Job Discussion Forums

jakemh · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 10 Location: USA

Hi everyone, first time posting here. I taught English in Japan through the JET Programme for 2 years, and now I'm planning on going to Europe to teach English and learn French.

I'm a US citizen, so given what I've read about how hard it will be to get a work visa, I figured it was important to make myself as qualified as possible. So my original plan was to take a French class here, then take a CELTA course in Montreal from Nov-Dec, then head to France in January when I hear they do a fair bit of hiring. However, I've just found out the CELTA course won't run due to lack of applicants, so now I'm thinking of taking the course in Paris in January.

Problem is, it sounds like I won't have any time to apply for jobs while taking the CELTA course, so I won't be able to start on that until mid-February. Will people still be hiring then? If not, what do you suggest? I'll be looking in not just France, but any francophone country.

ps- I'm aware that I very likely won't find a job period and that even if I do, I probably won't make much money. I've decided it'll still be worth the experience whatever happens.

edit: corrected terminology

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

uh...qualifications won't make up for your lack of EU citizenship...
It's French national law requiring hiring only within the EU...

jakemh · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 10 Location: USA

The understanding I got from reading here and other places is that it's not illegal for non-EU citizens to work in France. It's just very difficult for them to get a work visa. Is that wrong?

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

One of the long-time France posters will probably have more detailed info.

But here is the general scoop: the 'older' EU member states can hire non-EU citizens to do jobs for which they can't find EU member citizens.

Unfortunately, there are many, many well-qualified British teachers vying for the English teaching jobs in the more desirable western Euro countries (Spain, Italy, France).

Therefore, it's EXTREMELY rare for a North American to break through.

I can say this as a US citizen working legally in the Netherlands (another country nearly impossible to get into). I have 15 years of experience, an MA TESL/TEFL from a highly reputable British university, and my spouse IS an EU citizen.

I squeaked into my current university position based on my local contacts.

They got me a work permit, but my quals are highly specific to the position...

I've been in Europe nearly 15 years now, and know many, many people who have tried to somehow break into the field. It gets harder every year, and it takes serious local contacts, local language skills, and LUCK to somehow make it work.

Honestly, it's VERY rare.

Not that I wouldn't wish you all the luck - who knows, maybe you'll fall in love with a french citizen during your course and get married, making it possible for you to work in France...it has happened before@

jakemh · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 10 Location: USA

Ok, thanks for the warning. If France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg don't work out, I'll try Africa.

What are your thoughts on January vs. Feb/March?

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

I truly don't relish being the bearer of bad tidings...
but none of the countries you mention are officially open to US citizen English teachers, outside of very specialistic conditions.

I have lived in Luxembourg and Belgium myself, so can speak from personal experience on those ones.

January vs Feb/March is a moot point.

In any case, the contract season for Europe is generally Sept/Oct thru end June.

HOnestly, come and try - and if you somehow make it, I'll celebrate with you. But it's very important to have realistic expectations. It's probably going to be Africa, if you're really determined. Determination and qualifications won't trump European laws, unfortunately.

jakemh · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 10 Location: USA

Thanks again for your input Spiral, but let me try to re-focus this back on the main issue for anyone else who replies:

I'm going to Europe, probably won't find a job, but how do I best increase my chances? Do I take the CELTA course in January even though it will delay job searching until mid-February?

I've read that January is one of the key hiring periods. Here's one source for example: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0503/teaching_english_in_france.shtml

fancynan · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:13 am Post subject:

I am an American living and teaching at a language school in Paris, albeit with a British passport, too. I have been able to work here because of the dual nationality with an EU country. Having said that, I do have coworkers who are American and who have working visas. They needed to secure a job offer, then return to the US to get the proper visa, then return to work. The company for whom I work has offered positions in this manner. The process may take months, though. I was hired in February, and there are many vacancies in Paris that hire year-round. (Remember, I am talking about language schools, not international, private or public schools.)
Other options - if you are under 30 years old, there is a program for an assistantship for one year. Those positions begin in the fall. I don't have specific info on it but you can search the internet.
Still another way to live and work in France is to come under a student visa. Enroll in a school and you will be able to work up to 20 hours a week while a student. I have a friend who has done this.
None of these options will give you a livable wage, though. So be prepared to come with savings and to supplement your earnings for even the most basic lifestyles.
Good luck.

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

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

sorry-of course! Very Happy

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

I am now married to a French citizen but previously worked in France as an American through all of the options mentioned above by Fancynan (except the one of securing a full-time CDI from a language school). I would just like to emphasize that you will need at least intermediate French language skills for acceptance to either a French university or the assistantship program, so start honing them now. Either of these routes would be more feasible than getting hired by a private language school sans papiers.

Secondly, one year may be okay, but France seems to be cracking down on people sticking around via student visas. My student renewal was exceptionally difficult, even though I had been living here legally for four years - only one of those as a student. I know two other cases where the individuals were flat-out denied student residency renewals.