Teach English in France: A Complete Guide to Jobs, Salaries, and Requirements

Thinking about teaching English in France? Whether you’re drawn to the charm of quaint French villages or the energy of bustling cities like Paris, France offers a unique cultural experience for aspiring English teachers. With its world-famous architecture, exquisite cuisine, and rich history, it’s no wonder that France remains one of the most sought-after destinations for TEFL teachers.

Over the past two decades, the demand for English teachers in France has steadily grown, creating expanded opportunities for those looking to teach abroad in this iconic European country. While many Parisians can communicate in English, there is still a strong need for teachers in the outskirts of the capital and across smaller cities and towns.

Before taking the plunge and moving to the land of baguettes and croissants, here’s everything you need to know about how to teach English in France – from job opportunities and requirements to salaries and visa options.

If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!

Is there a demand for English teachers in France?

Yes! There is high demand for English teachers in France, but because it’s such a desirable destination, the job market is also highly competitive. To stand out, it’s best to have a TEFL certification and additional credentials, especially if you plan to find English teaching jobs in France outside of language assistant programs.

However, it’s important to note that visa regulations can limit opportunities for non-EU citizens. If you’re not from the EU, your best options for legally teaching in France include obtaining a student visa or, if you’re from the U.S., applying for the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF). The TAPIF program is one of the most popular ways for Americans to teach English in France, offering a structured path to gaining teaching experience while living in the country.

Learn how to start teaching English worldwide with this complete guide.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in France? What are the requirements?

In most cases, a 120-hour TEFL certificate is required to teach English in France. The 120-hour Bridge Master Certificate meets these requirements and provides additional benefits, such as job advising support, continuous guidance, and valuable teaching resources. This certification is entirely online and self-paced, making it a flexible option for aspiring teachers.

However, because France is a highly competitive TEFL destination, you may want to go beyond the basic requirement. The 150-hour Bridge International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) offers a more advanced qualification, exceeding the country’s standard TEFL requirement. Plus, it can be applied toward a TESOL MA degree, making it a strong investment for long-term career growth.

For those considering the TAPIF program – which places U.S. citizens between ages 20 and 35 in French schools for seven months – a TEFL certification is not required. However, having a TEFL certificate can make your TAPIF application stand out and improve your classroom confidence before you begin teaching.

Explore the key requirements for teaching English around the world.

Do you need a degree to teach English in France?

While a TEFL certification is essential, many employers in France require a bachelor’s degree, regardless of the field of study. This is especially true for private language schools, international schools, and structured teaching programs.

However, it is still possible to teach English in France without a degree, particularly if you work as a private tutor or offer freelance English lessons. That said, having both a degree and a TEFL certification will open up more job opportunities and increase your chances of securing higher-paying English teaching jobs in France.

Do you need prior teaching experience?

Many French employers prefer teachers with prior experience, but it’s not always a strict requirement. Those with classroom experience or a strong TEFL certification often have an easier time securing English teaching jobs in France, especially in private language schools and international schools.

However, newcomers to teaching still have options. Summer camps, conversation assistant roles, and private tutoring provide great entry points for those looking to teach in France without formal experience. Additionally, the TAPIF program offers a structured pathway for teaching English in France, making it an excellent choice for first-time educators.

Most employers also prefer native English speakers, though non-native speakers with strong fluency and a TEFL certification can still find work in the TEFL France job market.

What are the TAPIF requirements?

The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) offers native English speakers an opportunity to teach English in French schools. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:​

Age: Applicants must be between 20 and 35 years old on the program’s start date.
Citizenship: Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Education: A minimum of three years of higher education is required by the start date of the program.
English language: Applicants must be native speakers of English.
French proficiency: A B1 level or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required to facilitate classroom work and community integration. ​
Teaching Experience: While not mandatory, prior experience in teaching or working with children is favored during the selection process. ​
Background Check: A criminal history check is required as part of the application process. ​

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful application to the TAPIF program.

What visa do you need to teach English in France?

If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need to apply for a work visa to secure most English teaching jobs in France. However, another common route is to teach in France on a student visa.

Many teachers who choose the student visa option enroll in a French language course at a university or an accredited language school. This allows them to legally work part-time while gaining teaching experience.

For U.S. citizens, the TAPIF program provides a structured way to teach English in France without needing to secure an independent work visa. However, outside of TAPIF France, most private language schools and employers require proper work authorization.

Unfortunately, France does not yet offer a specific visa for digital nomads, so remote workers will need to explore alternative visa options if they wish to stay long-term.

What is the salary for English teachers in France?

Teaching English in France can be a rewarding experience, but salaries vary depending on location, job type, and employer. Paris is one of the most expensive cities in France, with high rent and entertainment costs. While the city offers excellent public transportation and walkability, teachers looking to save money may prefer smaller cities, especially those along the coast, where there is a strong demand for ESL teachers in tourist-heavy areas.

Salaries for English teaching jobs in France depend on the type of institution:

The TAPIF program requires teachers to work 12 hours per week for seven months, offering a monthly salary of around $810 USD (€790).
Private language schools and academies typically pay between $1,100 and $2,180 USD (€1,000–€2,000) per month, depending on experience and location.

While salaries may not be high compared to the cost of living in Paris, many teachers supplement their income with private tutoring or freelance teaching.

Which countries pay the most? Get the full breakdown of English teaching salaries abroad.

What types of English teaching jobs are available in France?

There are a variety of TEFL jobs in France, ranging from structured programs to private tutoring. Teachers can find opportunities in:

English assistant programs (such as TAPIF France)
Private language schools
International schools and universities
Short-term English summer camps

The French school year runs from September to April, but there are plenty of opportunities to teach at English summer camps in popular regions like Provence and Antibes.

Many teachers also work as private tutors, especially if they arrive in France on a student visa. International students enrolled in a university or language academy can legally work up to 20 hours per week, while EU citizens have no work-hour restrictions.

If you choose to go through the TAPIF program, you’ll work at a public school teaching elementary, middle, or high school students. However, TAPIF teachers work as language assistants rather than leading full classes.

What do people say about teaching in France?

Many teachers find that teaching English in France is a rewarding experience, but it helps to understand the French job market before making the move.

Bridge alum Suchismita, from India, began her teaching career after relocating to France. Based on her experience, she offers the following tips for success:

Basic French proficiency helps. While not always required, having at least an A2 level of French can make daily life and job hunting much easier.
Job recruitment happens between March and September. Most larger language schools begin hiring in September, so it’s best to start your job search early.
Au pair jobs offer another teaching opportunity. If you’re looking for a short-term way to teach in France, working as an au pair in Paris is a great option. Many families hire English teachers to tutor their children while providing accommodation and a chance to explore the city of lights and love.

Final thoughts on teaching English in France

Whether you dream of teaching English in Paris, working in a private language school, or joining a teach English in France program like TAPIF, there are many ways to build a rewarding teaching career in France. While competition can be fierce, having a TEFL certification and understanding the requirements can help you stand out in the job market.

If you’re considering becoming a teacher in France, take time to research visa options, job types, and salary expectations. From TEFL jobs in France to freelance tutoring, there’s a path for every aspiring English teacher. With the right preparation, you can gain valuable teaching experience, immerse yourself in French culture, and explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Eager to learn more about other teach abroad destinations? Download our Teach English Abroad Destination Guide!