France

“L’Hexagone”, or “The Hexagon” in English, is a popular nickname the French call their beloved country due to its shape. If you look at France on a map, you can distinctly see it has six sides for its borders and children learn how to draw France at a young age by studying the shape of a hexagon first! However, the illustrious and beautiful country of France is known for many other things: from its capital city Paris (“The City of Lights”), to croissants, to the guillotine — vive la revolution, right? History & Culture French history, language, and culture are thousands of years old — dating back to the Iron Ages — and have shaped the world that we know. And while it hasn’t always been pleasant, you know, like beheading their monarchs; art, architecture, and philosophy flourished during the different centuries. Impressionism, Art Nouveau, the Can-Can dance, and even the Eiffel Tower are all things that came out of France’s most celebrated era, “La Belle Époque” or “The Golden Age”, that are still found and celebrated today in Paris throughout different museums, at the Moulin Rouge, and of course in the skyline of the city itself. We would also be remiss if we didn’t discuss the music scene in France. From Edith Piaf and Serge Gainsbourg to Daft Punk and MC Solaar, French music has ranged from classics to electronic to rap and everything in-between which has shaped music around the world . To get you in “ze mood” while learning more, listen to this French playlist the ITA…

Each country has its own unique requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in France. Education A bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited school is required in order to work in France. There is an exception for the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) in which you must have completed three years of higher (post-secondary) education in order to be eligible. Citizenship European Union (EU) citizens are able to work legally in France. Non-EU citizens must find a way to work legally — student visa, marriage, or the TAPIF program if eligible. The TAPIF is open to English speakers who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Those with a U.S. Green Card can apply if they are citizens of the following countries: Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Ghana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America English Fluency If you are not a citizen of one of the above countries, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be consi…

France is the most visited country in the world — who wouldn’t want to explore the streets of Paris, swim along the French Riviera, or ski down Mont Blanc (be careful, you may end up in Italy!)? Where there is a rise in tourists, there is a demand for English and there are many opportunities throughout the country. The need for qualified English teachers in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and many other cities throughout France is high. Teachers can expect to make enough money to live comfortably and travel throughout the whole of Europe. You can find English teaching positions in private language schools, private or bilingual/international schools, or even public schools via the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) where your students will be in pre-kindergarten to high school. Apart from this program, most teaching jobs in France will be in private language schools that cater to adults. Most teachers will find themselves working between 20-30 hours per week and may find students to tutor privately on the side to bring in more income. Keep in mind that citizenship does play a role in finding positions in France. For those who do not have European Union (EU) citizenship, it will be much harder to find a job outside of the government program or without a proper student visa. The majority of English language schools will not sponsor work visas for teachers and will not hire those who cannot work legally. Let’s learn a bit more about the types of jobs in France and life as a teac…

Congrats! You have decided between applying to a private language institute, a private or international school, or the government program….or maybe you haven’t yet. C’est la vie! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in France, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application processes and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. For non-European Union (EU) citizens, be sure to check out our teaching in France timeline, as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure that you are staying on track with your documents. As most positions do not offer a work permit, you will be going over on a student visa or working holiday visa (if you qualify) which have certain timelines before going abroad. For TAPIF, you’ll apply 10-11 months in advance and get a specific visa for this program. *ITA does not review public school program applications, including the TAPIF program. Please refer to the program’s website for program application details and deadlines. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. Once you’ve updated your resume and cover lette…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position through the public school program TAPIF, there’s not much else to consider besides whether or not you’ll accept the offer. If you’ve applied to work at a private language school, and you’ve followed our previous advice you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in France is 700 — 1,600 Euros per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like a rural location with a low cost of living or longer than average working hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork, but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this visa process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in France, and then dive into a deeper look at the required documents for the visas. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local French embassy or consulate to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Ready? Allons-y! Visa Types Student Visa What is it? The student visa allows you to study in France. You can study the French language, study abroad, or complete an actual degree (bachelor’s and higher) on this visa. French law authorizes foreign students to an auxiliary work of 964 hours during the year, the equivalent of 60% of the legal work year. It can only be supplemental income. How do you get one? You must be older than 18 and enrolled and accepted in a program or classes at a higher education establishment. For more information, please visit Campus France . How long is it valid? The student visa is valid for as long as you study, and can only be issued for more than three months. Working Holiday Visa / Youth Mobility Visa What is it? This visa provides young travelers, typically 18 to 30 or 35, a chance to experience living and working legally in a foreign country for six m…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance/care. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. More often than not in France, basic health care is provided by the government if you are studying, part of the TAPIF program, or working legally! This is a major perk for you considering France is typically voted as having the best healthcare system in the world. Check out the “Accepting the Right Offer” section to learn more! Savings & Banking In France, it may take up to eight weeks before you receive your first paycheck. Therefore, you’ll want to plan accordingly! We recommend having anywhere between 1,900 – 3,100 Euros (EUR) in your bank account to tide you over until you get paid…

You have finally made it to the end of the France section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous sections laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for France. This timeline is not only for the planners and check-list lovers (although you will love this too). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to France to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job in Advance with TAPIF Please keep in mind that the main hiring seasons for France are September and January. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible 11 months before departure: Begin your research & application process ___ List out your preferences and priorities ___ Chat with ITA alumni and read about alumni experiences __ Read through ITA’s resources, attend the Student Affairs webinar __ Network with ITA Alumni and watch Instagram takeovers, etc. __ Read about France and French culture, etc. ___ Ensure your passport is valid for the entire time you plan to be in France, as well as six months after ___ Be aware of when TAPIF application opens (around November/December) ___ Finalize your international resume and cover letter ___ Order transcripts ___ Collect letters of recommendation ___ Get two passport photos ___ Submit application before deadline 3 months befor…

I now teach in an elementary school in Marseille as part of the TAPIF Program. Teaching English in France is one of the best decisions I ever made. I have progressed leaps and bounds in the French language, and also discovered a career I can actually see myself doing in the long term. Be ready to embrace a new and exciting way of living, finding joy in new and unfamiliar things. Approach challenges or setbacks as problems that can be solved and find the curiosity and tenacity within you to solve them. Try new things, learn the language, and learn from the perspectives of locals. Anne Donnelly Marseille, France I work for a Bilingual School in the heart of Paris, where half the day is taught in English and the other half in French (I only teach the English). If you are considering making the move to France, DO IT!!! There is absolutely no way you will ever regret it. Living abroad changes you as a person, for the better. Lindsay H. Paris, France I have a mix of students and teaching situations. Sometimes I have classes at the company location, sometimes at the Wall Street English location in Paris La Defense, but most of the time via videoconference. This works well for both the students and me; it saves commuting time and as the technology works very well now, it is easy to have a face-to-face discussion as if we were in the same room. Also, I can easily share documents, audio, write on the ‘white board,’ and interact effectively. About 90% of my classes are one-on-on…