Job Discussion Forums

neverheardofem · Joined: 29 Feb 2012 Posts: 100

I'm at a bit of a EFL crossroads lately and don't know what to do next. A friend has been trying to convince to move to Paris, but I'm sceptical. From what I've read, It's expensive, hard to find accommodation and difficult to live get by without French. She's doing well but speaks French and has been there for 7 years, so well connected.

I'm wondering: How easy is it to get full time work and would I get paid enough to live comfortably? I don't like the idea of running all over the place to different companies either.

MuscatGary

eihpos · Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 331

Thanks for the reply MuscatGary. Well I'd love to have enough money to live on comfortably. I know Europe in general isn't the place for making money so saving would be out. I'm EU, have degree and CELTA equivalent.

MuscatGary · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 2:08 pm Post subject:

There's a job posting on tefl.com for BTL Formation. I worked for them for 2 years and recommend them. You can make enough to live ok with them, they employ either salaried or auto-entrepreneur and pay on time. The major problem with Paris is the cost of accommodation, if you can share (your friend?) then it's much easier. Most jobs (including BTL) require you to travel to companies but in Paris that's easy and fun!

Nmarie · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 85 Location: Paris

I have been here 10 years and was a teacher for five.

I think in France you really have to set your goals and credentials higher to make it worthwhile. If you have the skills and experience to use teaching to get your footing here and then springboard into other jobs (my route), Paris is full of opportunities that call for and/or appreciate native English speakers.

This is contrary to some other countries, where once you look outside the English-teaching sector, the salaries drop considerably, no matter the level of education required (this was definitely the case in Turkey, where I taught English for a year or so).

If you want to continue teaching in France, that seems to be lucrative only at the highest levels. I have friends with PhDs who are teaching at grandes écoles and doing very well. If you are entrepreneurial and want to pursue it at a freelance or small business level, that could be fine, too. A typical EFL job, however, is unlikely to be sustainable once you reach a certain point in your life.