TEFL jobs in France
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching 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
Private Elementary 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.
Living costs
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.
Key facts
Language: French
Population: 67 million
Currency: High
Capital: Euro
TEFL job demand: Paris
Our TEFL rating: 3.8
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Paris, Nice, Lyon, Toulouse
The average salary for EFL teachers
The basic teaching English in France salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of €1,000–€2,000 per month. An assistantship with The Centre International D’études Pédagogiques pays about €965 per month. A summer position with American Village Camps pays €1170 per month or a higher rate for returning teachers. Live-in or live-out English babysitting or tutoring roles can earn you €10–€13 per hour for childcare positions or up to €20 (£18.50/$21.66) per hour for tutoring older students. Private tutoring rates are around €15–€25 per hour. Many teachers in full-time employment but at the lower end of the pay scale will take on private tutoring in their own time to supplement their income.
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is a minimum, and it will be almost impossible to find work without some sort of TEFL certificate.
Prerequisite university degree
A degree is often required, in any subject, alongside a TEFL certificate.
Term times
The school year typically runs from September to June/July.
Teaching programmes
Private Language Schools, Kindergarten Schools, Private Lessons/Tutoring, Summer Camps, Government Schools, University Positions, Corporate gigs for businesses.
Age restrictions
Job dependent, younger teachers are sometimes preferred
Previous teaching experience
A bit of experience is usually required.
Key Points
Award-Winning Online Courses & Diplomas
Accredited TEFL Course 120-Hour Advanced International Standard
Ideal for beginners, an entry-level qualification to teach English online or abroad.
Widely recognised as the international entry-level standard, this is one of the most budget-friendly TEFL courses available online. Ideal for teaching in countries with minimal entry requirements, such as parts of Asia and Latin America.
✨26hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
Level 5 TEFL Diploma 180-Hour Comprehensive Ofqual Regulated
CELTA-equivalent, Level 5 TEFL for better global job opportunities.
A government-regulated qualification level equivalent to CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL. It is ideal for aspiring teachers seeking higher-paying roles and increased international recognition.
✨ 29hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
Level 5 TEFL Diploma 300-Hour (Advanced) Ofqual Regulated
Advanced TEFL for higher-paying teaching careers.
The top course is for the highest pay scale and better opportunities. Gain the expertise to teach anywhere in the world and stand out by mastering in-demand specialisms, including teaching English for Exams and online teaching.
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✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
A bachelor’s degree is usually necessary for paid teaching positions in France. A high school diploma, rather than a finished university degree, may be required for teaching as a volunteer, at summer camps, or as a private tutor. Otherwise, a TEFL certification may be sufficient to get teaching positions.
To teach in an elementary or secondary school, you must have a bachelor’s degree (occasionally, a master’s degree is required). A teaching licence from your own country may also be required. A bachelor’s degree in any field, previous teaching experience, and a teaching certification such as TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA are frequently required for other teaching employment.
Salary for teachers varies depending on your talents, experience, and qualifications. In France, you may expect to earn anywhere from €700 to €1,900 per month on average. Higher-degreed English teachers can expect to earn €1,600 per month on average.
Like most European countries, the school year in France runs from September to June/July, with five main holiday breaks throughout the year. So if you teach English in France, you will be able to match your holidays to family in England.