FRANCE

Teaching English in France

 You might be surprised to learn that it is surprisingly easy to find a position in France teaching English in France.

The French are more likely to hire native English-speaking teachers based on credentials other than their TEFL certificate, being more interested in proof of university qualifications and a passable ability in French. However, it is always wise to approach future employers with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate in hand.

You will not need a work visa for teaching English in France if you are an EU citizen.

In France, there are many English Language Schools, which you can apply to work in. These are both in Paris and the outlying ‘provinces’. Schools vary from small, locally run, privately owned schools to chain schools such as Wall Street Institute, Inlingua and Berlitz. Working conditions vary according to whether you live in Paris, or in the provinces. In Paris, English language schools abound and hourly teaching rates are not high (around 15-20 Euro an hour gross), - with considerable travel involved - and proper contracted salaried work is only sometimes available, in the bigger, well-known schools with a large turnover of students. Work conditions vary from very comfortable in most schools and in the training rooms of most companies, to the most basic in some of the businesses you may visit. I have personal experience teaching in an unheated chateau with no electricity or heating in the rooms we would use. Lessons would become impossible after 4pm on a winter afternoon.

A full-time teacher works around 25 hours per week, but you can be asked to do more in Paris, and at the hourly rate mentioned, it’s very possible that you will be happy to work more!

It is possible to acquire ‘private lessons’ in France, a useful supplement, usually, to what you make in your full-time job. If you are not interested in getting involved with a school, college, or corporation, this could also be worth considering. These can be very easy to find in the bigger cities but one teacher I know had problems in a provincial town trying to advertise his services as an English teacher via the local supermarket noticeboard. The manager removed the notice refusing to believe he was only offering English language lessons and not something more dubious! Rates for this are around 15-20 Euro (though this should be checked) per hour. Usually teachers travel to people's homes to teach but there are other options such as cafes, which can be possibilities, particularly for conversational lessons

In France, a fair amount of the teaching involves teaching over the telephone. This is due in large part to the high number of students who are either business professionals choosing to enhance their CV or those who have been sent on courses by their employers. Telephone lessons frequently more economical in terms of both time and money. It also offers teachers the opportunity to do their jobs without having to leave their home countries. If your life does not permit travel but you are still interested in a TEFL career, telephone teaching is another option to explore.

To conclude, although not necessary to speak fluent French to work in France, it is highly advisable to have a working knowledge of the language - if only for administrative reasons - there is a lot of administration from day one! Plus, you do need that University qualification and if you are thinking of a career break and are thinking of working in TEFL, well France is one country where your previous business experience will be looked upon as a real asset.

Culture Tips

1. Women greet good friends, male and female, with a kiss on either cheek. Men shake hands only; they do not embrace or kiss other men.
    

2. Be prepared to discuss a variety of topics, including music, sports (soccer!), books, and the theater. It is best to avoid speaking of French politics, especially if you are uninformed, but be prepared to answer questions about your country's politics and foreign policy.
    

3. Stick to non-personal topics; it is considered rude to ask a person's age, what something cost, money or even about a person's work. Family life, as well, is considered extremely private and should be avoided as a topic of conversation.
    

4. The French are generally modest about receiving compliments; therefore, you may hear a self-deprecating comment in response to a compliment.
    

5. Although it is fine to be late for an informal party, always be on time for a formal dinner.
    

6. If you are invited to a French home for dinner, bring a gift for the hostess. This can be a box of chocolates or flowers it is best not to bring wine, as the hosts will have already selected a wine to accompany the meal.
    

7. Dining is an experience to be enjoyed in France. People will sit and converse for hours at the table. The conversation will be lively, and you may even find yourself in the middle of a debate over the merits of anything from wine to NAFTA!
    

8. Never 'drop in' on your French friends, no matter how well you know them! Guests in a French home are usually entertained in the living and dining rooms only.
    

9. In Offices, French people often shake hands with their colleagues every morning when they arrive at work. Forgetting who you shook hands with and offering your hand a second time is quite a faux pas.
    

10. Chewing gum in public and smoking or drinking while you walk are considered an indication of poor taste.

http://www.fusac.fr/en/index.php

http://lolwhites.blogspot.com/- from Monsieur le Prof d'Anglais - English teacher in France blog

http://www.angloinfo.com/

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A useful site offering free clasified ads