Karyn Junkel Friedrich - French
Alumni Spotlight
Karyn Junkel Friedrich graduated from SSU in 2016 with a BA in French.
Tell us about your studies at SSU.
I studied French at SSU. I came to study French in a very roundabout way as I initially planned to study music. I can honestly say, I don't regret it!! I loved ny French studies even if it was challenging/overwhelming at times.
When you were at SSU, did you have any idea of what you would do after graduation?
Honestly, I had no clue. As stated above, I started out in the music department until I found my way to French. Once there, I was just happy to have found my place and my true passion. It wasn't until after graduation that I finally came to my niche in the world - teaching.
How did your studies or activities at SSU influence your future job opportunities / choices?
I think the biggest influence in my life was the semester I studied abroad. Suzanne, one of my French professors, encourages all students to do what they can to spend some time in France to better their language capabilities. Frankly speaking, I am not an adventurous soul but after speaking with Suzanne and the study abroad office, I realized time in France would be extremely beneficial. After my program, I was not afraid to look outside the US for my future and ended up working abroad in France after school.
Additionally, I attended a seminar in Santa Barbara for language teachers. This seminar allowed me to interact with current language teachers which definitely helped me decide later on to become a language teacher myself.
Tell us about your trajectory after SSU.
I first worked for TAPIF, a program that brings in native speakers of many different languages to France in order to teach their language in schools. This was an incredible experience as I was fortunate enough to be able to work at two schools with very supportive staff members. Also, being able to communicate with co-workers, students, and strangers made navigating my day to day life in France so much easier. Additionally, I felt I already understood a bit of the cultural differences from my studies at SSU and my study abroad program.
After the program and due to some personal life developments, I moved to Germany and became an English as a Foreign Language teacher at various private language schools. This has been incredibly fulfilling and I have also learned a lot about my skills and how best to help other language learners.
How has your French major helped you in your career?
I am currently teaching English as a foreign language in Germany. While this may not seem related to French, having been a student learning a different language and culture myself, I feel I understand better where my students are coming from than if I hadn't had this experience. Additionally, I feel my experience with French culture allowed me to be less easily offended before understanding different culture norms. I have students from a variety of cultural backgrounds as they aren't always German so this has been helpful!
How is working in an international setting different?
It can be challenging and difficult but, ultimately, I find it rewarding. I have grown so much personally and have made a lot of international connections I would not have achieved in the US.
How did you find your various positions?
I learned about TAPIF from the French program at SSU. As for my jobs here in Germany, I found them through Indeed.
What is working in your job (or jobs) like? What challenges or benefits have you found?
I work with ages 2 to 50 plus. It can be exhausting, especially with the younger students under the age of 8. It can also be challenging, especially when students are struggling or are unmotivated (ALL AGES!). However, I find that these things just make me a better teacher and a better person as my patience is consistently being tested and stretched and I am also challenged to think of things from a different perspective or consider a new approach to a particular topic. Furthermore, I enjoy having discussions with my students, learning new things as well as imparting knowledge, and being someone they can rely on and come to for help. Some of my students and I have even continued a friendship after their studies.
What advice do you have for current students?
Use the resources you have available! I used some of them but did not fully appreciate how fortunate I was to have so many resources at my finger tips. Not sure what you want to study or what job you want to do? Go to the library. There are lovely people who can help direct you to the job center or help you do ANY kind of research. Additionally, go to various departments and speak to the faculty. They have the answers to most of your questions and can help you figure out if their course of study is a good fit AND which classes you would need to take. Plus, the gym has great classes to help you blow off some steam :D
What do you see yourself doing five or ten years from now?
I think I will continue to teach even though I'm not certain it will be English.