The opportunity to traverse some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, enjoy local wines, sample the finest produce and swim in crystal clear waters – all whilst getting paid for it? Sounds too good to be true, right? Yet, from Bordeaux to Toulouse, plenty of digital nomads are turning their wanderlust dreams into reality through teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).
Teaching English abroad not only enriches the lives of students and allows for immersion in the local community but also provides a healthy salary, offering every nomad the ultimate passport to freedom.
So what are the requirements of teaching English in France and how a teaching career could provide the roadmap for your next epic adventure across the south of the country? I’m here to answer all your questions.
Teaching English Requirements
Before we delve into how you can kickstart your teaching career across the south of France (and more precisely SW of France), it’s worth reviewing what is needed to begin tutoring overseas. Many TEFL job positions require their applicants to have the following:
- A valid passport (if teaching abroad).
- A TEFL certificate
- A clean criminal record/health check
- A valid work visa (if teaching abroad)
It should also be noted some TEFL teaching in France positions (especially those in high-competition regions and those with the highest salaries) will require applicants to be a native English speaker i.e. hailing from a country where English is the first language, hold a Bachelor’s degree (though this doesn’t have to be specifically in teaching) and have prior teaching experience.
This isn’t always the case, however, and often the biggest requirement an employer will ask for is a passionate attitude towards teaching and enriching the lives of their students!
Teaching English in France
France is renowned for its world-class education, and teaching programs and opportunities have become available to learners of all ages. What’s more, as globalization and English become the de facto language of the digital world, private tutoring for adult learners has also become a market for English speakers to share their skills.
France’s geographical location and great work-life balance provide a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to different parts of Europe. But more importantly, it gives you the chance to enjoy France’s wide array of cultural, historical, and gastronomy attractions. So, from sampling wines in Saint Emilion to exploring the castles in Dordogne, few career paths provide both the means and opportunities of seeing all that the Bordeaux, Arcachon, and the other gems of this region have to offer.
As mentioned, most TEFL teaching positions in France are in public and private schools and universities, with there being some exceptions through au pairing or private tutoring. Salaries for the TAPIF (Teacher Assistant Program in France) program see teachers earn €790 ($870), whilst private tutoring can see more experienced teachers bring in up to €1,000 – €2,000 ($1,100 – $2,200) per month. Common benefits for teaching English in France include reimbursed health insurance, end-of-contract bonuses, up to twenty-five days of paid holiday and assistance with everything from visas to accommodation.
Whilst Paris remains the number one destination for most teaching postings, the likes of Nice, Bordeaux, and Toulouse all have ample opportunities for those with TEFL certification!
Teaching English Online
Of course, if teaching in a classroom in France isn’t your thing, there is always the option of taking your tutoring on the go! In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, platforms such as Zoom, Skype and Hangouts have showcased how the days of needing a classroom to teach are long behind us. Whether it be group classes or one-on-one private lessons, teaching English online has become one of the most lucrative and accessible hustles for digital nomads as they slowly travel through a country, regardless of whether their students are located there.
With a TEFL certificate from an accredited provider such as The TEFL Academy, you can be teaching Thai students basic phonics in the morning, and soaking in the Saint-Tropez sunshine by the afternoon!
That isn’t to say that there aren’t any opportunities for teaching online to French students as well: there absolutely are! Whether you’re in the country or not, plenty of schools and businesses take on remote tutors through platforms such as Preply and Cambly to help with their students’/employees’ English proficiency.
The main benefits of teaching English online are the flexibility it offers when you work, and the ability to set your salary. Generally, online English teachers earn a salary of €10 – €20 ($11 – $22) per hour.
What It’s Like Living And Teaching In The South Of France
From the cultural liveliness of Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Marseilles to the charming picturesque villages, the Southwest of France is a part of the world that embraces the culture of living and offers a truly authentic French experience. The cuisine stands out even in a country with as enviable a reputation as France, socialising day or night is easy and the infrastructure makes exploring the wider regions of the country or hopping over the border to neighboring Spain easy.
We’d recommend learning some basic French before you travel, or whilst you are in the country. Not only is it polite to the locals, but it will go a long way in avoiding unnecessary language barriers in the more rural areas of southern France.
Finally, classroom culture in France is something that may present a real cultural shock for those who aren’t aware. The hours are longer than in other popular TEFL destinations (beginning at 9 and sometimes not ending until 5 or 6 in the evening), and the pride the French have for education means that a high engagement with parents is a part of the job.
Teaching English in France presents one of the most enriching and lucrative means of learning a new language, making new connections and discovering one of the most culturally rich and jaw-droppingly beautiful parts of the world. With a TEFL certificate and a few handy French phrases, there’s never been a better time to kickstart your teaching career!
Thank you to The TELF Academy for helping me with all the information regarding the requirements of teaching English in France.
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in.
