How to Teach English in France

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

As a U.S. citizen without working papers, it can be difficult to find a teaching job in France. Every year, however, the French government selects hundreds of Americans between the ages of 20 and 29 to serve as teaching assistants in the French public school system. If you speak some French, are willing to work 12 hours per week in exchange for a paid six- to nine-month stay in France, and have a great deal of patience, this is the program for you!

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Intermediate to advanced French language skills
• At least 2 years of university-level studies
• Prior work with children (preferred but not required)

1. 

   Visit the French Culture website to begin your application. This can be found at http://www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?rubrique424&tout=ok

2. 

   Choose the school level and region in which you would like to teach. Assistants work with students in Primary and Secondary schools throughout France, and on the application you may indicate which age group you prefer. This program divides all of France (including certain overseas territories) into "academies," which are roughly equivalent to large school districts. You may choose up to three academies, although you might not receive any of your top choices if accepted.

3. Request two letters of recommendation. These should be from people who know you well and can speak to your French language abilities, so a French professor would be an excellent choice.

4. 

   Schedule a doctor's appointment and print out the Medical Report. Have your doctor fill out the form after your exam.

5. Review the "Checklist" on the online application. Print out two copies of your completed application form and send it to the French Embassy along with your letters of recommendation, your completed medical report, an official transcript from your college or university, two passport-style photos, a copy of your passport, a self-addressed envelope, and a check for $35.

6. 

   Submit your application online before one of the three deadlines (for instance, December 1, December 22, or January 15). Completing your application earlier may increase your odds of receiving the location and age group that you requested, so aim for the first deadline if possible.

7. Be patient! Acceptances may not be announced until late April or early May, and those will only inform you of your academie and age level. You will receive your actual school assignment several weeks (or even months) afterward, in the form of your "Arrete de Nomination." Once this document arrives -- generally in early summer but potentially as late as August or September -- make several photocopies immediately, as it is irreplaceable.

8. 

   Visit the French consulate and apply for your visa. Consulates are assigned specific states; you may only apply for your visa at the consulate responsible for your home state (i.e. your permanent address). Schedule an appointment if necessary, and bring your passport, extra passport photos, your Arrete de nomination, a completed long-stay visa application, and several copies of all documents. As an assitant, there is no charge for this visa.

9. Contact your school. Your Arrete de nomination should include contact information for the school (or schools) to which you have been assigned; make sure to be in touch and determine when to arrive, who to meet with upon arriving, and whether the school provides housing.

10. 

    Buy your ticket to France. Bon voyage !

Tips & Warnings

• Make several photocopies of all important documents.

• Arrive with enough savings to get settled (first month's rent, deposit, etc.) -- you will not receive your first paycheck until one month after your arrival, at the earliest!

• Choose your academie carefully! Just because it bears the name of a major city does not mean you will be placed downtown; be prepared for a more rural assignment.

Resources

• French Embassy's Offical Site
• An excellent resource created and maintained by current and former assistants.