How to Teach English as a Foreign Language in France
Many people dream of living overseas. Some plan to stay just a year or less, others hope to set up a home and be an ex-patriot. One route to getting established overseas is to get a job teaching English. English language skills are in demand around the world, as it is the common language for international business and politics.
The demand for English skills is as high in France as anywhere, but the demand for foreign teachers with modest teaching experience is limited compared with other countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. There is a program sponsored by the French Embassy to bring young English teachers to France. It is competitive, but well-regarded.
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Instructions
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Select a teaching program. You can apply to language schools directly, such as Berlitz, or through a program such as the teaching assistant program offered by the French Embassy, or another program that offers teaching positions to qualified applicants.
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Determine your qualifications. The Teaching Assistant Program requires that applicants be proficient in French (about 3 semesters of college-level French coursework and/or basic conversational skills). This program is also only open to students between ages 20 and 29 who are American citizens or foreign residents who hold a green card.
If you do not qualify for this program, you can apply to other programs that do not have such prerequisites. Be aware, however, that some teaching opportunities will charge you a fee for training and placement and housing during your stay. If you are opposed to this kind of arrangement, consider training in French language and in ESL education to better qualify yourself for professional teaching.
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Confirm your ability to travel and live abroad. Check that your passport is current and that you are not restricted from getting a proper visa to travel, work and live in France according to your program's protocols. If you are in need of fast passport assistance, many services can provide you a new or replacement passport in a short time for a fee. A representative at the French Embassy in the United States can also field any questions you have about your eligibility to travel and settle in France.
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Submit application materials. Once you have completed your applications and collected any and all required documents, such as proof of identity and visa eligibility, education, and references, submit your packet to the program you are applying to.
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Brush up on your French! An interview or exam may be required for your application. Brush up on your French by interacting with French speakers. Your local French culture center will likely be able to direct you to an informal language group, or a small conversational French class to hone your skills.
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Wait to hear back. You should find out within the allotted time whether you were accepted into the program you applied to. If you are, congratulations! If not, consider applying to programs in French-speaking countries where the demand for English teachers is higher.
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Tips & Warnings
Save some cash. Although many teaching positions are well paid, anticipate spending some of your own money to get established in France.
Make contacts when you arrive. If your first job falls through or ends, you may have an easier time connecting with a new one using local resources.
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