Teaching English in France: a guide for aspiring teachers

Ever thought about packing your bags and setting off to the land of croissants? Well, teaching English in France could be just the ticket you need. Embarking on this path, you can weave through the vibrant life of Paris to the tranquil beauty of Provence, experiencing a blend of career development and self-discovery.

Imagine helping French students master the global lingua franca while you feast on world-class cuisine during your downtime. There is a big demand for English teachers in France, promising ample opportunities whether you're a seasoned educator or stepping into teaching for the first time.

Reasons for teaching English in France

Teaching English in France can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you have the chance to immerse yourself in French culture - from food and wine to history, art and fashion - you'll also be helping your students to gain the English skills they need for business, tourism and studying abroad.

After all, France is a top tourist destination, so there's a high demand for English language skills in the tourism and hospitality industries. Apart from that, many French companies from other sectors require their employees to have a good level of English proficiency for international business.

This means that as an English teacher in France, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on your students' lives and careers.

And as you share your language and culture with your students, you'll learn about French culture and way of life. This cultural exchange can be incredibly enriching, both personally and professionally, by helping you develop valuable cross-cultural communication skills.

Other benefits of teaching English abroad are: 

• Learning the local language
• Adding valuable experience to your resume
• Fostering personal growth and self-confidence
• Networking

On top of all that, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to travel and explore France and the surrounding countries during your time off.

You might also like this article: Learning a second language while teaching TEFL abroad

Requirements for teaching English in France

If you're considering teaching English in France, it's important to understand the requirements and qualifications needed. While the specifics may vary depending on the type of teaching position and employer, there are some general eligibility criteria that most aspiring teachers will need to meet if you're looking for a proper job position.

For formal employment, you'll typically need to be a native English speaker or have near-native proficiency. Most positions will also require a bachelor's degree, although the subject area may not be specified.

Some employers may prefer or require teaching experience or qualifications, such as a TEFL certification. However, there are also opportunities for those without prior teaching experience, particularly in language schools or through programs like TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France).

While not always required, having a TEFL certification can make you a more competitive candidate for English teaching positions in France. TEFL courses provide training in teaching methodology, lesson planning, and classroom management, which can be especially valuable for those without prior teaching experience.

If you're not a citizen of the EU, you'll also need to obtain a visa to legally work in France. The type of visa required will depend on the length and nature of your teaching position.

For short-term positions or internships, you may be able to obtain a temporary work visa. For longer-term positions, you'll likely need to apply for a work permit and residence visa. The visa application process can be complex, so it's important to research the requirements and start the process well in advance of your planned departure date.

Finding an English teaching job in France

There are several different types of schools and institutions that hire English teachers in France, each with their own unique benefits and challenges.

Language schools are a popular option, particularly for those without prior teaching experience. These schools typically offer classes for adults and may have a focus on business English or exam preparation.

Private schools and international schools also hire English teachers, often for full-time positions with more competitive salaries and benefits. However, these positions may require more qualifications and experience.

The hiring process will vary depending on the school and position, but may include submitting a CV and cover letter, completing an interview (often via Skype for international candidates), and providing references and documentation of qualifications.

The easiest way to teach English in France

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the process of finding an English teaching job in France, Worldpackers can help simplify your search and application process.

This work exchange platform connects travelers and hosts around the world for a collaborative experience.

It works like this: you work as a volunteer for a few hours per week, and in exchange for your help you get free accommodation and possibly other perks like meals, classes, and tours. 

Since these aren’t paid positions, the requirements are lower and there is much less bureaucracy. You can even travel there as a tourist, without the need to get a work visa. 

These opportunities are usually not focused on formal teaching settings, which might also allow for a deeper cultural immersion.

The volunteer jobs listed on Worldpackers go much beyond teaching, so if you’re open to trying something different, you might also consider tasks like cooking, welcoming guests, taking photos, optimizing websites and much more.

For more information, see our full guide on How Worldpackers works.

To find teaching positions in France or other countries around the world, just go to the Worldpackers website, click on “volunteer opportunities” and use the platform’s filters. They allow you to select the destination, duration of your trip, and type of work (in this case, “teaching”), among other aspects of your trip.

Check out some of the positions currently available for teaching English in France through Worldpackers:

• You can enjou the tranquility of Trémouille, a commune in south-central France, living for free with a local family in exchange for teaching English to their 6 years old daughter. They live in a natural park, far from cities, but ideal for hiking, skiing, sailing, riding, and other activities. They also run a video and photo studio. Click here for more information.
• Another fun opportunity is to volunteer at a home that hosts children from all over France who want to learn English through immersion holidays. They provide 2-3 hours of structured English lessons each morning, and other acitivities in the afternoon. The kids stay from 1 week until 3 weeks and range from 11-18 years old. Besides teaching, you can perform a variety of other tasks there. Find out more about this position.

Also, click here to see all the volunteering opportunities in France.

Extra tip: It’s worth looking into the opportunities for teaching English in Italy, Spain or Portugal. These European countries offer many of the same advantages of France, with a wider variety of volunteer positions.

Read the article Quitting my job to learn Portuguese as a volunteer in Portugal for more insights on this type of experience.

Living and traveling in France

When living and teaching in France, it's important to embrace the local culture and customs. Take time to learn some basic French, as it will help you navigate daily life and connect with your students and colleagues.

The French place a high value on work-life balance, so be sure to enjoy the country's famous cuisine, art, and social scene in your free time. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with locals - they may seem reserved at first, but most are happy to share their culture with foreigners who show an interest.

Best cities to live in France

While Paris may be the first city that comes to mind, several other cities in France offer a high quality of life and vibrant expatriate communities.

Lyon, known for its culinary scene, provides a perfect blend of urban sophistication and historic charm. Bordeaux, renowned for its wine culture and stunning architecture, offers a relaxed pace of life amidst picturesque surroundings.

Additionally, cities like Toulouse, Nantes, and Montpellier are also great choices for living in France. But you should also consider going to small villages, which are typically very charming and cheaper to live in.

In major cities like Paris, living expenses such as rent, groceries, and transportation tend to be much higher compared to smaller towns and rural areas.

And if you choose to teach or do other types of volunteering jobs through Worldpackers, you’ll save a lot of money by not spending on accommodation, which takes up the biggest chunk of most people’s living costs.

You might also like these articles:

• Work abroad programs: the best opportunities around the world
• Volunteer projects abroad: make a difference and have fun

Traveling around France on your free time

France is a country rich in history and natural beauty, offering endless travel opportunities. Besides Paris, some destinations that are worth exploring are the stunning French Riviera along the Mediterranean coast; the picturesque villages of Provence; and the majestic French Alps, which are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

The country boasts an extensive and efficient transportation network, making it easy to explore the country's diverse landscapes and cultural attractions. The high-speed TGV trains connect major cities, allowing for quick and convenient travel between destinations. Additionally, regional trains and buses provide access to smaller towns and rural areas.

Budget-conscious travelers might consider buying rail passes or taking advantage of discounted fares by booking tickets in advance. Alternatively, car rentals offer flexibility and access to remote regions not easily reached by public transportation.

During your free time, you can also explore other parts of Europe. With France's central location and excellent transportation networks, you can easily visit neighboring countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK on your breaks.

Keep reading: 

• Where to go in France: the 29 best places to see other than Paris
• Insider’s guide to planning a trip to France for first-timers
  
• Best way to travel Europe: all you need to know to plan your trip

FAQs in relation to teaching English in France

Is there a need for English teachers in France?

Yes, there is a high demand for English teachers in France. Schools and language institutes are consistently seeking qualified individuals, and you can also find volunteering positions at different types of organizations or work for families.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in France?

Typically, the requirements for teaching English in France include a Bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification, but if you choose to volunteer, the requirements are simpler.

Can you teach English in France without knowing French?

Yes, it is possible to teach English in France without knowing French. However, learning some French can greatly enhance your daily life and interactions outside of the classroom.

Ready to embark?

Embarking on a journey to teach English in France might be the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll get the chance to grow professionally while living within postcard-worthy landscapes. 

So why wait? Adventures beckon across every cobblestone street, and who knows what stories await among those whom you'll teach... or learn from?

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