TEACH ENGLISH IN FRANCE

About Teaching English in France

French history, culture, and cuisine have made France one of the most desirable destinations for teaching English abroad. Those teaching English in France typically find work in September or October, and then again in January, with most contracts ending in late June. It is difficult for non-European Union citizens to get a work visa to teach in the private sector so many Americans teach through the government-operated TAPIF program, which recruits Americans, ages 20-30, to work in French elementary and secondary schools as assistant English teachers.

For those looking to teach through the summer, opportunities at summer English language camps and in some volunteer au pair programs 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.  Many English teachers in France live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many room with their coworkers.

A solid hourly wage affords English teachers in France 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 bachelor's degree is typically required to teach English in France, and TEFL certification is absolutely necessary.  Major cities for teaching English in France include Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Le Havre, Marseille, and Bordeaux.

To teach English in France, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is typically required as well. Native English proficiency is expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in France is about $800 - $1,800 USD per month.

*Note about the Job Market for Americans in France: France represents a sizable job market, but it is important to note, however, the vast majority of non-EU citizens, will need to either teach English on a Student Visa, teach through the TAPIF Program, or Canadian citizens have the possibility to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. Work visas are generally not an option for non-European Union citizens.

Teaching Requirements

TEFL CERTIFICATION

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in France. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in-person in France or apply in advance from home for the TAPIF program. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below:

• 4-Week In-Person TEFL Course in Toulouse, France
• 4-Week Intensive Online TEFL Course
• 11-Week, Part-Time 170-Hour Online TEFL Course

You may also wish to take one of the 4-Week In-Person TEFL Courses that we offer in 21 locations worldwide.

Read more: The basic requirements for teaching English in France.

NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in France, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is highly preferred.

*Please note - Teaching positions for US citizens in France are mostly through the TAPIF Program. 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor's degree is typically required to secure a job in France. If you are applying for the TAPIF Program, you will need a minimum of three years of college completed.

TEFL Jobs in France

JOB TYPES

The most common job types in France consist of:

• Teaching adults at a foreign language school
• Teaching children in public schools as an assistant teacher through the government-operated TAPIF Program
• Teaching children in English language summer camps or in volunteer au pair programs
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

HIRING & VISA

English teachers in France can expect to find jobs in late September/early October and in January. Applicants for the TAPIF Program typically need to apply by January 15 for positions beginning in August/September. 

Most schools in France conduct face-to-face interviews, meaning you will need to be on the ground and in France to interview for jobs and ready to being teaching right away once hired (unless applying for the TAPIF Program where you will apply online and in advance).

Some schools may sponsor a work visa for non-European Union citizens, but this is extremely rare). The government-operated TAPIF Program will sponsor visas for non-European Union citizens, while EU citizens can typically work legally in France. It is not common for schools to hire English teachers "under the table" without a work visa. Some will also teach on a student visa.

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in France?

Read More: How to Obtain a Student Visa to Legally Teach English in France for Americans

HOURS

English language schools in France offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

STUDENTS

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, or business professionals. 

Salary & Cost of Living

START-UP COSTS

Start-up costs will range from $2,100 - $3,500 USD (1,900 - 3,100 EUR). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in France until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

SALARY

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in France. Teachers can expect to make $800 - $1,800 USD (700 - 1,600 EUR) per month (TAPIF stipend: 965 Euros). It is common for teachers in France to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Read more: How much can English teachers make in France?

COST OF LIVING & SAVINGS

The cost of living typically ranges between $1,400 - $2,300 USD per month (1,200 - 2,000 EUR).

English teachers in France can expect to break-even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you should not expect to save money at the end of the month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.