Teaching English in France
France is one of the most popular destinations for Global English TESOL graduates and despite the willingness of the French to cling to their language and culture, there are real opportunities for teaching English in…
Overview
France is one of the most popular destinations for Global English TESOL graduates and despite the willingness of the French to cling to their language and culture, there are real opportunities for teaching English in France.
Opportunities abound to teach young learners, adults, business English and to teach English online. The government stipulates that French companies provide vocational training for staff and English is often what is chosen, hence the demand for business English. The French learn English at school but it is usually to pass an exam and so fluency is a real issue.
Schools tend to recruit on a zero-hour contract and increasingly rely on native English speakers in France already, so it's advantageous to be already in the country if you wish to secure regular work. Freelancing is the norm and you can expect to earn €15-€30 Euros per hour, depending on whether you are teaching general or specialist English.
Tips for teaching English in France:
Since so many of our graduates teach English in France, we have gathered a lot of great information. We suggest you take:
- the TESOL Advanced Course 150 hours for Europe
- the 30-hour Business TESOL for France, as Business English is fundamental here.
Read in-depth interviews from our TESOL graduates, such as Maggie Asquith, who have invaluable advice on living and teaching English in France.
Teaching in France at a glance (2026)
| Requirements | 120-hour TEFL for academies; business-English capability is the differentiator in the French market |
| Typical pay | Academies €1,400–€1,800 net; TAPIF stipend ~€800; corporate freelance €25–€45/hour |
| Main routes | TAPIF assistantship, language schools, freelance corporate training (CPF-funded) |
| Hiring season | TAPIF applies in winter for October; schools hire September and January |
| Visa | TAPIF’s own visa, student visas with work rights, working-holiday for eligible nationalities |
Can I teach in France without speaking French?
In the classroom, yes - immersion is the norm. For daily life, banking and the préfecture, basic French makes everything easier.
What’s the realistic path for a non-EU teacher?
TAPIF first (it carries its own visa), build a French CV and contacts, then convert to student-visa or freelance arrangements. Direct sponsorship for new teachers is rare.
Plan your move
- How much do English teachers make in France? (full salary guide)
- Current teaching jobs in France on our jobs board
- Teaching English in Paris: a teacher’s real-life guide
- The 120-hour TESOL Certificate- the qualification every route below expects