Published: 16 September, 2016  |  Last updated: 16 September, 2016

Teaching English in Fontainebleau, Francefontainebleau_france

Report submitted on 5 Apr, 2016 by Mexannie.

Teaching English in Fontainebleau, France:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Fontainebleau, France?
There is a great anglophone community in the area. Join the Facebook groups ESL teachers in Fontainebleau and join the Crossroads FB group. People recommend each other. Lots of the private Catholic schools are always looking for English teachers, so send CV’s. Networking!

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at private international schools, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
If you want to teach privately, no qualifications are necessary, just the ability to speak and write English! A TEFL or similar course is very useful and of course any experience of working with children or adults.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Most people want native language English speakers and some form of experience is recommended.

What are the levels of payment?
Private 25-30€ (approx. US$ 28-33.50) per hour. Private school is the same, agencies normally pay less than 20€ (approx. US$ 22.30).

How many teaching days a week is normal?
4.5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
15 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
If you are teaching privately you can offer lesson in the school holidays if you are available. If you have a contract you will be paid over the holidays.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Fontainebleau, France to teach English?

There are plenty of opportunities to work, but I’m not sure about “earning a living” and relying on it to pay rent, food etc. I work part time.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Fontainebleau, France?
Lots of demand for teacher’s, International school in the area, close to Paris schools too.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Fontainebleau, France?
None

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
You have to know your grammar if you are teaching adults!! You can get away with knowing less if you are teaching under 15’s, but then they always want to know why? What are the rules?

 

Living in Fontainebleau, France:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in France?
Currently if you are a member of the EU you do not require a VISA or any kind of work permit. You would have to enquire for other countries as I am unfamiliar with the laws and would not want to give false advice.

What is the cost of living like in France?
Expensive! Food is more expensive than the UK, petrol cheaper, clothes etc. more expensive unless you are prepared to travel to find larger international chain stores. Rent etc. is not cheap either.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
I live here permanently so don’t know about this I’m afraid. The FB pages would be a good place to start.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Fontainebleau, France?
Good: Food, wine, weather, countryside, outdoor pursuits, friendly people.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Fontainebleau, France?
Expensive living costs, bad drivers!

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Fontainebleau, France?
Get a teaching qualification and find work before you get here, even if it’s only a foot in the door to start with.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Baked bean, cheddar cheese, Vicotia sponge cake, scones, black and white cows, good TV, films shown in their original language, the ability to buy South African wine, decent opening hours and being able to do stuff at lunchtime other than eat!

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave France?
The weather, our house, croissants, Paris, my sister, the Chateaux, the countryside, the restaurants.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Stationery items are expensive here, so bring as much as you can.

About Me and My Work:

My NameMexannie

Nationality: British

Students I’ve taught in France: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), adults

Where I teach:Language Connexion, Fontainebleau. Working here for 1 year.

I also teach at the Centre Actif Bilangue and privately after school and in the evenings/weekends.

How I found my current jobs: Internet searches, word of mouth.

My school facilitiesGoodTechnology, classrooms etc. Not excellent as they are a bit run down, one school only has a black and white photocopier and no laminator.

Teacher support at my schoolNone.
 
 

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