7 awesome reasons to teach English in France
To teach English in France is to put that TEFL to good use in one of Europe’s most enthralling of countries. A land of soaring Alpine mountains, uber-romantic cities, stunning beachfronts, wild waves, dense forests, wiggling rivers, and chateaux that would fit right into a Disney fairy tale, it’s not hard to find something to stoke the wanderlust in these parts. Here, we take a look at just seven reasons you should consider an adventure to teach English in France…
The food
France is a foodie mecca. Honestly, your taste buds will be a-tingling from the moment you touchdown in the home of Roquefort cheese and garlicy escargot (that’s snails, in case you were wondering!). Crunchy baguettes are served the homey little bakeries in every small town. The croissants are the best in the world. And the wine – oh lord, the wine! Teach English in France and you can look forward to some seriously fantastic flavours, folks.
The history
France once commanded an empire that spanned all of Europe. Before that, it was home to one of the richest monarchies on the globe. Before that, it was inhabited by Gallic tribes and then conquered by the Romans. The likes of the vast Palace of Versailles and the half-ruined ancient amphitheatre that cuts through the hills of Lyon are just two examples of places where you’ll see history poking up its head. But there are many, many more.
The skiing
France is up there with Canada and Switzerland as one of the world’s most iconic ski destinations. Darn it – the downhill slalom was all but invented in the Chamonix Valley back in the early 1900s. These days, you’ll find resorts big and small dotting the mountains of the Savoie and the Haute Savoie. The most iconic are the Three Valleys (the largest interconnected ski area on the planet) and Les 2 Alpes (home to the largest skiable glacier on the continent). Between them are family-friendly Samoens, chic Megeve, and hidden Praz-sur-Arly.
The surf
Most people make for the sparkling beaches of the French Mediterranean coast. However, there are also thousands of miles of coastline on the Atlantic to get stuck into. That starts with raw and salt-splashed Brittany in the north and rolls all the way to the chic Biarritz surf beaches in the south. Wave hunters come from all over to chase the tubes that buffet the shore all year round. If you’re a beginner surfer, you might want to aim for the smaller waves of spots like Hendaye or Mimizan.
The pay
France has some of the best pay grades in Europe, not to mention a fantastic social security system and good labour rights. Start-out TEFL teachers here can often bag something in the region of $1,500 USD/month. Those with more qualifications and extra experience can look at higher pay levels of upwards of $2,000 USD/month. Expect to earn more in large cities like Lyon and Paris. Expect less in more rural areas.
The countryside
With the same population as the UK but with double the space, it’s hardly a surprise that France is predominantly rural. Just a short train ride out of Paris and you can be lost in the rolling farms of Normandy. Just a stone’s throw from the big cities of the south – Marseille, Cannes – and you can be surrounded by the scented lavender fields of Provence. Also be sure to explore the old cave complexes of the Dordogne and the dank truffle forests of Périgord while you teach English in France. Both are beautiful.
The climate
If you’re the sort of person who craves four seasons and a steady climate – France has you covered. Snow in the Alps come winter mingles with scorching summers on the Med. Meanwhile, there are crunchy leaves to stamp on during autumn and wildflower blooms throughout the peaks of the Pyrenees in the spring. This is not your constantly-hot Thailand and Vietnam!
If you can think of anything to add to this guide, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Alternatively, if you’re ready to get started and teach English in France, be sure to check out our 120-hour course page. It’s the qualification you’ll need to apply for most schools!