Samford University alumna Elana Galambus ’26 will spend the 2026-27 academic year teaching English through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF).
Galambus, who earned a degree in accounting with a minor in French in May, was selected for a teaching placement at Lycée Léonce Vieljeux in La Rochelle, a coastal city in western France. Her assignment begins Oct. 1.
The opportunity allows Galambus to build on her French studies while gaining experience abroad before beginning her career in accounting. She has accepted a position as an assurance associate with BDO USA in Chicago, which she will begin upon her return from France. Galambus first became interested in spending an extended period in France after participating in a monthlong study abroad program in Grenoble.
Professor Mary McCullough, French program director and director of external fellowships and scholarships at Samford, introduced Galambus to TAPIF.
“After studying abroad in Grenoble, I knew I wanted to go back to France for a long-term program,” Galambus said. “Dr. McCullough told me about TAPIF, and I realized that it would be a great opportunity to use my love of languages to teach English and continue developing my French.”
The program requires applicants to demonstrate at least a B1 level of French proficiency, an intermediate level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Completing her French minor was important in preparing Galambus to meet that requirement.
“Before coming to Samford, I had learned some French on my own, but being in the classroom with professors who were truly passionate about their subject helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the language and its nuances,” Galambus said.
Her preparation extended beyond the classroom. Galambus served as a French lab assistant at Samford, an experience she said gave her practice helping other students learn a language and provided useful preparation for teaching English in France.
Galambus credits her first French professor with encouraging her to continue studying the language and points to McCullough’s French Culture course as another influence.
“Dr. Heather West was my first French professor, and she encouraged me to keep studying French from the very beginning,” Galambus said. “I also really enjoyed Dr. McCullough’s French Culture class, and the more I learned about French culture, the more I wanted to return to France and spend time learning more about it.”
Although accounting and French represent different areas of study, Galambus said the combination helped her develop skills she expects to use throughout her career.
“I believe that a well-rounded perspective is helpful for any career,” she said. “Accounting requires a lot of communication skills, and learning French has taught me different ways of approaching communication with others.”
Studying the cultures of French-speaking countries also challenged her to consider perspectives different from her own.
“Learning how other people think is beneficial for understanding them and their actions that I may not have agreed with at first,” Galambus said. “This understanding can translate to the accounting world and beyond.”
Kelly Jensen, interim chair of Samford’s Department of World Languages and Cultures, said Galambus’ experience demonstrates how language study can complement a student’s primary academic and professional interests.
“Elana’s experience is a wonderful example of how language study can extend far beyond the classroom and become part of a student’s larger academic and professional journey,” Jensen said. “French gave her opportunities to develop her communication skills, engage with another culture and pursue an international experience while continuing to prepare for a career in accounting.”
Galambus’ path also reflects opportunities for students to pursue academic interests across Samford’s schools and colleges. Her accounting major was completed through Brock School of Business, while her French minor was housed in Howard College of Arts and Sciences.
Bradley Lail, dean of Brock School of Business and professor of accounting, said experiences outside a student’s primary field can add valuable perspective to professional preparation.
“We are excited about Elana's opportunity to utilize her experiences at Samford to reach others on a global scale,” Lail said. “Our goal is to help students find their passions and to chase after them, and we remind our students that the Lord will provide opportunities in unexpected ways. We are pulling for her.”
While in La Rochelle, Galambus will continue working toward her master’s degree in professional accountancy with a concentration in data analytics online as she prepares for her eventual transition into the accounting profession.
In the meantime, she is looking forward to getting to know her students and experiencing daily life in La Rochelle.
“I am looking forward to getting to know students and learning more about how the French education system works,” Galambus said. “I am also looking forward to the slow pace of life, and of course, all the good seafood.”
The year in France will build upon an interest that began before Galambus arrived at Samford, developed through her French coursework and grew during her study abroad experience in Grenoble.
