the same things in a different culture and context. That's pretty cool, I think.Major Takeaways
Jessica emphasizes how moving to a new country allowed her to start over academically. Before spending money on a Master's or PhD program in the U.S. — consider whether it might be advantageous to pursue a degree abroad instead.
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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