Teach English in France

Overview

Would you like to teach English in France? Read this guide to learn more pros & cons of teaching in France. France has a lot to offer English speakers, who are in high demand to complement the country’s excellent educational system.

The French have generally been hesitant to study English and other foreign languages, giving the impression that they are snobbish. However, things have changed in recent decades, and the English language has been recognised as a stepping stone connecting France to the commercial world therefore nowadays, there are more opportunities for native speakers to teach English in France. Travelling between Paris and London is simple for entrepreneurs as well as individuals looking for a weekend getaway in one of Europe’s great capitals.

If you have a TEFL certificate, a degree, and some experience, you should be able to find a job teaching English in France to a variety of ages, abilities, and specialised subjects. However, hiring in France can be difficult, with some schools preferring younger, inexperienced instructors over those with decades of experience. Extra qualifications (such as a PGCE or DELTA) do not guarantee that you will be more employable than someone who only has a TEFL certificate.

The French want knowledgeable but also motivated English teachers who are willing to adapt to their educational preferences and processes. Having more qualifications and experience does not always imply that you will be paid more. In addition, rather than advertising for full-time TEFL employment, many schools are now preferring freelancing teachers to teach English in France to assist and supplement their local tuition. You’ll be the envy of your TEFL buddies if you land a job teaching English in France. 

There are undoubtedly worse places to be with good weather, world-renowned cuisine, sophisticated culture and fashion, reliable transportation systems, infinite cultural attractions, calm scenery, and vibrant cities. If you decide to pursue a TEFL career in France, you’ll quickly see why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Types of teaching jobs in France

Private elementary schools and secondary schools

Private elementary and secondary schools in France are competitive, and their teaching staff is held to a high standard. Because they are well-resourced, they provide a terrific atmosphere in which to continue to grow. The faculty is enthusiastic, and the students are passionate about learning about the French curriculum.

Private English language schools

In France, private English language schools are a little more lenient with their admissions standards. They’ll typically require a Bachelor’s degree–any degree–as well as a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) and related professional experience. You can still apply if you have a lesser teaching qualification, although some institutions may refuse to recognise it.

Workforce tutoring

The French Chamber of Commerce and major private businesses hire native English speakers to up-skill specific groups within the workforce. If you have specialised knowledge in a field such as marketing, engineering, or medicine, you might want to consider teaching English in France to adults in the workplace.

Teaching assistant programme 

Teaching Assistant positions for those who wish to teach in France are available for up to seven months at a number of organisations, including the Alliance Francaise. If you speak French well, this is a fantastic opportunity to get experience in France and determine if you love living in a culturally rich environment. This position is intended for recent college grads and does not require any qualifications other than a Bachelor’s degree and fluency in French.

Popular destinations to teach in France.

Of course, the most popular destination for teachers visiting France is Paris. It is, nevertheless, the most challenging city to obtain work in and the most expensive. For example, many teachers are increasingly looking further afield, with teaching chances in Lyon, Marseilles, Bordeaux, Grenoble, and Montpellier.

Teachers interested in tutoring adults in a corporate context flock to Lyon, whereas primary and secondary school teachers flock to Montpellier. Marseilles, Bordeaux, and Grenoble all have a diverse range of work opportunities and pay levels, as well as lower living costs than the city of lights.

TFEL France: Visa & Sponsorship 

Citizens of the European Union (EU) are given first priority for employment in France, as they are in most other European countries. A working visa is not required if you are from the European Union. If you are from a nation outside of the EU, you will need to be sponsored by an educational institution or programme in order to get a working or teaching visa in France.

While this was originally extremely difficult due to the vast number of British and Irish EU nationals looking for work in France, Brexit may provide an opportunity for English-speaking non-EU citizens to be sponsored. You should, however, anticipate a lengthy procedure.

Work culture in France

A sound school system necessitates strong teaching standards, and the French have high expectations of their teachers. You’ll have long days ahead of you, and it’s not uncommon to have to forego some of your evenings and weekends. Working in the French educational system, on the other hand, is incredibly fulfilling and a terrific career choice.

Teachers also take long vacations in France, but you should check whether your income includes paid or unpaid leave. Tutors are expected to travel for their jobs, frequently shifting from one organisation to the next.

When to apply for TEFL jobs in France

In France, most schools will determine their future teacher needs in the first quarter of the year, with advertisements for teachers running during the summer months. In September, the school year begins. You can contact an employer at any point during the academic year if you want to work in a private English language school or as a business tutor, as they tend to hire new teachers as needed. You should budget at least six months to complete the visa application procedure.

Teach English in France: The average salary

Depending on their relevant abilities and experience, teachers with a bachelor’s degree who wish to experience English teaching in France might expect to earn up to €1,600 per month. In most cases, housing, travel, and lodging allowances are not included in wage packages. Private English language school salaries are lower, but they should not be less than €1,000 per month.

France is not only one of the most expensive countries in Western Europe to live in, but it also has some of the most expensive cities in the world. Paris is by far the most expensive city, with Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and Montpellier following close behind. The high costs of living in cities are matched by a lavish lifestyle. Travelling to smaller, rural towns will result in significant price reductions but will also result in fewer work opportunities, entertainment, facilities, and transportation options.

While transportation in France can be expensive, the service is efficient, and much of Europe envies it. What you pay for is what you get.

Accommodation is one of the most expensive aspects of living when teaching English in France, accounting for anywhere from a third to half of your monthly payments. Look for listings of Chambre de bonnes (maid’s quarters), which are modest, top-floor studios that can cost half as much as conventional apartments. Sharing an apartment or renting a room in a family house is a terrific way to live somewhere pleasant for less money.