Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is both a rewarding and challenging experience. The experience not only builds bonds with students but opens the door to life-changing opportunities of immersing in the culture of another country and getting paid for doing it.
Moreover, English teachers in France are seen as valued members of the society, whether you teach through your laptop sitting in Paris or in a distant village in Loire Valley, you can teach the language at ease, so long as you meet all the requirements.
Everything You Need to Know About Teaching English in France
France has an outstanding education system that has been able to create myriad opportunities for those looking to explore teaching opportunities in France.
Additionally, those who wish to experience France first hand can do so in a variety of settings, whether online, helping coordinate an English summer camp or if you are a US citizen or permanent resident as a paid intern under the TAPIF program.
What is being a teacher in France like?
The French lay equal emphasis on English, despite having a soft corner for their own language. In fact, children less than a year old are taught basic conversation skills using English.
As a result, most families look for tuition from those who are adept in teaching English, plus teachers themselves get plenty of opportunities to hone their French speaking skills which is facilitated by the easy outgoing nature of the locals.
Also the starting salary for ESL teachers ranges between €14-€22 per hour or €1800-200 per month, with private schools paying the highest and public schools a bit in the lower range
Considering the high cost of living, this amount is just enough to break even, unless combined with private tutoring to save more.That said, a popular benefit for most ESL teachers in France are the long paid holidays which come as a welcome perk.
TEFL course in France
Historical sites, charming cities and delicious cuisine are some of the adventures of a lifetime to be experienced for English teachers to earn Teaching English in France while traveling across Europe.
Once you have earned your TEFL certificate, you can not only bag an English teaching job in France all through the year, but get plenty of free time and a degree of work flexibility as well.
Apart from the stunning Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum in the city of Paris, there are numerous other places to visit, whether for adventure or only for relaxation during the long holiday break.
If you are a food and wine lover, the amazing wine capital of Bordeaux and places like the cliff top village of Ricamadour will blow your mind away being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For nature lovers one can explore the amazing landscapes of the countryside of Provence, which is in total contrast with the bustle of Paris.
Another natural spot to visit is the Cote d’Azur coastline on the Mediterranean Sea and the blue waters of the famous Normandy beach, as well as Brittany and the Alsace region.
France is a beautiful and diverse country and having a TEFL certificate will entitle you to live and teach in one of the most stunning countries in the whole of Europe.
Demand for English teachers in France
The demand for ESL teachers in France is fairly constant all over the country with over 500 language schools in Paris alone, apart from endless opportunities on display in the papers and on the internet.
Even though the medium of teaching in schools is French, over the years efforts are underway to embrace English as well, particularly because the first language of business is English.
Conclusion
Since over 39% of language speakers use English, there are more teaching jobs for ESL teachers with TEFL certification with a sense of security and the chance to enjoy a new experience by the side.
Therefore, apart from realising the dream of a fulfilling career, obtaining a TEFL to teach English in France provides one of the best ways to live in this beautiful part of the world.
Furthermore, it offers the individual an opportunity to explore the country and its beauty and culture without the necessity of having to master the local language.
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