1. Do I need a Visa?
Yes, you will be required to have a work visa to teach FULL TIME in France. It is possible to work part-time hours in France on a student visa. Our team will help you through the administrative process (which administrative documents you need, how and where you can obtain them).
2. Which type of Visa do I need in order to work in France?
If you are a Native English Speaker from the EU, no visa is required.
If you are not from the EU but are a Native English Speaker, you will need a visa or work permit, either:
- a student visa (which will allow you to work for maximum 3 months). We have a French course we suggest to enroll in order to obtain a French Student Visa!
- OR a working-holiday visa (only for Australia and New Zealand)
- OR a working visa (usually for people who already have a contract in France, i.e. teacher assistant…)
- OR a visa vie privée (‘private life’)
- OR a resident permit
Make sure to have one of the visas mentioned above. If you do not have one, we suggest a French Course in France for you to register in order to obtain a student visa. You may contact the neared French Consulate for further information in:
3. Do I have to be an English or Education major to qualify for the Teaching Program?
No. you do not. A High School Diploma is enough! Nevertheless, the France market has recently become very competitive so although all majors are accepted, it has become more advantageous if you are an English or Education major.
4. How many class hours are we supposed to teach in France?
The standard work week is between 5-25 hours per week.
5. Do the European citizens who qualify have to be native English speakers or do all European nationalities qualify?
The only European citizens who qualify are native English speakers.
6. Do non-native English speakers, with a European visa qualify?
No, they do not qualify
7. What are the usual contracts like?
Temporary contracts (between 4 and 12 months).
8. Do all of your positions involve baby-sitting?
Most of our positions involve baby-sitting, but there is also Tutoring (teaching English to children from 6 to 18 years old).
9. How do you base the salary?
(From 10-20 Euros per hour) For childcare positions the salaries range from EUR 10 to 12.5. For tutoring positions the salaries range from EUR 13.5 to 20 (mostly depending on the number of hours worked).
10. Do I need to speak French in order to teach English in France?
No, you will be teaching Conversational English and you must only speak in English.
11. Is it safe in France for visitors?
Yes, it is safe in France! In 2010, it was the 36th safest country in the world.
12. Does it get cold in France?
It can be quite cold in Winter (5 to minus 10 Celsius degrees). Spring (11 to 20 Celsius degrees)/ Summer (20 to 30 Celsius degrees) / Autumn (20 to 14 Celsius degrees)
13. What is the French dress code?
All you’ve ever heard about French elegance is true! You may be aware that France is the fashion capital of the world and French take this seriously. Basically, leave your sneakers, baseball caps, flip-flops at home! Be sure to always dress casual, not just for your teaching positions but pretty much everywhere. In fact, some restaurants may even frown if you don’t come dressed accordingly.
14 What are the emergency phone numbers for France?
Directory Assistance: 15, Police : 17, Fire & Emergency : 18
15. What should I take with me to France?
We suggest you bring very little. France has stores with fabulous clothes, and they have any type of product one needs on a daily basis. You are not moving to the middle of the desert! So I suggest bringing just a few outfits and enough toiletry items to get you through a couple weeks until you are settled in. That way, you’ll have more of an idea of what types of stores are near you and what products you can buy at reasonable prices. When you’re travelling, it’s important to travel light. You just need the basics we mentioned above, as well as at least a basic knowledge of French, hopefully at least a crash course in French culture before you go, and, above all, an open mind! If you are bringing electronics, we recommend ordering adapter plugs from Amazon. Like 10 or more. They are around $2 USD there and €5 ($7) and up if you buy them in a store here.
16. Will I need to get any vaccinations before going to France?
Before visiting France, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date (Recommended: if you are not up-to-date with routine shots, such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.) Hepatitis B (Recommended: for all unvaccinated persons who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, or be exposed through medical treatment, such as for an accident, even in developed countries, and for all adults requesting protection from HBV infection.)
17. How much luggage is allowed on an international flight?
It is up to the airline but most are one carry and one check. The other thing to watch for is weight allowance per bag. Also, in some airlines it’s cheaper to have a second bag than to go over weight on the first and if you travel with kids, strollers don’t count as luggage if you check them at the gate. It’s all up to the airline.
18. How will I get from the airport to Paris?
The cheapest way is to travel from the CDG Airport to central Paris by city train (RER B). For step-by-step photo instructions see this website. It is also possible to take a taxi but is a bit expensive.
19. Which airlines do you recommend?
Air France, of course!
20. Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit but generally, the families prefer individuals aged between 20 & 35 to look after their children.
Got further questions? Contact us!
