Teaching English in France: Qualifications, Requirements, Salary and More

France is a country in Europe that attracts tourists and international workers of all kinds for many diverse reasons. Whether you want to experience a blend of ancient and modern European culture, France has the perfect mix of opportunities. For this reason and many others, teaching English in France, or more specifically, teaching English in Paris, is one of the most luxurious and rewarding experiences for international educators. You might also be interested in this article: Learning French With English.

If you have a bachelor’s degree and experience teaching English, teaching English in France will offer you many high-quality positions that look great on resumes. With children as young as nine being taught English and many companies creating language programs for their staff, there are plenty of positions for qualified teachers. Especially in larger cities and industrial areas, there is a high demand for English teachers. However, there are still many programs offered throughout the French countryside.

Want to find out more about how to teach English in France? Continue reading to find out how you can teach with and without TEFL certification. Or, consider these other amazing places to teach: Spain, the Czech Republic, or Madrid.

Teach English in France

France is often one of the first destinations teachers will think of when they first plan to teach ESL in Europe. As such, the job market can be competitive. If you are a native English speaker with a Bachelor’s degree or further certification, you will be able to compete in this international market.

However, don’t let the difficulty of entry scare you away. France is a popular destination for a reason, offering a high quality of life and fantastic international culture. Teaching English in Paris or Marseilles is the perfect opportunity to experience the luxury of a European metropolis.

Navigating the requirements of teaching English in France and the large job market can be daunting at first, but don’t worry. This guide will give you everything you need to know before you start job hunting.

Teaching English in France Requirements

Depending on the goals of your trip, you might require different certifications. However, there are a few legal requirements and competitive requirements to teach English in France.

The legal requirements to teach English in France are:

• Bachelor’s degree in English
• Teaching experience
• Travel documentation / Sponsorship

Some positions may require:

• A Master’s degree
• TEFL or CELTA certification

Visas and Sponsorship

If you are not a citizen of the European Union, then you will need both a working visa or sponsorship through an educational institution. If you are from the EU, then you are given priority to teach English in France and do not need a visa.

With the political outcomes of BREXIT becoming clearer each year, now is an excellent time for English teachers outside of the European Union to apply to teach English in France. Now that the UK has many barriers to sending teachers to France, there is more equal opportunity for teachers from other locations.

TEFL France & CELTA France Certifications

To work as a TEFL teacher, you will not only need a degree and travel documentation, you will also need a TEFL certification. While TEFL means ‘teaching English as a Foreign Language’ and is the most common certification, there are other programs with slight differences. But don’t worry, for now, remember that TEFL certification will make you employable all over the world, including for TEFL jobs in Hungary.

CELTA is a specific language program offered by Cambridge University. Schools offering CELTA programs must adhere to strict standards, which makes it perceived as the most esteemed of the in-country language programs. Some prestigious positions will cite a CELTA certification as a requirement.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about English teaching jobs in France.

Types of English Teaching Jobs in France

There is an abundance of diverse English teaching jobs in France. Once you land in France, you will have the opportunity to explore positions with greater ease and will see just how much opportunity you have. Here is a quick guide on the most commonly available English teaching jobs in France.

Public Primary and Secondary Schools

These are the most commonly available jobs in France. On average, the salary is less than what you can get at a private institution or university. The best time to apply for these jobs is either in January or during the summer for any last-minute hires. The school year starts in September and ends in April, so you can expect to have summers off. French public schools are well-funded but very busy. Also, you will definitely need more experience with the French language, as less instruction is in English. Learning French can be very useful as it is one of the best languages to learn.

Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

Jobs at French Private Elementary and Secondary Schools are competitive, and the expectations for teachers are higher. These jobs offer high-quality teaching environments and usually come with great benefits. Private schools are well-staffed and come with great resources, so they are a teacher’s dream! There are plenty of opportunities for you to engage with students in many fun ways, inside and outside the classroom.

Private English Language Schools and International Schools

Private English Language Schools are a bit more flexible with their required qualifications. While you will still need a Bachelor’s degree and a CELTA certification, you won’t need a Masters’s degree to work here. The same goes for International Schools, such as the American School of Paris. You will still need ample work experience, and TEFL certification, in addition to your CELTA certification, might be required. You can still apply to some schools without CELTA certification, but it is almost always necessary. Some examples of international schools are the International School of Paris (ISP), the American School of Paris (ASP), and the British School of Paris (BSP).

Teaching Assistant Programs

There are many organizations in France, such as the Alliance Francaise, that offer teaching assistant contracts. If you are a fluent English speaker, this is a great chance to gain experience in France and get a taste of the culture. Because the roles are directed toward young college graduates, you won’t need any specific certifications beyond a Bachelor’s degree and French language skills.

Private Tutor

Fortunately, there are many opportunities to tutor English in France. Whether you want to tutor elementary, secondary, or university students, there is a high demand for native English speakers. If you have certification and experience teaching and can offer more than oral instruction, you can earn good money tutoring either as your primary job or on the side. And if you want to work with adults, you can still tutor, as many adults are seeking to upgrade their professional skills with oral and written English.

Business Education

The French Chamber of Commerce and many large private companies hire native English speakers to create, run, or work in English-speaking programs. If you have particular expertise in an area of business like marketing, administration, or medicine, you might want to consider teaching English to adults in France. As the workforce in France continues to upgrade and diversify their skills, more and more businesses are seeking English teachers. And fortunately, there are opportunities for teachers of all skill-level and experience teaching business English.

Teaching English in France Salary

Looking for information on the average salary for English teachers in France? Your salary can vary greatly depending on your qualifications and the institution you work at. Unfortunately, you can’t really expect additional benefits, except maybe in the larger cities with companies. Here’s a list of salaries you can expect for different positions.

• Public Schools: 1,500 – 2,000 EUR
• Private Language Institutes: 1,000 – 1,600 EUR
• Universities: 1,800 – 2,400 EUR
• International Schools: 2,200 – 3,500 EUR
• Tutoring: 25 EUR per hour

If you’re looking for more ways to make money while you travel, check out this article about side-gigs you can have as a teacher. Otherwise, keep reading for the details on teaching English in France.

Things to Consider About Teaching English in France

Usually, the hardest part about teaching English in France is moving to France. Once you find a job and housing, adapting to life in France is almost always a pleasure. Make sure to research the requirements for the institutions you are interested in and start brushing up on your French. Also, because France is such a diverse country, decide what kind of working experience you want. While Paris is the City of Romance, a global destination, the countrysides of Lyon, Marseilles, and Bordeaux are all magnificent.

Teach English in Paris

Paris is one of the most popular global destinations, and as such, it is a competitive market for teachers. If you want to teach English in Paris, be prepared for high-risk, high-reward competition in a very high-demand job market. Applying for English teaching jobs within Paris is the best strategy to get a job, as word of mouth and local ads are common advertisements.

Networking in Paris is a great way to find fantastic jobs. One of the other great perks of teaching English in Paris is the higher salaries and greater benefits. Institutions are competing with each other to get the highest qualified and most experienced teachers. If you have the certification, especially CELTA certification, Paris has many prestigious positions with high salaries.

If you choose to teach English in Paris, you want to take some time choosing where to live. We recommend checking out this list of safe places to live in Paris:

• Le Marais
• Latin Quarter
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Tour Eiffel
• Passy (a popular area for Americans)

TAPIF Program France

TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) is a joint venture offered by the French Ministry of Education, the Centre International D’études pédagogiques (CIEP), and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. It is the perfect program for North American teachers. The program places participants as teaching assistants in public primary or secondary schools around the country for a seven-month contract.

The great thing about this program is that it regularly runs between October 1st and April 30th. Teaching assistants work 12 hours a week and receive a salary of approximately 800 euros a month. The part-time hours make this a perfect job to have while you are getting certified in France or tutoring privately.

Should I Teach ESL In France?

Deciding whether to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in France is a personal choice that depends on several factors. Here are some considerations that can help you make an informed decision:

Language Skills

Evaluate your proficiency in both English and French. While teaching ESL in France, it is beneficial to have a good command of the English language and a basic understanding of French to communicate with students and colleagues effectively.

Teaching Qualifications

Determine if you have the necessary qualifications to teach ESL. In many cases, having a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is advantageous. These qualifications can enhance your chances of finding teaching opportunities and provide you with essential teaching techniques.

Cultural Experience

Consider the opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture. Teaching ESL in France can allow you to experience the country’s rich history, explore its diverse regions, and interact with locals. If you have a genuine interest in French culture and language, teaching in France can be a rewarding experience.

Job Market

Research the demand for ESL teachers in France. The job market can vary depending on the location and the level of English proficiency in different regions. Major cities and metropolitan areas often offer more opportunities, but competition may also be higher. Explore job boards, networking platforms, and language schools to gauge the availability of positions.

Work Environment and Benefits

Consider the working conditions and benefits offered by potential employers. Some schools may provide contracts with competitive salaries, accommodation, health insurance, and support with legal requirements such as work permits. Evaluate the overall package and compare it with your expectations and financial needs.

Personal Goals

Reflect on your personal and professional goals. Teaching ESL in France can provide valuable teaching experience, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to develop your language skills. It can also open doors to further opportunities in the field of education or international work. Assess how teaching in France aligns with your long-term aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision to teach ESL in France depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and goals. Careful consideration of these factors will help you make an informed choice about pursuing a teaching opportunity in France.

FAQ about TEFL in France

Looking for all the important information to teach English in France? Here are the questions you might ask.

How do I apply for English teaching jobs in France?

Most jobs are advertised online, even in smaller towns. If you want to tutor English in a company, contacting the local French Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start. However, because there is a large network of ex-pats and international teachers, many of the best jobs are advertised only locally or via recommendation.

When do I apply for English teaching jobs in France?

Most of the English teaching jobs in France are advertised in the first quarter of the year and during the summer months. The academic year begins in September, however, there are opportunities in business education and private education throughout the year.

What is the average salary for an English teacher in France?

As a teacher in France, you can expect to earn between 1,000 and 2,000 Euros a month, depending on what kind of job you have and where you work. Some salaries can go quite beyond this average, especially at international schools or universities. However, these jobs are more difficult to obtain.

Is teaching English in France hard?

France is one of the most competitive job markets for international educators. However, while getting a job teaching English in France might be difficult, teaching English in France itself is very rewarding. If you have experience teaching English internationally, you will find that the network of ex-pats and thriving international culture makes it easier to adjust.

What is the work culture of English teachers in France?

France has a very successful education system, and one of the biggest reasons for this is its teachers. As such, expectations for teachers here are usually higher than in other destinations. You might find yourself working long days and might be expected to dedicate outside time to extracurricular activities. There is usually a business-formal dress code or uniform. However, working in the French education system is very rewarding, as both your colleagues and students are energized about education.

How much do English teachers make in Paris?

On average, you can make between 1,200 – 1,600 USD per month by teaching English in Paris.

Teaching English in France: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts about teaching English in this amazing country? Is it the right option for you, or are you looking for another high-paying European destination like Sweden? If the climate and culture are what interests you, consider amazing places in Asia for teachers to practice their craft.

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Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API