Teaching English in France- FAQs

1. Do they really have a lot of poodles over there?
2. Can you use one of those French berets as a Frisbee in the park or will I get arrested?
3. What time do banks, post offices, etc, open and close?
4. Do I need my own yacht to teach on the French Riviera?
5. What if I don’t have much formal schooling?
6. Can I bring my Star Trek collector’s item DVD series?
7. What about the law? Is there anything I need to know about driving on the wrong side of the road or insulting policemen?
8. Is there anything else I should bring?

Do they really have a lot of poodles over there?

The French love their dogs and some say it is their national dog. Apparently it’s the first thing Napolean went for after returning from war. Actually there’s not as many as all those Saturday morning cartoons led us to believe. Besides, you learn to love them. Dogs make great teaching material … conversation-wise. Get your students talking.

What if I have a wheat allergy and can’t eat baguettes or little French pastries? Not a problem. French food is some of the best in the world. Sure you may miss out on the odd eclair or croissant, but that shouldn’t stop you from gorging on those great French sauces, sauteed vegetables or cuts of beef. Loads of vegetarians and veggie cooking out here too.

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Can you use one of those French berets as a Frisbee in the park or will I get arrested?

I haven’t seen a law against it yet. But they don’t fly very well. Besides, the poodles tend to take off with them

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What time do banks, post offices, etc, open and close?

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Do I need my own yacht to teach on the French Riviera?

No, but knowing your student has one can help you plan your classes. Cater your classes around your student’s interests and you’ll get so much more talking from the timid French student. Knowing how to swim could be better, in case you’re teaching on your student’s yacht.

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What if I don’t have much formal schooling?

It helps to get a job if you have a degree. But teaching qualifications are the most important thing. Check the entrance requirements of any teacher training course, such as CELTA or TEFL International before enrolling. In France, unlike some Asian countries, it’s not illegal to teach without a university degree. But most schools will wince if they hear you say, “I ain’t been to college and I don’t know how to teach ... got any jobs goin’?”

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Can I bring my Star Trek collector’s item DVD series?

Sorry, Europe uses a different system and videos, DVDs from across the Atlantic don’t often work. Besides you have to watch everything in French now, right?

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What about the law? Is there anything I need to know about driving on the wrong side of the road or insulting policemen?

They drive on the right side of the road. The laws are pretty much the same as most Western countries. If insulting policemen is something you have to ask about, I don’t recommend you go anywhere

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Is there anything else I should bring?

A French phrase book could help. Some souvenirs for new friends are nice. Maybe some Kraft dinner or marmite for any homesick nights. Family photos. Bring warm and light clothing. Don’t bring Uncle Don or the souvenir poncho you bought in Mexico two years ago

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