Teaching Jobs in France

So … now you want to know … can I get a job in this wonderful country or not, or am I stuck with the accordion work?

Research suggests that there is a load of work available for English teachers in France. It’s just not as easily advertised as many other countries. Or as easily to fall into. You won’t see dozens of job advertisements for work like you do for Greece, Italy or Spain. But the work is there. English is the language of Europe and it’s the language used for business. The French, business-savvy that they are, know this quite well. In fact, it is a legal requirement for companies to offer a fixed number of professional training time to French workers. Medium-sized companies often do this in the way of English classes and business English teaching makes up the bulk of the EFL market in France. In fact, the demand in Paris for a qualified and experienced English teacher is actually quite high, there are many schools and some say a shortage of English teachers.

As Kevin Rigby, an English teacher, said in the on-line Education Guardian: “Finding a job here was like falling off a log. The French are justifiably proud of their own language but here in Paris at least, they are smart enough to know that the language of international business is English, and demand for native speaking teachers is high.”

Those with special skills like in information technology, multiple language skills or poodle-care, will not only find it easier, but can command a higher wage. The main problem you may come across is the legality involved in securing a job. Getting a job before your employer has met you in person is highly difficult. And although the demand is high for native speakers, the French are sticklers for legality, meaning a high demand for those with working papers. AKA European Union passport holders. Working under the table in France is rather difficult to come by as schools are reluctant to hire or even interview, knowing full well the extent of the law. You also want to beware of the time you are looking. The summer holiday months of July and August are nearly impossible to locate teaching work. Not only are kids on holidays but business folk often head to the beach or the mountains as well. Many schools will close up for the entire month or two. Besides, shouldn’t you be on the beach too? February is said by many teachers as also a difficult time to nail down solid work.