Job Discussion Forums

[lostinparis]

Was wondering what kind of market there is out there for French as far as teaching positions, and if any of the English language schools also have programs for French.

I'm an American, currently teaching EFL in Paris (have been for the past two years), but I am tired of the mind-numbing amount of time I spend crushed among the masses in the metro on my way to one of the four schools I teach at (a high school, jr high, public uni, and a private lang school, take your pick).

I'm tired of Paris life, and I've seriously been considering moving to Japan to teach English, but have worked so hard on my French for the last 8 years (just about bilingual now... yes!) that I don't want to lose it (especially since I plan to dust off those dusty "Japanese for busy people" books from college.)

I thought maybe.. just maybe... there might be some schools that would be interested in a teacher who could teach both French and English...

For the record: I am female, 26, with a university degree in English and Communications, minor in French. No TEFL or CELTA, but two years of full-time teaching experience. I'm also half-Japanese... but I don't speak or write at all. (Do understand a bit, though).

your thoughts?

[shmooj]

Many of the big chain schools e.g. ECC teach several languages. THey may take you for both.

ANyone else confirm this?

[chinagirl]

I think there was a language school job posted recently where they were looking for someone to teach English and French. Check the job board.

[ntropy]

I've seen a few jobs posted here, as well. I think some Cdn. owned private schools that teach both.

Do a word search for French from the main job menu board and something may come up

[chixdiggit]

I teach both but the French is only a coule of privates and a group of rich housewives who just want to sit in French restaurants and pretend they're Parisian. It works for me because I get to drink Bordeauxs I normally couldn't afford. As the previous posters mentioned, there are some schools that teach both but most want native speakers for each respective language. Bonne chance with the job hunt. Cheers.
Chix.

[TokyoLiz]

I dropped by a French conversation school located in Tokyo a few weeks ago, and was a little disappointed to see that all the native French teachers were from France. There were no North Americans (I was hoping to see some Canadians), Africans or other nationals listed amongst their teachers.

I wonder if you'd need to demonstrate your French ability with some kind of certificate to get your foot in the door here. I'm afraid that a lot of these schools may have a prejudice against those whose mother tongue is something other than French, or if they are not a French national.

I thnk going the direction of private lessons is the best.

Chixdiggit, that is a sweet deal

[Laura C]

Does anyone know which schools do hire French nationals? I know Nova do, but I thought that was about it -- I'd be very happy to hear of more. TokyoLiz, could you tell me the name of that school you mentioned?

Sorry to but in on the original post!

L

[lostinparis]

Thanks for your input.

I fully realize that most schools that teach French will obviously want native speakers, and that it will be more difficult for me to do so since I'm not one. I'm not unrealistic and am not expecting to be hired at Alliance Fran�aise.

Here in Paris, however, I know quite a few people who are teaching languages other than their native language. My boss (who is the director of the English dept at my school) is actually Iraqi and is bilingual. He has taught all levels at one point or another. I also have an Australian friend who teaches both English and Spanish at the school he works at. (turned out to be easier for the school, since the demand for Spanish is so limited and they preferred to just give the extra 5 hours a week to my friend).

I guess my question was intended to ferret out how flexible Japanese employers are about these sorts of things (are they really super strict about having paper qualifications?) and also to see if there is really even a demand for French over there... There are certainly plenty of Japanese students taking French here!

[foster]

Nova will ONLY hire you for your native tongue. I was a French teacher for 6 years in Canada and they wouldn't even look at me.

I had a few privates in French but that was about it.

[grace]

I'm Canadian, and currently teaching both English and French at my conversation school in Matsuyama. I think that the more languages one speaks, the better chance they have of finding employment at conversations schools in general. It's true that English is the most preferred language to learn as a second language, but I was surprised to find out how many people are keen on learning French. Good luck with your job search.

[lostinparis]

Yea, there IS hope! Thanks Grace!

It sounds like smaller conversation schools might be the way to go, rather than working for the big boys.

Grace: I'm curious to know if your school was specifically looking for someone who could teach both languages, or if they added the French on as an afterthought. Also, how many hours do you do of each language a week?

[grace]

The school I'm currently working at was asking for an English conversation teacher. Having an ability in other languages was a big asset. When I informed them that I spoke English, French, and Italian fluently, they grabbed me so quickly. At the moment, I only have two French classes, although I've been informed that they will increase. I had six classes at my former school. I'm not quite sure if it's easier to find work working at small language schools or the bigger ones, in terms of teaching French. I've only been in Japan for seven months. Good luck with your job search!!
Grace

[Brooks]

at the high school where I work, the French teacher wanted me to help in one of her classes. But I was unable to, since I also teach at that time.

Outside classes, I have helped students with French (for example their writing for bunkasai). They really have a hard time with French pronunciation.

[David W]