Pierre Flandé, 25, from Pau in the South of France, came to NMMU in February last year to tutor
Pierre Flande French Tutor at NMMU
French. He has been giving conversational classes to second and third-year students studying French. Pierre had travelled abroad to numerous countries before, but South Africa has been his first stay in a foreign country.
Pierre studied English Language, Literature and Civilization at the Université de Pau et des pays de l’Adou for 5 years before coming to teach French as a foreign language to students in South Africa. “I loved English. From the day I started, I knew I was going to do that”, says Pierre. His university in France is smaller than NMMU, with a total of only about 2000 students. It is more convenient and friendly there, according to Pierre, and due to its size, you get to know everyone and you see your friends often. Compared to South Africa, Pierre says that food at the university cafeteria in France is “ridiculously cheap”. You can buy a full meal, consisting of two small portions and a main portion, for as little as R28. One thing that struck Pierre on his arrival at NMMU is the extremely high cost of studies, which he found “shocking”. South Africa was Pierre’s second destination choice when he applied for this job. He is paid by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and teaches French at the Alliance Française in Port Elizabeth, as well as organises various events for them. Pierre has enjoyed his time in South Africa and is continuing to do so.
Pierre’s impressions of living in South Africa are rather interesting. “Security is really, really different”, he says. “Back home we have no alarms and electric fences. We don’t leave lights on, and we don’t lock our doors all the time. Everything is so slow here, which is a good thing, because in France, things can get hectic. I was very surprised how good the roads are, and petrol is much cheaper. People are much friendlier here. I enjoy the ocean and being able to surf and braai – because most of the time the weather is very nice”. In the beginning, the English language was a problem for Pierre. “After a month he felt more confident, and after three to four months, I was very confident and had basically reached my English goals”, he proudly says. “At the moment, I would like to stay in South Africa, and then go to other countries to teach and travel. I started with good working conditions, so I have to find these again”, he says.
Lisa Moore
Diba Multimedia Station 