Job Discussion Forums

[santi84]

Aside from the obvious, Quebec, is there any work abroad for a Canadian in a francophone country (ie. France, North Africa, etc). I would be bringing my husband and son (toddler) and I am not concerned about making much money (preferably not in the hole). Qualifications... not much I have a degree (thematic option in TESL, no major offered but they put one together for me) and a TESL certificate (one year post-graduate certificate) and a few months experience (full-time) teaching to immigrant adults as well as 13-17 year olds (mixed levels).

I think I'm dreaming but I hope someone can prove me wrong!

[Majuro]

I'm Canadian and I've been working in France for almost 3 years. I barely make enough to support myself, forget about supporting 2 other people. Especially if your husband is sponsored under your work visa he will be prohibited from working, so it's all on you.

France is not the easiest country in which to find a language school to sponsor your work visa. What does your husband do? It might be easier for him to find a job and then sponsor you.

[naturegirl321]

Have you looked into getting a teaching license and working at international schools ? That might open doors for you.

[santi84]

[santi84]

[naturegirl321]

[Trinley]

Have you heard of Amideast? They hire EFL teachers in Morocco and Tunisia, in addition to non-francophone countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The organization is intended for US-Middle East relations, but I read in the FAQ that non-US citizens can be hired to teach as well. Seems like you're qualified according to their standards.

http://www.amideast.org/tunisia/english/teach-tunisia

I did the assistantship program in France. It was a very isolating experience. Pay is very low, and most people think they're going to end up in Paris or other big cities and then find themselves in remote villages where there's nothing to do, no other jobs to boost income, and a train ride to the city may cost your family 100 euros -- an eighth of your salary. Rent costs maybe 400, leaving you with 300 measly euros a month for food, transportation, and vacations. I hate to be a downer, but it was a disappointing experience for me and the other assistants in my area. It's a drag being in the countryside with no money or car. You can always apply and see if they place you in a city though.

By the way, even though it sounds like you've ruled out Quebec, I lived in Montreal for 2 years and loved it. There was a lot of work opportunity as an ESL teacher, and my French improved so much. Yes, some people speak 'joual', which is hard to understand at first, but many people speak more standard French, and I personally don't feel that Quebec French and France French are as drastically different as people make them out to be, having lived in both places. I prefer Quebec French myself. And I preferred Quebec to France.

My 2 cents.

[santi84]

Thank you very much for the links, I will check them out !

Trinley: Thank you, I actually love Quebec, and I live outside Montreal but we are looking for an international experience I updated my location to make that clear.