How to Work and Immigrate as an English Teacher in France

With English now recognized as the dominating language of business, the preferred language of tourists, and the major language in this golden era of television, the French perspective toward English has altered drastically. As a result, many foreigners become English teachers in France.

For over a decade, France remained one of the most desirable destinations for English teachers because teaching English in France is a terrific method to obtain employment based on your talents while also giving you the freedom that many other occupations do not. However, before you immigrate to France as an English teacher, you must grasp the prerequisites for each type of teaching.

This essay will go over the many teaching possibilities available, how to become an English teacher in France, what degree you’ll need to teach, and if you’ll need a French work visa if you’re a non-EU citizen.

Teaching Jobs in France for Foreign Teachers

In France, English teachers have various alternatives. You can work as a private tutor individually or via an organization that specializes in locating full-time or part-time opportunities as an English instructor. If you want to work more casually, you may get employed on a per-hour schedule at most institutions and high schools around the country. Because most colleges are government-funded, they pay higher wages than other locations where you could teach.

Private Elementary & Secondary Schools

Private elementary and secondary schools in France are competitive and have high expectations of their teachers. However, they provide an excellent atmosphere for further development because they are extremely well-resourced. The teaching staff is driven, students are engaged, and you have several possibilities to learn the French language.

Private English Language Schools

Private English language schools in France are more accommodating regarding qualification requirements. They would typically want you to have a Bachelor’s degree in any field, a CELTA certification, and appropriate job experience. You can still apply if you have a lesser teaching certification, but some institutions may refuse to accept it.

The easiest approach to getting a job at a language school is to email your CV. The ideal time to send CVs is in June and early July, before the start of the new academic year. Before the summer break, schools are constantly seeking fresh recruits. Also, check with the local town hall since many offer English classes. You will almost certainly require a visa before you can apply.

Universities

Universities in France might be excellent places to teach English because they pay more than other language schools. These jobs, however, are notoriously tough to come by. Colleges normally approach candidates through “word of mouth”; however, there are plenty of teaching positions in France for English speakers. Therefore, writing directly to the university’s language department is advisable. It is feasible to be an Adjunct, but you must be an “auto-entrepreneur” or have another full-time employment.

English-teaching adjuncts are paid 1-2 months after the semester ends for the complete semester of work, which can be a fantastic way to save but will not help you with your monthly expenditures. French colleges only sometimes sponsor visas.

Private Tutoring

For college students and anyone wishing to enhance their monthly income, private tutoring has been France’s favored method of teaching English. English tutors in France can advertise in their neighborhood, in the local café, and, of course, on social media.

The stronger your network is, the easier it will be to discover tutors. The rivalry in Paris is severe but considerably less so in other cities. There is also a steady need for English-speaking babysitters. To legally instruct or babysit in France, you will require a visa.

You’ll be paid by the hour, and Paris is typically more expensive than the rest of the country. Private sessions are another fantastic method to enhance your income, but ensure a cancellation policy permits you to get paid if your student cancels a class at the last minute.

Tutoring for the Workforce

The French Chamber of Commerce and significant private corporations hire native English speakers to train particular groups of employees. If you have specific skills in business, engineering, or medicine, you should pursue teaching English to adults in France.

Teaching Assistant Programs

Several organizations, like the Alliance Francaise, provide Teaching Assistant jobs that can last up to seven months. If you are a competent French speaker, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience France and determine if you love living in a culturally rich environment. This position is intended for recent college graduates and does not need any qualifications beyond a Bachelor’s degree, merely competence in French.

What is TAPIF?

Americans might apply to teach in France under TAPIF or the Teaching Assistant Program. The TAPIF in France allows you to spend 7 months in France teaching students of different ages. The French metropolitan area and the overseas departments of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion employ approximately 1,400 Americans each year as public school teachers.

Assistants are given 12 hours of teaching per week that can be split between up to three different institutions. Classes are held in English. The teaching assistant may manage all or part of a class, generally guiding English talks. Duties may include:

• Acting as a reference person in group discussions.
• Conducting small group tutorials.
• Presenting speeches in English classrooms about American studies.

The TAPIF in France has some downsides:

• You get paid 780 euros per month, and you cannot officially do other jobs, which is very tight to pay for accommodation and living costs in France, especially if you are in Paris.
• You do not choose the town; you could be in a small town.
• You have to have savings for set-up costs; for example, you must pay two months’ rent in advance (caution) when you take an apartment here in France.
• You only work 12 hours a week, but they are spread out over the week; you do get plenty of holidays, though
• You are alone and need to get by with French bureaucracy.
• It is best for travelers who need pocket money but not suitable if you need to earn a living and support a family.
• It is exclusively available to persons aged 20 to 35.

How to Immigrate to France as an English Teacher?

Now it is time to answer the question “how to become a teacher in France?” To secure a job teaching English in France, you must first investigate the position’s requirements. You may also create an excellent resume and cover letter showcasing your work experience and credentials.

Step 1. Find an English Teaching Job in France

Most jobs are posted online. If you want to teach English at a firm, you may also reach out to the French Chamber of Commerce. It may connect you with a local group looking for a tutor. When applying online, you can plan to provide certified versions of your degrees, which a phone call or Skype interview will follow.

Step 2. Apply For an English Teaching Job in France

Schools in France will determine their future teacher needs in the year’s first quarter, with advertisements for teachers running throughout the summer. The school year starts in September. Suppose you want to work at a private English language school or as an English business teacher. You may approach employers at any point throughout the academic year because they are always looking for new teachers. You should give yourself at least six months to complete the procedure.

Step 3. Collect the Required Documents

The French education system is held to high standards, as seen by the qualifying requirements. To teach in a French elementary or secondary school, you must have a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree and a teaching license in your country are desirable.

To work as a TEFL teacher, you must have:

• A four-year bachelor’s degree in any topic
• English proficiency (native level)
• At least two years of relevant work experience
• Your CV
• A CELTA, TEFL, or comparable qualification
• Your clear criminal history
• A valid passport

The CV or Curriculum Vitae is a critical component of practically all application procedures. You should prepare your CV before applying for any paid work, including teaching English in France.

Even if you write your CV in English, French employers, institutions, and colleges may demand you to adhere to French CV writing rules. So without a doubt, send a

CV with your cover letter. Some employers may demand your CV to be translated into French, especially if the hiring manager is not a native English speaker.

In addition to the French translation, prepare a French cover letter since it would look nice and benefit you. It is still a good idea to write your cover letter in English so you can communicate what you want to say and then send it to a French translator or translation service for a professional translation.

Step 4. Apply For a Visa

You must apply for a visa after finding a job and gathering all the necessary paperwork. If you are not a European Union citizen, you must get a long-term visa to stay in France for more than three months. You may also apply for a work visa.

In addition to the paperwork indicated above, you will require the following:

• Your work contract
• Your financial statement
• A visa application form
• A copy of your passport

Do you need a visa to work as an English teacher in France?

If you are an EU national, you do not require a work permit or visa to teach English in France. However, suppose you are a non-EU citizen. In that case, you must get a long-stay visa, a residence permit, and a work permit to reside and work in France.

The most frequent visa for non-EU residents is the teaching visa. You may apply for this visa if you have been hired as a language assistant or English teacher at a French school or institution. A work contract with a French school or institution is required to get a teaching visa.

Another alternative is to apply for a student visa. If you are a full-time student enrolled in a French institution or university, you may work part-time as an English teacher. This is an excellent choice for people who wish to teach English while studying in France.

TEFL Certification

The TEFL certification is required to teach English in France. The certification confirms that you have the requisite abilities and expertise to teach English as a foreign language. Some French schools and language institutions may need a TEFL certificate, particularly those catering to a more demanding student population.

Several organizations offer TEFL certification, including TEFL International, the International TEFL Academy, and the British Council. Most TEFL programs last 120 hours and cover classroom management, lesson preparation, and teaching tactics. You may receive your TEFL certificate in a traditional classroom or online. While online TEFL classes are more flexible and convenient, classroom-based courses provide hands-on teaching experience and direct feedback from instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What qualifications do I need to teach English in France?

To teach English in France, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL, CELTA, or equivalent certification, and relevant work experience. Specific requirements may vary based on the type of institution you wish to work for.

2. Can I teach English in France without a degree?

It is challenging to teach English in France without a degree. Most institutions prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification. However, private tutoring or informal teaching arrangements might be possible without a degree.

3. How much can I earn as an English teacher in France?

Salaries for English teachers in France vary based on the institution, location, and your qualifications. On average, you can expect to earn between 1,500 and 2,500 euros per month. Private tutors may charge hourly rates ranging from 20 to 40 euros.

4. Do I need to speak French to teach English in France?

While it is not mandatory to speak French to teach English, it is highly beneficial. Knowing French can help you navigate daily life, communicate with colleagues, and understand the local culture better. Some schools may also prefer candidates who can speak French.

5. What is the TAPIF program?

The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) allows Americans to teach English in French public schools for 7 months. Participants work 12 hours per week and assist in English language classes. The program is ideal for recent graduates looking for short-term teaching experience.

6. Can I teach English in France on a student visa?

Yes, you can work part-time as an English teacher in France on a student visa. This is an excellent option for full-time students enrolled in French institutions or universities who wish to gain teaching experience while studying.

7. How can I find English teaching jobs in France?

You can find English teaching jobs in France through online job boards, language school websites, and recruitment agencies. Networking with other teachers and reaching out to local educational institutions can also help you discover job opportunities.

8. What is the process for obtaining a work visa to teach English in France?

To obtain a work visa to teach English in France, you need a job offer from a French school or institution, a work contract, and supporting documents like your financial statement, visa application form, and passport copy. The process may vary slightly based on your nationality and specific circumstances.

9. Can I teach English in France if I am not a native speaker?

Yes, non-native speakers can teach English in France. However, you must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and possess relevant qualifications and experience. Some institutions may prioritize native speakers, but opportunities are available for qualified non-native speakers.

10. Is TEFL certification necessary to teach English in France?

While not always mandatory, TEFL certification is highly recommended and often required by many schools and language institutions in France. It demonstrates your competence in teaching English as a foreign language and can significantly enhance your job prospects.