Teaching English in France in 2025: The Complete Guide

What You Need to Teach in France

Before you start sending out applications, it’s worth knowing what schools and programmes in France usually expect from English teachers. Requirements aren’t identical everywhere – they vary depending on whether you’re applying to a private language school, an international school, or the assistant programme – but there are some common threads that will give you the best chance of being hired.

Here’s what most employers are looking for:

• TEFL certificate
  A 120-hour course is the baseline. A CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL will open more doors in bigger cities and with established schools.
• Degree
  For private language schools, a degree is often preferred but not always required. International schools and universities will expect one. The assistant programmes (such as TAPIF or the British Council scheme) usually require applicants to have completed two or three years of higher education, rather than a full degree.
• French language skills
  Not usually needed in class, but very useful in daily life and essential for navigating admin. TAPIF assistants need around B1 level at the time of application.
• Native vs non-native
  C1/C2 speakers with clear pronunciation, strong communication skills and a solid TEFL qualification are employable, especially in Business English.
• Experience
  Helpful but not always essential. You’ll need it for higher-end jobs like international schools or universities, but many language schools will consider newly qualified teachers.
• Age limits
  TAPIF is open to applicants aged 20–35. Working Holiday Visas are usually capped at 30 or 35, depending on nationality.

Tip: Some employers ask for notarised copies of your degree or TEFL certificate. If you need a visa, bring originals plus certified copies.

How to Choose the Right TEFL Course in France

Choosing where to do your TEFL course isn’t just about ticking the certificate box. It’s also about how prepared you’ll feel when you walk into your first classroom and how credible you’ll look to employers. If you already know you want to stay and work in France afterwards, taking your course here can make the transition much smoother.

Here are some of the advantages of training in France:

• Teaching practice with French learners
  You’ll get immediate experience of the common issues French students face and see which classroom activities really engage them.
• Practical help with set-up
  Good courses guide you through essentials like registering as a freelancer (micro-entrepreneur), opening a bank account, and even finding accommodation.
• Job support
  You’ll have guidance on finding work after you qualify – from CV tips and interview practice to ongoing advice.
• Building local contacts
  In France, a lot of work comes through recommendation. Connections with trainers, Directors of Studies, and fellow trainees can quickly turn into job leads.
• Showing local presence
  A French address and mobile number on your CV signal that you’re already here and ready to start – something schools value highly.

For more about choosing a course, see our 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a TEFL Course, and for more about the importance of accreditation, see TEFL Accreditation: What is it and why is it important?

Tip: Teachers who do their TEFL in France often move into paid work within a couple of weeks of finishing the course. Arriving with only an online certificate usually means a slower start.

If you’re already based in France, you may be able to fund your training through France Travail or by using CPF training credit. And if your plan is to move on afterwards, a properly accredited French TEFL is internationally recognised as long as it meets the standard 120 hours of input and at least 6 hours of observed teaching practice.

From Training to Teaching in France: Getting Your First Job

Once you’ve finished your TEFL course, the focus shifts to building a timetable. In France, that usually means starting small and growing your hours over time. Most teachers begin on a freelance basis, taking a few classes with one school and then adding more from other schools, companies, or private students. Reliability and flexibility count for a lot – if you show up on time, prepare well, and get good feedback, schools will almost always offer you extra hours.

Expect a gradual build-up. Early mornings, lunchtime slots, and evening classes are common, especially if you’re teaching professionals. It can feel patchy at first, but over a few months most teachers manage to put together a steady schedule.

Employment status

Schools can hire teachers in a few different ways:

• CDD (fixed-term contract) or CDI (permanent contract). These give you a payslip, social security, and – importantly – eligibility for unemployment benefits if the contract ends.
• CDII (variable-hours contract). Less common, but used by some schools where hours vary week to week.
• Freelance (micro-entrepreneur). Very common. You invoice the school or client directly, pay your own contributions, and enjoy more flexibility – but with fewer protections.

Tip: If you’re offered both a contract and a freelance option, weigh the whole package. Unless the freelance rate is at least 20% higher, a contract can work out better value once you factor in benefits and unemployment coverage.

Agencies do exist, but most teachers in France find work directly with schools. Face-to-face interviews are the norm, and having a French mobile number makes a real difference. Budget for at least six weeks before your first full pay, as timetables build slowly.

Tip: A short, bilingual one-page profile (French and English) with your photo, availability, and the areas you can cover makes it easy for Directors of Studies and administrators to keep you in mind and recommend you to colleagues.

Visas & Work Permits: What You Need to Work Legally in France

The right to live and work in France depends mainly on your nationality. For some people it’s simple, for others it takes a bit more planning. Visa rules can and do change, so always check with your nearest French consulate before making firm plans.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
  Free movement applies – you can live and work in France without needing a visa or permit.
• UK citizens
  Since Brexit, you need a visa to work legally. The most common options are the British Council assistant programme or a student visa combined with part-time teaching. Some qualified teachers do get sponsorship, but it’s rare.
• US citizens
  The main structured route is TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France), which provides a visa for the assistantship period. A small number of Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships are also available each year.
• Australia, Canada, New Zealand
  Citizens can often apply for a Working Holiday Visa (usually ages 18–30 or 18–35, depending on the agreement). It allows you to live and work in France for up to 12 months.

Tip: Non-EU citizens can also apply for a long-stay visa by submitting a business plan to set up as a freelance teacher. Your TEFL training in France needs to be at the heart of this business plan. If you take our France course at School of TEFL, our partner centre can support you step by step with this process.

• Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
  A popular option for non-EU citizens who enrol in a French university or approved language course. This visa allows you to work up to 964 hours per year – about 20 hours per week on average – alongside your studies.
• Assistant visas (TAPIF/ELA)
  Provided through the assistant programmes. They cover the assistantship contract period and normally do not permit extra official employment on the side.
• APS (post-Master’s)
  Graduates of French Master’s programmes may be able to stay for 12 months (sometimes renewable once) to look for work or set up as self-employed.

Tip: Private language schools almost never sponsor non-EU teachers for a work permit from abroad. If you’re not an EU citizen, plan around the assistant, student, working holiday or long-stay visa routes unless you already have advanced qualifications and experience.

Visa applications usually involve a fee (often €50–€100). If you arrive on a long-stay visa, you’ll need to validate it online within three months of arriving in France and pay a small stay tax (around €50). Make sure your passport is valid well past your intended end date.

Teaching Jobs in France: Where You’ll Work and What You’ll Earn

There isn’t one single way to teach English in France – most teachers combine two or three income streams, such as language school hours, private tutoring, and a few online lessons. Here are the main options and what to expect from each.

Assistant programmes (TAPIF / British Council ELA)

• Schedule: 12 hours per week, October to April.
• Stipend: around €810 net per month (higher in overseas departments to reflect living costs).
• Placements: across France, often in smaller towns. You can list preferences, but placement isn’t guaranteed.

Language schools & in-company training

• Pay: usually €15–€25 per hour for new teachers, with higher rates for specialist areas like exam preparation or Business English.
• Pattern: demand peaks before work, at lunchtime, and after work. Expect some travel between company sites.
• Status: often freelance, though some schools offer CDD/CDI contracts.

International schools

• Requirements: a teaching licence (PGCE/QTS or equivalent) plus classroom experience.
• Salary: roughly €2,500–€4,000 per month, sometimes with professional development or other benefits.

Universities (lecteur / maître de langue)

• Requirements: A Master’s degree is normally expected, especially for maître de langue posts. Some lecteur roles are open to strong Bachelor’s holders with teaching experience, but competition is high.
• Salary: ~€2,000–€3,500/month with relatively light contact hours. Contracts are capped at two years across institutions.

Private tutoring, summer camps & online

• Tutoring: €15–€30 per hour, with higher rates for exam preparation or corporate coaching.
• Summer camps: roughly €1,000–€1,200 per month equivalent, often including accommodation and meals.
• Online: €10–€20 per hour. A common way to supplement other work.

Tip: If you want to progress faster or command higher rates, build a niche. Business English and exam preparation are always in demand and can help you stand out.

When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in France

In France, timing makes a real difference. Some jobs pop up throughout the year, but most hiring follows the school calendar. If you know when schools and programmes recruit, you’ll avoid missing the window.

• Assistant programmes (TAPIF / British Council ELA)
  Applications usually open in October and close between January and March for placements starting the following September. Offers are typically sent out in April.
• Language schools
  Hiring happens year-round, but the big rush is late August through October. There’s often a smaller wave in January when new courses begin or teachers leave mid-year.
• International schools and universities
  Recruitment is more formal. Most posts are advertised in spring for September starts, with interviews often taking place months in advance.
• Summer camps
  Apply in February–April for July and August roles. Places fill quickly once camps know how many groups they’ll run.

Tip: If you’re aiming for language school work, plan to be in France by late August. Many Directors of Studies want to meet candidates face to face and give preference to teachers already in-country.

Living Costs & How Much You Can Save in France

Living costs vary widely depending on location, with rent being your biggest expense. Most teachers live comfortably, but actual savings tend to come from tutoring and exam preparation work rather than base school pay.

• Monthly basics (single person)
  Private/shared room rent is typically €400–€700 outside Paris (€700+ in the capital). Studios range from €600 to €1,000. Utilities average €150–€200; internet and phone about €30. Groceries cost around €250–€350 per month. A transport pass runs from €50–€70 in most cities, while the Paris Navigo is €88.80. A restaurant lunch (“formule”) costs €12–€15 and dinner often starts at €25.
• Start-up costs
  Expect to cover first month’s rent, 1–2 months’ deposit (or guarantee insurance), possible agency fees, basic furnishings if required, visa application fees, and the stay validation tax. A buffer of around €2,000–€3,000 is sensible.

Tip: If you’re on TAPIF or another assistant scheme, you may be eligible for CAF (housing) support – apply soon after you have your lease to reduce your rent significantly.

The table below gives a quick comparison of popular cities. Use it to shortlist, then check current rental listings and transport data before deciding where to live.

Based on data from the following publicly available sources: Numbeo: France (cost of living data) and Île-de-France Mobilités (Navigo fares and Paris transport). Remember that actual costs vary depending on lifestyle and city.

Cultural Tips for Teaching in France

Understanding the cultural context will make your teaching life in France much smoother. Classrooms run on clear expectations, professional boundaries, and a certain formality. A few points to keep in mind:

• Formality matters
  Start with vous in professional and classroom settings, and only switch to tu if you’re invited. The same goes for emails – keep greetings and sign-offs formal until you know the person well.
• Time and breaks
  Punctuality is expected. Lessons should start on time, and lateness is noticed. Be aware that lunch is sacred: avoid scheduling anything at 12:30, when most people expect a proper break.
• Strikes (grèves)
  Transport and education strikes are part of life. They can disrupt classes at short notice, so it’s best to stay flexible and have a back-up plan.
• Secularism (laïcité)
  Public schools are strictly secular. Avoid religious themes in lesson content and discussions unless they’re part of the curriculum.
• School structure
  The system runs from école (primary) through collège (lower secondary) and lycée (upper secondary). Hiring and administration are handled by regional académies, so processes may vary slightly depending on where you are.
• Student dynamics
  Many learners are analytical and strong at grammar, but often reluctant to speak out in class. Building confidence and creating space for participation is a big part of your role.
• Boundaries
  Colleagues usually keep work and personal life separate at first. Rapport builds over time through reliability, professionalism, and showing commitment to your classes.

Career Growth & Opportunities in France

Once you’ve settled into teaching, there are plenty of ways to develop your career in France. Some teachers specialise in a niche and raise their rates, others move into coordination or higher education, and many build up a freelance client base for greater independence. Here are the main directions you can take:

• Specialise
  Business English is a constant need in French companies – from presentations and meetings to email writing. Exam preparation (Cambridge, TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL) is another reliable niche, with motivated students willing to pay higher rates. In some private schools, CLIL and bilingual programmes are also growing areas.
• Freelance (micro-entrepreneur)
  Many teachers eventually register as freelancers, either part-time alongside contracts or full-time. It offers flexibility and the chance to set your own rates, but you’ll need to understand invoicing, social charges, and expenses, and keep your records in order.
• International schools
  If you hold a teaching licence (PGCE, QTS or equivalent), international schools offer progression to roles such as coordinator or head of department. Experience with IB or IGCSE programmes is especially valued.
• Higher education
  Universities recruit lecteurs and maîtres de langue to teach English. A Master’s degree is normally required, especially for maître de langue posts, though some lecteurs are accepted with a strong Bachelor’s plus relevant experience. Contracts are capped at two years across institutions, but the roles offer solid pay and academic teaching experience.
• Advanced qualifications
  A DELTA or an MA TESOL is a good step if you’re aiming for senior academic posts or teacher training. If you’re looking at the French state system, the CAPES remains the official route.
• Networking that works
  France is a word-of-mouth job market. Deliver CVs in person at the right times of year (late August/early September, and early January), follow up with thank-yous, and ask for short written testimonials after successful contracts – they carry weight with other schools.

Tip: Keep your LinkedIn profile and a simple personal website up to date. In France, a good recommendation from one Director of Studies can often lead directly to hours at another school.

When to Use Which Route

With several legal and professional pathways into teaching, it helps to know which one best fits your background and goals. Here’s a breakdown of the main routes and when they make sense:

• Assistant programmes (TAPIF / ELA)
  Best if you’re a recent graduate, under 30–35, and want a structured entry into France with guaranteed hours and a visa. Good for gaining experience without the pressure of a full timetable.
• Language schools / in-company work
  Suits teachers who want varied hours and experience with adults. Common entry point if you’re already in France or training here. Expect to start part-time and build up.
• International schools
  The right choice if you’re a licensed teacher looking for stability, higher pay, and long-term prospects. Best for those who already have teaching credentials and experience.
• Universities
  Suits teachers with a Master’s degree (or higher), especially for maître de langue posts. Some lecteur roles are open to Bachelor’s holders with experience, but a Master’s is the norm. Contracts are capped at two years across institutions, but the roles add academic prestige and can lead to further opportunities.
• Student visa
  Useful if you’re non-EU, want to study French, and combine it with part-time teaching (up to 964 hours a year). A flexible way to live and work legally, though you’ll need savings to cover costs.
• Working Holiday Visa
  Available to Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders under 30–35. Good for short-term stays where you want to try out teaching and travel at the same time.
• Long-stay visa with business plan
  An option for non-EU teachers who want to set up as a freelancer from the start. You’ll need to submit a business plan as part of your application, showing how you’ll support yourself through teaching. Your TEFL course in France will be the foundation of this plan.
• Freelancing (micro-entrepreneur)
  Best once you’ve built contacts and a client base (unless setting up to apply for a long-stay visa). Offers flexibility and independence, but you’ll need to manage taxes and admin carefully.

Tip: There isn’t one “right” route. Many teachers combine them – for example, starting with TAPIF, then moving into language schools and freelancing once they’ve settled.

Ready to Get Started?

Getting started is easier with the right plan and a realistic timeline. When you’re ready, here’s how we can help:

• Take our quiz to check your best route into TEFL in France.
• View our France TEFL course at School of TEFL, our dedicated training site run by the same team as Eslbase.
• Get in touch if you’d just like to ask a few questions and get some honest advice.

We’ve been supporting teachers heading to France since 2005. If you’d like a second pair of eyes on your plan, just ask – we’re happy to help!

Sources & References

In addition to the cost of living sources, some information in this guide is based on publicly available data from the following official sources.

Always confirm requirements and timelines with official sources. Visa categories, programme dates and allowances can change from year to year.

• TAPIF – Teaching Assistant Program in France (programme overview, application dates, stipend)
• Campus France (student visas, permitted work hours, APS, Working Holiday Visa)
• France-Visas Portal (Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères) (official visa categories and requirements)
• Service-Public.fr (employment rules, higher education contracts, administrative guidance)
• OFII – Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (long-stay visa validation and residence permits)
• British Council – English Language Assistants in France (UK scheme details)
• Rectorats / Académies Directory (regional education authorities)

This guide also draws on over 20 years of experience supporting teachers and schools in France since 2005.