Teach English in France

Overview

France is a country that has a lot to offer anybody who is an English speaker because they are in high levels of demand. The educational system is always looking for qualified English teachers who want to teach English in France. This is a good way to build up your skillset and develop vital experience working abroad.

France has come a long way in its attitude towards international languages in recent years, and now there is a thriving culture of people learning English, as it is how France helps to connect itself to the rest of Europe and indeed the world. Many people routinely travel between Paris and London, as it is one of the most accessible weekend getaways available, so they need to speak English.

Any individual who has a TEFL qualification, an appropriate degree, and some teaching experience will find that there are many different jobs in France where they can teach English as a foreign language. There is the ability to cater to any age, subject, or ability, so you do have quite a lot of choice. It’s important to recognise that many French schools prefer taking someone new and untrained and then forming them into a specialist, so having too many qualifications can hurt your chances.

The French education system seeks knowledgeable but highly motivated English teachers who are willing to adapt their teaching preferences. Too many qualifications indicate rigidity and being set in one’s ways. When you couple this with the fact that many French schools prefer to recruit teachers on a freelance basis rather than employing someone full-time, you will quickly begin to discover that the market for seeking positions is incredibly competitive. Consequently, there’s a lot to gain if you have the skills and the talent to get in. 

Types of Teaching Jobs in France

You’ve got a couple of different options when it comes to teaching jobs in France.

Private Elementary Schools and Secondary Schools

In the world of private schooling in France, where competition is fierce and access to resources is abundant, the landscape can sometimes feel akin to the thrilling atmosphere of a casino, where every decision counts and every opportunity is a chance for lucky wins. Just as teachers aspire to secure positions in prestigious institutions, players at the casino aim for that fortuitous moment when they strike it big. The dedication and effort put into securing a teaching role mirror the strategies employed by gamers, both navigating a challenging environment with hopes of achieving rewarding outcomes. Ultimately, whether in education or gaming, the pursuit of success often hinges on skill, perseverance, and the occasional stroke of luck.

Private Language Schools

Private English language schools are a little bit more relaxed when it comes to admissions, simply because they accept any kind of bachelor’s degree as well as an appropriate qualification for teaching English to speakers of another language. You also need to have relevant professional experience.

Tutoring

Interestingly enough, the French government often hires people to tutor. If you have specialist knowledge of a certain industry, you can get a job teaching English to people in that industry, like engineering and mathematics.

Teaching Assistants

There is a selection of teaching assistant programs available for people who want to teach in France for up to 7 months at a time. This means that if you speak French well, and when I get some relevant experience, then you could very easily do so.

Popular Destinations to Teach in France

Paris is, first and foremost, the most popular destination for people to visit to teach. However, it’s also the most expensive city in the country. Therefore, other teaching opportunities further afield in places like Lyon and Bordeaux are becoming increasingly popular.

The places that you choose to go will directly influence the kind of people that you teach. In Lyon, you’re more likely to end up teaching adults. Whereas those interested in teaching students would head to places like Bordeaux due to a diverse range of work opportunities and lower living costs.

TEFL France: Visa & Sponsorship

Citizens of the European Union are prioritised when seeking a place in France. If you’re not from the EU, you’ll need a working visa. If you are outside the EU, you also need sponsorship from an educational institution.

Work Culture in France

The French education system places high expectations on its teachers. After all, French education is known to be exceptionally robust, but this does facilitate high levels of expectations in return. You will expect to work long days, and you may have to work evenings and weekends regularly. However, this is contrasted by the fact that the French educational system is a rather fulfilling career.

It’s common for teachers to take long vacations in France, but you also have to make sure that your income allows for this. Tutors, for example, are expected to travel frequently for their careers.

When to Apply for TEFL Jobs in France

It’s customary in France for most schools to determine the future needs of their teaching staff during the first quarter.

Advertisements for teachers run during the summer months, and the school year begins in September.

If you’re a teacher seeking to work in a private language school, you can reach out to employers at any time during the academic year. New teachers are simply hired as needed. To complete the Visa application process, you have to be able to budget for at least six months.

The Average Salary for an English Teacher in France

Teachers who have a bachelor’s degree in English may expect to earn up to $1600 per month, depending on their abilities and experience. In the vast majority of cases, travel, housing, and lodging allowances don’t come as part of the wage packet. Well, you might indeed get paid lower in a private language school, but the rate should never be less than $1000 per month.