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English Teaching Jobs in
France
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France is a massively popular destination, and for good reason – so how can English teachers find jobs there?
The job market can be competitive. While a TEFL certificate is extremely valuable, and a degree helps (especially for higher-salaried teaching jobs), experience isn’t always necessary. In fact, it’s often the case that newer teachers are preferred, depending on the role in question. Summer camps and teaching programmes are also extremely fruitful routes for newer ESL teachers who want to gain some teaching experience.
Clearly, teaching English in Paris is a major attraction, but it’s far from being the only city worth exploring in France. Major cities like Marseille, Lyon, Nice and Bordeaux are excellent places to teach English. The options are plentiful, and that’s before getting into the idyllic towns and villages where you can find teaching opportunities.
So, how do you find teaching jobs in France? What requirements do you need to meet, what are salaries like, and where are the popular resources for finding work? Allons-y , and we’ll find out!
English teaching jobs in France: an overview
Teaching English in France is, as you might expect, an incredibly popular choice. One of the most sought-after TEFL locations in Europe alongside Italy, Spain and Germany, France is full of exquisite culture and beauty, and rugged, rural terrain. Big and varied enough to cater to a range of teaching styles and tastes, there’s plenty to explore for TEFL teachers in France, from the most elite international schools in Nice to under-funded high schools in Saint-Denis.
English proficiency isn’t as high as you might expect, but there is significant interest in learning the language, especially among younger people. While French is a colossally important language worldwide, there’s still recognition of how useful English is, especially in business, education and culture.
Quick facts about France
- Capital: Paris
- Official Language: French
- Population: 68 million
- Currency: Euro (€)
Key facts
Requirements
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is a minimum to teach English in France, and it will be almost impossible to find work without one. 120 hours of study is the industry standard. Any less than 120 hours of TEFL training will not be recognised by employers. Additionally, it’s worth taking on advanced TEFL certification courses: the likes of Business English, Teaching Young Learners and English for Academic Purposes will make a difference in finding teaching jobs in France. Career-motivated adults - especially in big cities like Paris - school pupils and students will make up the bulk of your client base.Although not always strictly necessary, French employers often look for a bachelor's degree (in any subject) alongside a TEFL qualification. Holding a bachelor's degree in education or an English-related subject can make a difference when it comes to higher-salaried job opportunities. If you're looking for a job teaching English to international students or at private schools, you may require a master's degree, as well as a teaching licence.A little prior teaching experience is often preferred, though you can teach English abroad in France without experience. While there isn't technically an age limit for teaching English in France, younger teachers are often given preference, sometimes even over more experienced, older teachers. Native English speakers will find it much easier to secure work than those from non-native countries, though if you’re a non native speaker of English, and hold an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, you may be able to find work. Equally, if you have a bachelor's degree or a teaching licence from an English-speaking country, this can help.Salary and benefits
The salary for teaching English in France varies depending on several factors, including location, type of school, and qualifications. However, TEFL teachers generally earn between €1,000 - €2,000 (£926 - £1,852 or $1,082 – $2,164) per month for full-time work, while private tutors can earn around €15 - €25 (£13 - £23 or $16 – $27) per hour.
Benefits are very much dependent on the kind of job you have teaching English in France. State school jobs, which are hard to attain for non-French nationals, will provide public holidays, paid sick days, health insurance and training. Private language schools offer similar benefits, while international schools can offer accommodation, travel assistance, performance bonuses and other considerable benefits.
Living and working in France
How expensive is it to teach English in France? It’s perhaps best to look at Paris, where the cost of living is most expensive in mainland France. While the City of Lights might be 32% less expensive than London, and consumer prices are cheaper than New York, it can get quite expensive for English teachers.
A month’s rent in a city centre one-bedroom apartment can cost around £1,117/$1,418, though it’s cheaper in the suburbs, costing closer to £800/$1,010 per month. If you’re looking for a three-bedroom dwelling in the city centre, a typical month’s rent is £2,450/$3,115 overall, so we’d suggest finding like-minded English teachers to share with!For basic utilities, expect to spend around £170/$215 per month while you're teaching English in Paris, while monthly internet costs are around £25/$32. Why are we highlighting the internet cost? While teaching English abroad, it’s common for English teachers to take on extra private tutor gigs online. If you’re living in Paris, or another big city, it all helps!
Now, what's the point of teaching English in France if you're not going to get out to some restaurants? A three-course meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant is around £56/$70, whereas a solo meal in an inexpensive restaurant is about £13/$16. There’s nothing quite like getting around Paris on the Metro: a monthly travel pass will set you back £64/$82.
Types of English teaching jobs in France
Public schools
While it’s not necessarily impossible to find work teaching English in state schools across France, it is difficult. Usually, French teachers who can speak English will be hired for these kinds of roles, and be entitled to the benefits that come with working in the French public sector. However, if you’re already living and teaching English in France, and a state school job comes up locally, it’s worth applying if you have a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification and some teaching experience.
Jobs boards
We regularly have openings for teaching positions in France at The TEFL Org Jobs Centre. Whether you're looking to teach English in France, or anywhere else in the world, we've got fantastic teaching abroad opportunities updated daily!
If you know which city you want to work in, search online for ‘Écoles de Langues’ along with the name of your city to find TEFL positions in that locality.
The best place to find information about French language schools is the Yellow Pages.
For those seeking professional, full-time and higher-level positions rather than freelance opportunities, a membership to TESOL-France is invaluable. For an annual fee, you will be added to a mailing list receiving a weekly digest of exclusive jobs, such as positions at universities. You also get access to workshops, The Teaching Times magazine, and networking with other professionals.
Summer camp positions are another good way to get access to the country and gain experience. American Village Camps is a popular provider of camps for children in France. ESL classes take place alongside fun activities and pastoral duties.
Teaching programs in France
The most straightforward way for an American ESL teacher to get a job teaching in France is through the TAPIF program, also known as the Teaching Assistant Program in France. The TAPIF program places Americans (between the ages of 20-35) as teaching assistants in elementary and secondary schools throughout France on 7-month contracts.
TAPIF is an incredibly popular programme for teaching English abroad and, with only 1000 places each year, it can be very competitive. To apply for a place, you’ll need to be able to show that you meet the following requirements:
- Be an American citizen between the age of 20-35
- Have a degree (or currently studying towards your diploma)
- Demonstrate a proficient level of French (equivalent to level B1 on the European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- Have previous teaching experience and/or experience working with young learners
- TEFL qualification (while not a strict requirement, this can improve a candidate's chance of being accepted.
Unfortunately we don't currently have any jobs available in france. We update our job centre daily so check back soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are English teachers in demand in France?
Across private schools, language schools, international schools and universities, there is a demand for qualified teachers with TEFL certification to teach English in France.
Q. How to get a job as an English teacher in France?
To teach English in France, you’ll need at least a TEFL certificate, with 120 hours of TEFL training. Depending on the employer, you may also need a degree and some teaching experience.
Q. What is the salary of an English teacher in France?
When you teach English in France, the average salary is around €1,000 - €2,000 (£926 - £1,852 or $1,082 – $2,164) per month for full-time work. Private tutors can earn around €15 - €25 (£13 - £23 or $16 – $27) per hour.
Q. Which country has the highest demand for English teachers?
Per capita, China has the highest number of English learners, but countries like Spain, Japan and South Korea, as well as regions like Latin America, have considerable demand for English teachers.