Ah, France. Culture, diversity, sophistication… and an aversion to speaking English. Or so it seems. But the reality is, the English language is just as valued in France as in any other country nowadays, so TEFL teachers can definitely find work there. But how much can you get paid?
In general, TEFL teachers in France earn €770-2,000 ($850-2,200) per month from the two most common sources, language academies and the TAPIF. International school teachers can earn north of €1,800 ($2,000). Private classes typically earn €15-30 ($17-33) an hour.
These wages are pretty good, but nothing spectacular. Moreover, TEFL jobs in France are quite competitive and demand strong qualifications. So let’s look at all the options in detail.
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Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in France
Language academies provide the most widespread opportunities for relatively new TEFL teachers in France. Private and international schools are a good choice for qualified practitioners.
The TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) allows university students and graduates a way to get into the country for a modest wage, while private classes are a wonderful way of earning a little extra income.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour (€) | Hours Per Week | Per Month (€) | Annual Estimate (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Schools | 13-16 | 30-40 | 1,800-2,270 | 21.6K-27.2K |
| Language Academies | 10-20 | 20-30 | 1,000-2,000 | 12K-24K |
| TAPIF | 16 | 12 | 770-785* | 5.4K-6K** |
| Private Classes | 15-30 | 20 | 1,200-2,400 | 14.4K-28.8K |
Honestly, unless you get a high-paid international school job, you’re unlikely to save lots of money working as a TEFL teacher in France.
Living costs vary widely, with the highest expenses in Paris, as you’d expect. In rural areas on a very low budget, you could get by on €600 ($660) a month, but in most places you’re looking at around €1,000-1,500 ($1,100-1,650). In Paris, this figure could rise to as high as €2,000 ($2,200).
Getting a visa can take a while, too. You’ll need to have some form of employment to make the process happen, so freelancing isn’t an option unless you’re an EU citizen (also, if you’re from Canada, New Zealand or Australia and are under 30, you can get a working holiday visa for a year to work freelance).
The academic year in France is standard. They start in September and finish in May/June with your usual winter and spring holidays and a long summer break.
Primary and high school hours are a little unusual. They typically start at 8.30 a.m. and finish at 4 or 5 in the afternoon (sometimes even later with older students). This includes a long 2-hour lunch break.
And in some places there’s no school on Wednesday. Instead, there’s a half day on Saturday. However, in other schools they’ll have a half-day on Wednesday and no school on Saturday.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in France?
Language academies are going to be a good option for TEFL teachers who aren’t involved with TAPIF. For a 20-30-hour week, you can expect to earn €1,000-2,000 ($1,100-2,200) a month. The higher salaries are for those with more experience.
Getting a job requires pretty good qualifications. If you only have a standard 120-hour TEFL, you’ll struggle to find employers willing to take you on. A Level 5 TEFL might do the trick, but, really, a CELTA is required.
For more information on which TEFL certificates are best, read my article What is the Best TEFL Certificate? Guide to choosing right.
If you’re looking for great value TEFL certificates, I recommend International TEFL and TESOL Training. Click the link for 15% off all courses (I receive compensation, so you’re supporting me, too). Not convinced? Read why I’d choose ITTT over other TEFL course providers.
As you can imagine, most language academies are in the major cities, with Paris hosting hundreds of international brands and local companies. Head over to ESL Base for their big list.
How much do TEFL teachers make in international schools in France?
If you’re not a licensed teacher with a few years of experience and, ideally, a masters-level teaching degree, skip this section. International schools in France are competitive and demanding.
If you meet the criteria, you can expect to earn a salary based on your credentials. This can be as low as €1,800 ($2,000) per month, but will rise significantly higher with time and experience, up to around €2,500-€5,000 ($2,750-5,500) in the best schools.
How much do TEFL teachers make from the TAPIF?
The TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program In France) is a popular way of getting into France as a teaching assistant without requiring big qualifications or experience.
It’s only open to people aged 20-35, and you’ll need at least 3 years of degree level education. Also, you can only take part for a maximum of 2 years.
You get placed in a primary or secondary school somewhere in the country, where you work from October to April as a language assistant.
Pay is in the region of €770-785 ($850-870) per month for 12 hours per week. This isn’t enough for most people to live off. However, with such short working hours, there’s plenty of time to earn money from private tutoring.
Personally, I think this is a great program. It’ll get your feet in the door, help with visas, and allow you to work in a real school situation.
Plus, if you’re not committed to TEFL in the long term, you can do it without needing to invest in a TEFL certificate.
Head to the TAPIF website to find out more.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in France?
As in most countries, private English classes are a great way to supplement your income. This is especially true if you’re working a low-hour language academy job or taking part in the TAPIF, because it can boost your income and allow you to live well.
With hourly rates of €15-30 ($17-33) you can make an extra €180-360 ($200-400) per month from just three private classes a week.
Unfortunately, unless you’re an EU citizen or have a working holiday visa, you can’t go full time as a freelancer.
For the full guide on becoming an English tutor, read my article: How to Get Started as an EFL/ESL Private Tutor.
Conclusion
You can’t get rich from TEFL teaching in France. But if you’re looking for a rich cultural experience and an enjoyable lifestyle, it’s not a bad place at all.
With so many sights, smells and tastes, it’s an attractive place to live. If it’s your intention to spend a short time in the country before moving back home, the TAPIF is for you. For longer stays, consider investing in a CELTA qualification to get a better chance at higher-paid jobs.
Why not head over to my resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared to see what countries around the world can offer?
