Job Discussion Forums

[alexz129]

Hello,

I am getting my TEFL in January and wondering about finding work in Bordeaux in March as a non-EU citizen. I heard that finding "under the table" work is possible, but difficult. To further compound things, I dont currently speak French (although I could start taking classes now).

Is this just a pipe dream, or do people think I might be able to find some work in Bordeaux next spring without a work visa?

Thanks,
Alex

[rogan]

The short answer is "Forget it"

In the Bordeaux area there are large numbers of native speaker Brits, many of whom are qualified to teach and will be way ahead of you in any application process.

Legitimate employers are not likely to take the risk employing an "illegal" as a teacher. They face huge fines and criminal procedures.

France is tightening the rules about illegal immigrants/workers and is even sending schoolchildren out of the country because they do not have resident/work permits.

To add to your problems, any interview you have with a French company would be in French. Your written application would also probably need to be in French.

[go2guy]

Ahem ... the back door is always open my friend! If you take time to read through previous posts about "working holiday visas" you may find your ticket (if you fit the age and nationality parameters). Good luck!

[medusa]

I'd have to agree with both above comments. Without the correct working papers it is difficult but if you can get hold of a working holiday visa, or better still, enrol at the University (very, very cheap fees) giving you a student visa which also allows you to work you can find work.
It's true, there's a huge number of 'anglophones' here, all searching for work and many who are highly qualified but through lack of jobs turn to teaching not forgetting the french teacher trained bilinguals. It doesn't mean that you won't find work.
Try the rectorat: the governing body for all teachers in the region. Previous posts give details of those jobs, including a teaching assistant, lecteur jobs and vacataire. Otherwise there are few private companies teaching adults and business men. If you are truly motivated, and show intitiative you should be able to find teaching hours between Acadomia and other 'soutien scolaire' places and of course a few private lessons on the black.
I would recommend you brush up your french though. If you're not making the effort, many potential employers won't either!
Good luck and don't hesitate to im me for more info!!

[Nmarie]

I have been both a teaching assistant and a lectrice, and I concur that you will need French. The assistantship application is entirely in French and requires a signed assessment (by a professor, employer, etc.) of your language level. Most lecteur interviews and meetings I have attended have been in French. I just couldn't imagine someone without the language ability being able to land one of these positions.

[Deicide]

[medusa]

Hello all,

If any of you are already living in Bordeaux and looking for teaching work, check out the job centre web pages: www.anpe.fr
Berlitz Bordeaux are looking for a native english speaker to teach........
Hope you all find work!