 Overview
France - the land of good food, good wine, bicycles and
baguettes. Each region has its own unique character that
goes far beyond only the city/county contrast. Whether you’re
looking for Parisien chic, rural countryside or golden beaches,
you’ll be sure to find something to please in France.
French society is cosmopolitan and has a multi-racial mix
found in few other European countries thanks to it’s
numerous territoires d’outre-mer (overseas territories)
ranging from Africa to the Carribean, and not forgetting
the communities of Anglophones to be found in most cities.
The TEFL market is well-established in France although
not as thriving as in some other European countries- you’ll
only find a small number of big schools even in major cities
such as Paris. Despite the long-term love-hate relationship
with their cross-Channel neighbour, the general standard
of English is surprisingly good, which could perhaps explain
the lack of schools.
Salary and hours
The French work a maximum of 35 hours a week so teachers
can expect anything up to that, but more likely around 20-25.
Classes can take place anytime during the day up until early
evening (7/8pm) but not normally over lunch. State school
starts between 8am and 8.30am until 5 or 6pm with classes
on a Saturday morning depending on the region.
Teachers are generally paid per hour plus an extra for
preparation time. Depending on the amount of hours you can
expect to earn around 900- 1200 euros a month before tax.
Type of teaching
Classes vary depending on the size of the city, but adult
students and business classes are common. Young learners
tend to have English classes at school so are less common
in private language schools, although you may find teenagers
needing exam help. Working as a language assistant (assistant
de langue) in either a primary or a secondary school is
a good and well-paid option. For this you need to apply
to the Rectorat that manages the placements for each region,
not the school directly. Another alternative is to approach
a private secondary school as they often take on native
English speakers as full-time teachers and don’t necessarily
require you to have a French teaching qualification.
Accommodation
Teachers normally have to find their own accommodation in
France, often in shared apartments. State schools might
be able to at least give you information on local agencies.
Accommodation can be expensive especially if you sign up
with agency. Expect to pay one month’s rent as agency
fees and two months rent deposit at the beginning of the
contract. Be sure that you fully understand the terms of
the contract in case you need to terminate early and in
which cases you can get your deposit back. Ask about the
bills, sometimes you’ll have to contact the water/electricity
companies yourself if the landlord doesn’t have the
account in their name.
Start of school year/ best time to look for work
Most contracts with private language schools will begin
in September/October and run through to June or July. Qualifications
required will depend a lot on where you’re working,
in small towns a knowledge of French may well be more useful
than a CELTA for example. Before the summer break, around
July is a good time to look for work, although smaller schools
may not know how many students they’re expecting in
September so may not be able to give you a definite answer.
Red Tape
Any EU resident will be required to apply for a social security
number, but often the school will be able to do this for
you. Be sure to take enough money or a credit card with
you to pay accommodation fees etc at the beginning as it
can be difficult to open a bank account without an address
or a job contract, and difficult to get an address without
a job contract as proof of income.
Miscellaneous advice
Workers on a low income can apply for housing benefit
(CAF) which is calculated on the amount earned in the previous
year in France. The CAF then pay a percentage of your rent,
sometimes up to 75% so its definitely worth doing. Ensure
though that you have the money paid directly into your account
and not to your landlord/agency as the money is paid after
you’ve paid the month’s rent and so you may
lose out on the last month’s money.
British
Council
Lonely
Planet Guide - France
FCO
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