Is it difficult to become an English teacher at a university in France?

Reader Question: I would like to teach English in a French university – what qualifications are needed for that? I have a masters in English-language studies and a TEFL qualification.

Answer: Having such prior qualifications is important – French universities will generally only hire a person who has postgraduate experience, the Ministry for Higher Education states. 

For a lecteur/lectrice – the position likely to suit you – you need to have completed at least one year of master’s level studies (in any topic), and have a native or near-native level of English.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) diplomas are useful to show your experience but are not mandatory for such roles.

Teaching English at university level is different from how it is taught in the private sector, and can depend on the skill level of your students and what they are studying (whether focusing on English or doing the classes as a supplement to another degree, etc). 

You will also need to plan your classes yourself.

Read more: My experience in France as a university English teacher

University exchange programme

A lecteur/lectrice is hired on a one-year basis – extendable to a second year – before you are potentially offered another job in the department. However, this is by no means guaranteed.

People coming as part of a university exchange programme may obtain posts for one to three years, potentially renewable for the same period again.

In terms of pay, lecteurs/lectrices earn around €1,500 per month (net), and a ‘maître’ (master), who needs to have completed at least a year of doctoral studies to apply, is paid around €2,000 per month (net).

The latter role is similar but may require more running of seminars (travaux dirigés) as opposed to just ordinary language ‘practice’ lessons (travaux dirigés typically involve a discussion on a topic among a small group, often expanding on a lecture they have attended). 

A maître may also be asked to do some marking and lecturing.

In some cases, it is possible for people in such roles to apply for permanent jobs teaching in their universities, but this is by no means guaranteed. 

Read more: What are the options, pros, and cons of teaching English in France?

Is it hard to become a French teacher?

Despite the salary being on the lower end of the spectrum, and the general lack of job security, competition can be tough. 

Being the lingua franca of the modern world, many non-Anglophones can speak English to a native-like level (good enough for the position), meaning more possible applicants for any English-teaching roles as opposed to those teaching languages such as Italian or German.

Already living in France and having a valid residency permit may improve your chances. 

With the high level of competition, universities will likely have candidates who can speak English at a native level and live within the EU, minimising extra paperwork to hire them. 

For incoming teachers from outside the EU, the university will need to sponsor them for a visa.

It is best to begin your search for roles well in advance, contacting as many universities as possible about upcoming positions. 

Alternative options are to teach in private language schools. 

If you are already living in France, you could also consider becoming a private English teacher with self-employed (auto-entrepreneur) status. 

Finally, you could teach at a French school (including secondary schools and teaching students up to age 18). This can help keep the ‘academic’ style of teaching that you find in universities and has more job security as you are considered a civil servant. 

However, you need to pass an exam to teach and may not be able to choose the location of the school where you are assigned to.