Teaching English in France
French history, culture, fashion, and cuisine have made France one of the most popular destinations for English language teachers. English teachers in France typically find work in September or October, and then again in January, with most contracts ending in late June. For those looking to teach through the summer, opportunities at summer English language camps are available in France and throughout Europe. Summer positions teaching English in France typically start in late June and early July. English teachers in France will be expected to interview in person once they arrive, and they will also be responsible for their airfare, as well as housing. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many room with their coworkers.
A solid hourly wage affords English teachers to live comfortably. Schools typically offer around 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of time to travel, explore and take advantage of your surroundings. A BA is typically required to teach English in France, and TEFL certification is absolutely necessary. Major cities for English teaching jobs are Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Le Havre, Marseille, and Bordeaux.
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Feeback from our TEFL class alumni who are now teaching in France:
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Paris, France English Teaching Q and A with CatherineRose Mountain
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Guidelines & Requirements to Teach English in France
- Peak Hiring Months: September & January
- Types of Jobs: Foreign language schools, Public Schools through Ministry of Education of France, Summer English Language Camps
- Typical Hiring Process: Interview in person in France
- Average teaching hours per week: 20-30 hours of classroom & extra prep time
- Types of Students: Business professionals, Children in Public schools, Children Summer Camps
- Cost of Living per Month: 1,600 - 2,000 Euro; 2,100 - 2,600 USD
- Average Monthly Pay: 1,600 - 2,000 Euro; 2,100 - 2,600 USD
- Start-up Cost: 3,600 - 4,500 USD
- Potential to Save or Break-even: Break-even
- Accommodation/Housing Benefits Paid: No
- Flight Reimbursement: No
Interesting Facts About Life in France
France boasts the 5th largest economy in the world, and is a member of the G8.
- France is the most popular tourist destination in the world: beating out Spain and the U.S.
- In 1997, and again in 2000, the French health care system was voted the best in the world by the World Health Organization.
- France has produced a wealth of artists and artistic movements. Monet, Renoir, and Degas painted scenes of everyday French life and the French countryside when experimenting with Impressionism.
- Film is a largely important part of French culture. The Cannes Film Festival is hosted every year in the city by the same name, drawing some of the biggest names in film on each occasion. The Palme d'Or, or Golden Palm, is Cannes equivalent of the coveted Oscar award.
