Job Discussion Forums

peyton · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

Hello everyone,

It has been great to read all of the posts here. Presently, I am in the middle of my second year of teaching English in Japan. It has been great so far, but I would like to move to France to teach English and to learn French. Is there any hope for me? I have a degree in education but I am an American who does not speak French nor has a CELTA certificate. I would appreciate any advice you could offer me. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Peyton

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

You're not widely eligible for legal working papers for France. There are some exceptional posts for non-EU member citizens, but 'they are generally for students on exchange programs or highly qualified teachers (MA at minimum) in regular unis.

How about considering one of the former colonies where French is still widely spoken, if the language is importan to you?
Alternatively, you could look into Belgium. It was possible back in 2000 for a U.S. citizen to get legal papers to teach in Belgium. However, be aware that pay is relatively low there, and jobs are few and far between. You're unlikely to find anything super there, but you might be able to support yourself and enhance your French, at least. When I worked in Belgium at a tony hotel-type language school, wages were barely subsistance level - but good for Belgium.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

The OP is an American. As the US is not an EU member state he won't be given a work permit to teach EFL in France, with or without a TEFL certificate from the organisation in Bordeaux.

karinb · Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 33

If you are under 34 and have taken two years of University level French you are elligible to be a teaching assistant in france. This is the unofficial webpage for assistants:

www.assistantsinfrance.com

Also

http://www.frenchculture.org/education/support/assistant/index.html

In my understanding this is the easiest if not only way to legally work in France as an American.

*Edited to ad: I just reread the opening post... if you have a degree in education perhaps you can work for an American or British school?

peyton · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

Hey everyone,

Thank you so much. That was very nice of all of you to take time out of your days to respond to my post. I will surely use your advice in my search for an English teaching position. Thank you again,

Peyton