Teach English in France
Teach English in France
Whether it’s the palace of Versailles, Paris fashion week in The Devil Wears Prada, or the simple joy of eating a croissant, we’re all familiar with a part of French culture. What’s less well-known is that by choosing to teach English in France, you can experience this culture fully, and get paid while doing it!
English teachers in France are highly valued as members of society, owing to ...
Read MoreLiving as an English Teacher in France
While the French love their own romantic language, they place almost equal emphasis on learning English. Children as young as 9 months old are taught basic conversational skills, and their families often seek out tuition from those who teach English in France. As such, your students will likely have an impressive level of English, making for some great discussions and active lessons!
So wheth...
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How to Get Teaching English Job in France?
Those wanting to teach English in France are entering a notoriously competitive market. Here, exceptional schools expect a lot from their teachers, which makes for a rewarding job and an incredible CV addition. While the process of getting English teaching jobs in France isn’t the easiest, it’s certainly worth the extra effort!
First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure you meet the requirements. For both high school and elementary schools, you’ll need to have certain qualifications. These are a Bachelor’s Degree, relevant experience of at least 2 years, and a TEFL qualification or license to teach.
Meeting these requirements is a great place to start, but you’ll also need to certify your documents. This is essentially paying a solicitor and the French embassy in your country to make sure your qualifications aren’t forged!
We recommend getting this out the way before beginning your applications. Having your documents certified and ready to send to employers not only looks good, but saves a lot of time.
Some of the best paid English teaching jobs in France can be found online via job listing websites. For your job search, Premier TEFL has partnered with GoCambio. This platform allows you to browse the many English teaching jobs in France at your leisure. Here, you’ll find vacancies for private language schools, summer camps, and government assistantship programmes.
Typically, employers will ask to see your legalized documents, before conducting a Skype interview (get those camera smiles ready!).
For Non-EU citizens, the most popular way of teaching English in France is through the TAPIF programme. This government-run scheme gives foreigners a job in the public school system working alongside a local teacher. The application process is easily completed online, and gets Non-EU residents the all important work visa! Do note that for this programme (and many others) there’s the extra requirement of having an intermediate knowledge of the French language. For this, Duolingo will be your meilleur ami.
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When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in France
While the school year officially begins in September, many schools will post their job openings months in advance. The best time to apply for English teaching jobs in France is in early summer: specifically the months of May or June. Around this time, online job listings will become flooded with a variety of positions for both rural and urban placements.
However, this isn’t to say that school positions won’t open up earlier than May/June! Many public schools will advertise in the first quarter of the year to those looking to teach English in France.
This gives both them and you time to shop around before signing the 12-month contract! Plus, it allows enough time for the sometimes long-winded visa sponsorship process. French schools are sticklers for paperwork, and will want to make sure all your documents are pre-approved.
Those opting for the TAPIF assistantship programme should note that the application deadline usually falls in January. This infamously popular scheme will issue their decision on your application around April. This leaves a whole 6 months for the ensuing paperwork. Though it might seem like a long time, it'll fly by knowing your visa sponsorship is in the bag!
Unsure of your future plans or whether to commit for a year? France has you covered! You can apply for teaching English in France via private language schools or as a business tutor all year round. Private academies will look for TEFL teachers as and when they need them throughout the year. Businesses seeking English tutors are equally flexible as they operate outside of school semester timetables.
What You Need to Know About Teaching English in France
Having established itself as a TEFL bucket-list destination decades ago, France offers teaching jobs in both formal and informal settings. Those chasing le mode de vie Français can teach adults in the workplace, or children in more familiar classroom settings. Whether you have a strong teaching background or little experience, TEFL jobs in France offer a cushy lifestyle in one of the world’s most stable economies.
Aiming for a sought after public school position in France often reaps the biggest financial reward. In this competitive market, schools choose applicants based on their prior experience, and so qualified teachers are preferred. Teaching in France with a public school will give you a monthly salary upwards of $1,800, depending on your unique skill-set and experience!
While private schools typically pay less, their positions are a great option for those with less experience. Teachers at a private academy can expect around $1,500 per month, alongside health insurance and paid holidays!
While you’re unlikely to receive free accommodation in your contract, employers will help you secure your own morceau de France. A cozy one-bedroom apartment for those teaching in France costs anywhere between $500-$800 per month depending on where you’re based.
Which begs the all-important question: where should you choose to settle in a country bursting with iconic locations? Over 80 million tourists per year are drawn to France’s glamorous boulevards, dramatic mountain-scapes, and quaint lavender-surrounded villages. When it comes to locations for teaching English in France, there’s certainly not a lack of options!
Fueled by endless cinematic attention, Paris is, naturally, where many teachers head to. While the cost of living is higher, there are always plenty of TEFL jobs in France’s revered capital. English teachers can find themselves teaching dedicated, well-behaved students in schools surrounded by dizzying Parisian architecture. Once you’ve packed away your flashcards for the day, there are endless things to do in the capital (aside from gazing at the Eiffel Tower, which we wouldn’t blame you for doing!).
However, for those looking for alternative, equally bountiful locations- there are plenty of options! Many teachers head for the dynamic city of Lyon: France’s second largest metropolitan center. Known as the gourmet capital of France, Lyon boasts a lower cost of living than Paris while offering just as much culture.
While the draw of France’s cityscapes is everlasting, there’s much to be said for pursuing TEFL in less urban locations. Teaching in the area surrounding Bordeaux offers an excellent quality of life (and wine!), and a range of options for weekends away.
FAQ's
Are English teachers in demand in France?
English is recognized as the language of commerce by the majority of nationals: including France. As such, teaching English in France is a pursuit that’s in high demand: from primary schools to tutor-seeking business people.
Can foreigners teach English in France?
Absolutely! Members of all nationalities are welcome, as long as they meet the requirements of English proficiency. Foreigners can find work teaching in France in public schools, private academies, and as a tutor in business organizations.
Is it hard to teach English in France?
Teaching English in France isn’t hard per-say, but their highly successful school system requires a lot from their teachers. It’s not unusual to sacrifice an evening or weekend from time to time, and the hours can be long. However, TEFLing in France is incredibly rewarding as a result.
Can you teach English in France without speaking French?
It’s nearly impossible to start teaching in France without being able to prove you can speak at least basic French. Having no knowledge of the local language will put you at a serious disadvantage in an already competitive market. For example, the TAPIR scheme requires applicants to have a level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference.
How do I move to France as a teacher?
For prospective teachers in France, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree, relevant experience, and a basic level of French. Then, you’ll be able to apply for jobs and find companies to help obtain your working visa. The rest is histoire!
How much do English teachers make in Paris?
The average salary for those living it up in the French capital is between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. This allows those teaching English in Paris to live comfortably and bag themselves a cozy apartment. However, your exact earning potential in Paris will depend on which school you teach in, and your prior experience.
Is there a demand for English teachers in France?
France has long been a lucrative destination for TEFL teachers, especially as English is the language of business. As you’d expect, the demand for English teachers in France is particularly high in Paris. Apart from its array of schools, the demand for English speakers is always increasing in the European center of business.
Is it easy to be an English teacher in France?
It should be noted that no TEFL shop should be considered easy, per say. Being an English teacher in France and experiencing its exceptional school system is rewarding, but isn’t always easy! Hours can be long, and there’s often a lot of extra-curricular activities to plan.
