Published: 06 March, 2017  |  Last updated: 06 March, 2017

Teaching English in Vasles, France

Vasles-France

Report submitted on 24 Jan, 2017 by Josie.

Teaching English in Vasles, France:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Vasles, France?
It’s hard to get a foot in the door unless you have contacts or they come to you.

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

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Previous teaching experience, TEFL or in my case being a mum at the school!

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Speak French to a good level and be super patient, also have excellent grammar skills.

What are the levels of payment?
Outside of the towns and in rural areas the pay is low, about €15 (approx. 16 US$) per hour.

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?
School holidays are 2 week Oct, Feb, Apr and 2 months for summer.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Vasles, France to teach English?
Do not come to rural France unless you have contacts or a job offer. Stick to the cities or big towns as there are more opportunities.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Vasles, France?
Students are very enthusiastic and love learning about all things British.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Vasles, France?
The bureaucracy and paperwork and lack of teaching resources.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Most people around here have hardly left the region, let alone the country and have no idea what life is like outside France. They have very fixed stereotypes and can be very closed.

 

Living in Vasles, France:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in France?
Not for Europeans, but non-EU need a visa or carte de sejour.

What is the cost of living like in France?
More expensive that the UK for most things other than fuel and wine.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Not sure as I am a permanent resident and own a house. I think renting is quite hard without a proof of income.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Vasles, France?
Beautiful countryside, great weather and a lovely relaxed upbringing for children with plenty of space and safety.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, France?
There is NOTHING happening in the evening unless you meet up with friends at their house. Everything shuts by 9.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Vasles, France?
Think very carefully about what it is you want. If it is a career and nightlife, don’t bother.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Going out to a pub, or to see a show…in fact just going out in the evening.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave France?
The peace and quiet, space, empty roads, good food, wine etc.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Cheap stationary, teaching resources and a good range of clothes. French clothes are rubbish.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Josie

Nationality: English

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

Where I teach: Ecole privée – Vasles. Teaching for 6 years.

How I found my current jobs: My children went to the school and the headmistress approached me and asked if I would be willing to set up English lessons.
 

My school facilities: Inadequate. There are no teaching resources provided, I have to find my own. We still have blackboards and no technology exists. Classrooms are very basic.

 

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