Teaching ESL in France
France's popularity in the ESL market makes competition for teaching positions very high.
France: At a Glance
France: Living in France
France: Teaching ESL in France
France: Financial Snapshot
Peak ESL Hiring Season in France
How to Find Jobs Teaching English in France
Largest Chain Schools in France
Tips for ESL Teachers in France
Teaching Requirements for ESL Teachers in France
Embassy and Consulate Information in France
Peak ESL Hiring Season in France
The French school system follows a similar schedule as in North America; therefore, the peak hiring season for an English-teaching position in France is usually around September. Another time of the year when ESL teaching positions become available is following the Christmas break. Often teachers may choose to leave their contract during this time due to homesickness or other reasons, making it a favourable time for ESL teachers to apply for a job.
There are rarely summer teaching positions in France, as most students use the summer months for other activities.
Public and Private School System
The French public school system is divided into three sections: enseignement primaire (primary), enseignement secondaire (secondary), and enseignement supérieur (higher education). Parents have an option to send their children to Catholic or non-denominational schools.
Education in the English language is part of a child's course load in a French public school, but the classes are usually delivered by native French-speaking teachers. There is less of a preference for hiring English teachers solely based on being a native English speaker. Preference is given to qualified teachers who have previous teaching experience, and knowledge of the French language. With an EU passport in hand, ESL teachers with the above qualifications will have a much greater chance of finding a teaching job at a public school in France.
Private Language Schools
Teaching at a private language school is an option that many future ESL teachers consider. There are a wide range of students attending private language schools. Teachers working at these schools could teach classes for school-age children who need some extra help with their English, or help French CEOs improve their English conversation skills. Many French companies often devote large amounts of money towards the English education of their employees.
Universities and Colleges
As finding a job teaching English in France is not an easy task for non-EU citizens, finding work teaching at a French university or college is understandably more difficult. A university degree, work/teaching experience, and excellent communication skills in French are "must haves" for those interested in finding work at a post-secondary institution in France. Typically, schools are more likely to hire a Canadian or an American with education and experience in a niche high-tech or business profession.
Private Tutoring
Another option for English teachers hoping to make a living for themselves in France is offering private lessons. Unfortunately, North Americans working as freelance ESL teachers will still need to obtain a French visa before earning money. Those who choose to offer private lessons tend to find that popular TESOL markets, such as Paris, have too much competition and finding work can be difficult. Teaching English in smaller cities and rural regions can be a way to gain more students and bank more money from the decreased cost of living.
How to Find Jobs Teaching English in France
Although finding a position in another country can be overwhelming, there are many resources to aid in the search for an ESL position. Experience with the French language may help with a job search. However, there are numerous English sources available online as well.
It is much harder to find an ESL teaching job if you are not living in France. Therefore, it is highly recommended that those interested in teaching English in France travel to Europe to perform their job search.
Our Global ESL Schools Directory, is the most comprehensive online database of ESL and International schools in France.
Largest Chain Schools in France
There are a number of international English chain schools which operate throughout France. Finding work at one of these schools can be a little less challenging than finding a job within the French public education system. The same visa obstacles will exist for teaching at a chain school.
- IFG Langues - Being one of the largest international chain schools in France makes IFG Langues a popular spot for aspiring ESL teachers. There are over one hundred ESL teachers employed by the chain school in the four locations throughout France. Teachers will need at least a Bachelor's Degree and TESOL certification. Interviews and testing for IFG Langues is done in Paris.
http://www.ifglangues.net/ - Inlingua - Inlingua is one of the largest international English chain schools in the world and with their presence in France, they catch the interest of many ESL teachers. Inlingua is based out of Paris, but has locations scattered throughout France. The chain school requires that anyone interested in working for the company be 25 years or older.
www.inlingua-paris.com
Other Jobs Teaching English in France
North Americans attempting to get a French visa are likely to have a difficult experience. Learning the French language is a competency that is very important for those wishing to teach English in France as most schools make it a basic requirement for employment. Many employers also require a university degree and relevant teaching experience.
Jobs Teaching English in the Summer in France
France’s school system is similar to North America in that school starts in September, ends in June, and vacations takes place during the two months of summer. Be aware that August is typically a bad time to accomplish anything in France. Most of the French take the month of August off as vacation.
Tips for ESL Teachers in France
- Most English teaching jobs in France require applicants to have a good understanding of the French language. It may be worthwhile to take some time and enrolll in French lessons before applying for jobs to teach English in France.
- A citizen from outside the European Union will have a difficult time getting a French visa. It is recommended to work with outside advisors, such as a lawyer or travel agents specializing in French visas, to help with the process of the visa application.
- The ESL job market in France offers an advantage for those travelling to France to do an ESL job search as opposed to those who apply from their home country.
- There is more competition for ESL jobs in Paris. Working in a smaller city or rural area of France will increase the odds of finding an English-teaching job and living in a more remote area of France usually provides a much lower cost of living.
- France has a prominent role in the worldwide fashion scene. The way one dresses in France holds great importance to the way someone is judged.
Teaching Requirements for Canadians in France
North American travellers are to have a tourist visa which lasts for 90 days, and this temporary visa allows its holder to explore France. Foreigners with tourist visas are not permitted to work in France. After staying in France for 90 days, a foreigner is no longer considered a tourist and will be required to have a proper French visa to stay in the country. ESL teachers typically apply for the visa while in France. As mentioned before, it is very hard for North Americans to qualify for a French visa.
Anyone from outside the EU wishing to teach English in France will have a few challenges ahead of them:
- Being a member of the EU allows French schools the ability to hire native English speakers from the neighbouring United Kingdom with little paperwork.
- With English being the international language of business, there are many French citizens with an excellent understanding of the language.
- In order for an American or Canadian ESL teacher to get a visa they would need to prove that they can offer skills that no applicant from France or the EU can offer to that specific position. Therefore, people who have been educated, trained, or worked in a specialty field typically have a slightly better chance of gaining a French visa.
- During the visa review process, French officials will take into account the applicants' understanding of the French language, unique competencies that could help with the teaching position, and the applicants' education and work experience.
French Work Permit/Visa Requirements
French officials will prefer to hire a citizen of France for any position including teaching English. The next preference would be given to a European Union passport holder. It is only after if no one qualifies they would consider granting a visa to a citizen of a non-EU nation. After finding a job, the company will fill out the paperwork needed to gain a French work permit. If accepted, this application would provide the ESL teacher with a 'visa de long séjour' (long-stay visa) and the ability to live in France, but not work. Those who have been granted a 'visa de long séjour' can apply for a carte de séjour (residence). There are few French companies willing to endorse a North American English teacher for a teaching job; without an application filed by a French school, a North American cannot even apply for a French visa. A TESOL graduate must prove that they posses unique skills like no other ESL teacher in Europe and they would be of value to that French company.
Students who have managed to have a French company fill out a 'visa de long séjour' application will need to bring the following documentation to their local French embassy or consulate (see below for French embassy and consulate locations):
- Three photocopies of a valid passport.
- Four copies of a French 'visa de long séjour' application that have all been signed in ink.
- Five passport-size photographs, one attached to each of the signed applications (leaving one extra picture).
- A proof of savings (bank statement or official letter from the bank). The French Government has not outlined the exact amount an applicant must have access to, but it will at least need to be enough to survive in France without any income until a 'carte de séjour' is approved.
- Three copies of a letter from an insurance company stating that the applicant has insurance valid in France (make sure this is outlined in the letter) for at least $37,000.
- Three copies of a clean criminal record check from a local police station.
- A hand-written letter stating that the applicant will not engage in any paid work while living in France with a 'visa de long' séjour. This letter must also be signed and dated.
- All visa applications fees must be paid in full. It is best to call a local embassy or consulate in advance to find out the exact fees and the acceptable methods of payment.
Be aware that the application process for getting a French visa is not a fast one, so expect to wait a couple of months to hear if it has been accepted or denied. If the 'visa de long séjour' (long-stay visa) is accepted, it is recommended that ESL teachers apply for a 'carte de séjour' (residence permit) immediately upon arrival in France. The 'carte de séjour' application process is known for taking a long time, but this document is needed to legally work in France. Applicants of a 'carte de séjour' are typically asked to have a French medical assessment, an interview (sometimes used to test an applicant's understanding of French), and pay initial taxes if approved.
For more information about teaching English in France and receiving a French visa, visit http://www.ambafrance-us.org/.
Requirements for EU Citizens to Teach English in France
France is a member of the European Union, and therefore, permits citizens from other EU nations an opportunity to work within the borders of France with little red tape. There is a preference towards hiring native French citizens to be ESL teachers, but people from other EU nations will still have good prospects of finding work teaching English in France. With the highly accessible English-speaking workforce either in France or within the EU, there is little chance of a non-EU citizen finding a job teaching English and even less likelihood of them being accepted for a French visa.
Embassy and Consulate Information for France
Canadian Embassy and Consulates Offices in France
Canadian Embassy in Paris
Ambassade du Canada
35, avenue Montague
75008 Paris
City:Paris
Phone: 33 1 4443 29000
Fax: 33 1 4443 2999
Website: http://www.amb-canada.fr
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to noon, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Consulate of Canada in Lille
36, avenue Emile Zola
59800 Lille
City:Lille
Phone: 33 3 2014 0578
Fax: 33 3 2014 3696
Email: consulat.canada-lille@amb-canada.fr
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to noon
Consulate of Canada in Lyon
17, rue Bourgelat
69002 Lyon
City: Lyon
Phone: 33 4 7277 6407
Fax: 33 4 7277 6509
Email: consulat.canada-lyon@amb-canada.fr
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Consulate of Canada in Monaco
Consulat du Canada
Palais de la Scala
1, avenue Henry Dunant - Bureau 1178
MC 9800 Monaco
City: Monaco
Phone: 377 9770 6242
Fax: 377 9770 6252
Email: consulat.canada-monaco@amb-canada.fr
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Consulate of Canada in Nice
2, Place Franklin
06000 Nice
City: Nice
Phone: 33 4 9392 9322
Fax: 33 4 9392 5551
Email: consulat.canada-nice@amb-canada.fr
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Consulate of Canada in St Pierre et Miquelone
Canadian Consulate
B.P. 4370
97500 St Pierre et Miquelon
City: St Pierre et Miquelon
Phone: 508 415510
Fax: 508 415510
Email: consulat.canada-st_pierreetmiquelon@amb-canada.fr
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Consulate of Canada in Toulouse
Canadian Consulate
10 rue Jules de Resseguier
31000 Toulouse
City: Toulouse
Phone: 33 56152 1906
Fax: 33 56155 4032
Email: consulat.canada-toulouse@amb-canada.fr
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to noon
American Embassy and Consulates Offices in France
American Embassy in Paris
2, avenue Gabriel
75382 Paris, Cedex 08
City: Paris
Phone: 33 1 4312 2222
Fax: 33 1 4266 9783
Email: citizeninfo@state.gov
Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to noon
Bordeaux (American Presence Post)
10, place de la Bourse, B.P. 77,
33076 Bordeaux
City: Bordeaux
Phone: 33 5 5648 6380
Fax: 33 5 5651 6197
Email: usabordeaux@state.gov
Website: http://bordeaux.usconsulate.gov/event100929.html
Lyon (American Presence Post)
1, quai Jules Courmont
69002 Lyon
City: Lyon
Phone: 33 4 7838 3303
Fax: 33 4 7241 7181
Email: usalyon@state.gov
Website: http://lyon.usconsulate.gov/
Rennes (American Presence Post)
30, quai Duguay-Trouin
35000 Rennes
City: Rennes
Phone: 33 2 2344 0960
Fax: 33 2 9935 0092
Email: usarennes@state.gov
Website: http://rennes.usconsulate.gov/
Toulouse (American Presence Post)
25, Allée Jean-Jaurès
31000 Toulouse
City: Toulouse
Phone: 33 5 3441 3650
Fax: 33 5 3441 1619
Email: usatoulouse@state.gov
Website: http://toulouse.usconsulate.gov/
Consulate of America in Nice (Consular agency)
7 avenue Gustave V, 3rd floor
06000 Nice
City: Nice
Phone: 33 4 9388 8955
Fax: 33 4 9387 0738
Email: citizeninfomarseille@state.gov
Website: http://marseille.usconsulate.gov/nice.html
Consulate of America in Strasbourg
15, avenue d'Alsace
67082 Strasbourg
City: Strasbourg
Phone: 33 3 8835 3104
Fax: 33 3 8824 0695
Website: http://strasbourg.usconsulate.gov/
Consulate of America in Lille
VPP Lille
American Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris
City: Lille
Email: usalille@state.gov
Australian Embassy in France
Australian Embassy in Paris
4, rue Jean Rey
75724 Paris
City: Paris
Phone: 33 1 4059 3300
Fax: 33 1 4059 3310
Email: Info.Paris@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.france.embassy.gov.au/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
British Embassy and Consulates Offices in France
British Embassy in Paris
British Embassy, Paris, France
British Embassy
35, rue du Faubourg St Honoré
75363 Paris Cedex 08 Paris
City: Paris
Phone: 33 0144 513100
Fax: 33 0144 513127
Email: public.paris@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en/
British Consulate in Bordeaux
353 Boulevard du President Wilson
33073 Bordeaux Cedex
City: Bordeaux
Phone: 33 5 5722 2110
Fax: 33 5 5608 3312
Email: postmaster.bordeaux@fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to noon, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
British Consulate in Lille
11 Square Dutilleul
59000 Lille
City: Lille
Phone: 33 3 2012 8272
Fax: 33 3 2054 8816
Email: postmaster.lille@fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to noon, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
British Consulate in Lyon
24 rue Childebert,
69002 Lyon
City: Lyon
Phone: 33 4 7277 8170
Fax: 33 4 7277 8179
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to noon, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
British Consulate in Marseilles
British Consulate
24 Avenue de Prado
13006 Marseille
City: Marseilles
Phone: 33 4 9115 7210
Fax: 33 4 9137 4706
Email: MarseilleConsular.marseille@fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to noon, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Irish Embassy and Consulates Offices in France
Irish Embassy in Paris
12 avenue Foch
75116 Paris
City: Paris
Phone: 33 1 4417 6700
Fax: 33 1 4417 6750
Email: public.paris@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.embassyofireland.fr/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to noon
Irish Consulate in Cherbourg
Gare Maritime Sud
50100 Cherbourg
City: Cherbourg
Phone: 33 2 3323 4444
Fax: 33 2 3323 4440
Email: public.paris@fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to noon
Irish Consulate in Cannes
St. Michel
69 Avenue Roi Albert
La Californie
City: Cannes
Phone: 33 6 7769 1436
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to noon
Irish Consulate in Monaco
Le Prince de Galles
5, Avenue des Citronniers
98000 Monaco
City: Monaco
Phone: 377 9315 7000
Fax: 377 9315 9516
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to noon
New Zealand's Embassy in France
New Zealand Embassy in Paris
7ter, rue Léonard de Vinci
75116 Paris
City: Paris
Phone: 33 1 4501 4343
Fax: 33 1 4501 4344
Email: nzembassy.paris@fr.oleane.com
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5.30pm; Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; except July and August
Embassy and Consulate Information Outside France
French Embassy and Consulate Offices in Canada
Embassy of France in Canada
42 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K2P 0T8
City: Ottawa
Phone: 1 613 789 1795
Fax:1 613 562 3735
Email: info@ambafrance-us.org
Website: http://www.ambafrance-ca.org/
Normal Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of French consulates in Canada can be found at: http://www.ambafrance-ca.org/.
French Embassy and Consulate Offices in America
Embassy of France in America
4101 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, DC 20007
City: Washington, DC
Phone: 1 202 944 6000
Fax: 1 404 495 1661
Email: info@ambafrance-us.org
Website: http://www.ambafrance-us.org/
Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of French consulates in the US can be found at: http://www.ambafrance-us.org/.
