Hey.

This is a long post. Please bear with me.

For the past couple of weeks, I researched online about teaching English in France. From first-hand experience blog posts, Au Pairing, Private, and Language Schools to freelance teaching/tutoring - I've read it all.

The majority of ESL websites and job employment forums have an enormous amount of disdain, frustration and extreme caution towards opportunities in France and the EU. From what I've understood, it's largely due to the economy and the unemployment crisis. People suggest it's easier to come on a tourist visa and then look for jobs while hope that your money doesn't run out. Even then there's a 60-80% possibility you wouldn't end up with a job.

I want to teach English in France on a long term basis but for now, I'm okay with settling for 6-10 months for a good pay if an opportunity arises (focus A LOT on IF). I'm eager to learn French language and the culture. My previous visits to the countryside has been brilliant.

I would be grateful if anyone who is currently in France or knows the conditions of a direct source, could shed some light on the likelihood of teaching English as a profession across France.

Background:

I hold an Indian passport - I know about the visa complications. I've lived in Dubai, UAE, London, UK (Middle School) and California, USA (High School & University). I dropped out of a 4-year university program in my third year (Jan '16). I completed my CELTA certification in 2015 with a pass A grade (not sure if that makes a difference). My accent is neutral, probably more Californian but I can switch them very well. My command of the French language is at A2 level.

I've spent each high school summer teaching English in India and Sri Lanka (paid and unpaid positions). I've taught at A2, B1, and B2 levels. To create an allowance for myself, I also work on various freelance writing contracts - ie my steady income for now.

Feel free to be brutally honest in your remarks, advice and suggestions.

Apurva.

Hello Apurva

You seem to have researched this sufficient to know it's not going to be easy. The economy isn't good and France isn't the land of opportunity right now. Taking on employees is a big commitment for a French employer, once a contract is signed it's very difficult to terminate it early, so they're wary of taking anybody on if they're not sure they have enough work for them long term. Hence you're unlikely to get a permanent contract. I think that's more the case in France than other EU countries where employees aren't as well protected.

So one way and another, no you can't come to France and rely on earning a living from teaching ESL. It's not too well paid and I would say you need at least half-time employment to earn enough to live on, even if you keep your writing going - which would have to be registered as a business activity and you would have to pay social contributions and tax on that income too.

Another problem which I'm sure you realise is that there are loads of wannabee EFL teachers from just across the Channel, and it's easier for employers to employ an EU passport holder because there are no work permit hoops to be jumped through.

Having said that, everyone has their own experience. Personality, determination and ability are big factors too. Your history would go in your favour, you would have the edge on the average UK expat who's never lived in other cultures; but not having a British passport would go against you because of the potential complications. But if you happen to be one of the "lucky" ones and you do get a job and it does last longterm, the fact that you're in a minority will make no difference to you - your experience will be good and you'll say that finding work in France is not so hard after all.

Bonne chance

I worked for a while as an ESL teacher in France, quite some years ago. However, I think my comments might still be relevant today.

1. The organizations I worked for only took EMT teachers. I.e. Brits, Canadians, Americans etc. They did not employ anyone who did not already have valid work status (working visa or EU citizenship). We were all on CDD (contrats à durée déterminés).

2. The hourly rate I earned was pretty good. But to make a living wage I worked for up to 3 organizations at a time, supplemented my wages from this with private tutoring, & had a couple or three other part-time gigs as well as being eligible for for 'allocations familiales' which were rather generous, & helped enormously.

If I hadn't held a British passport, & contacts already in the field, I wouldn't have had a hope in Hell.

Your chances are not good. There are lots of qualified and experienced candidates with university degrees who have the right passport (UK or Republic of Ireland). Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

At the risk of enduring the wrath of PetiteFrancaise for being so pessimistic, I believe that the advise here so far is spot-on.
However to the OP, I'd say "Give it a try", as you'll never know otherwise.
And if everything goes pear-shaped, you should send the lynch mob to Austin US, which is where PF can be located.

As a recruiter in the industry - it is a difficult profession to be in right now - you will need to work 2/ 3 jobs to make ends meet - ideally hold a TEFL qualification , and be self employed.

I would recruit non native speakers if they can demonstrate an exceptionally good level of English though that is not the case for all recruiters

Good luck

Would/do the companies you recruit for "sponsor" work visas?

Nope sorry no chance

Thanks. That's what I thought, so a major problem for the OP.

Why would any school or company sponsor a non-EU passport-holder when there are thousands of UK and Irish nationals queueing up for jobs ?

Because they may bring a different ability to the job......

I didn't think for a moment that they would. I took the opportunity to ask denneymumthe question as she's currently "in the business", mainly to satisfy my own curiosity, & in case things had changed since my time.

IIRC, the non-EU teachers I worked with were in France through marriage & not work visas.

I will employ anyone enthusiastic and willing to work with a good level of English but language schools are struggling here in France and will not look further than need be to find people

Language schools? FRANCE is struggling!

Dont let Pf catch you saying that....