| Living and working in a foreign country is never easy | | | | often eat a full meal at lunch as opposed to a quick |
| at first. I've just returned from a three month contract | | | | sandwich on the fly as in the UK. This will mean though |
| teaching EFL in central France and would like to share | | | | that they will work extra hours to compensate for |
| what I've learnt with others who plan to teach there. | | | | lunch breaks etc... |
| EFL is extremely popular in France at the moment, | | | | 4) Property - French property are classified as T or F |
| especially within businesses. English is not introduced at | | | | (which means apartment or house) with a number |
| school until quite late in high school so there is a lack of | | | | alongside it indicating number of rooms (plus kitchen |
| fluent English speakers in the workplace. Now with | | | | and bathroom). For example a T2 could be a 1 |
| business growing in Europe, English is often the | | | | bedroom apartment, with living area, kitchen and |
| language needed to communicate with foreign clients | | | | bathroom. If you're only staying for a short period of |
| (as well as German.) | | | | time you may want to consider making a deal with a |
| While in France I worked for a private company | | | | B&B or staying with a host family (which in turn |
| teaching EFL to management, sales executives and | | | | will help you improve your French too!) |
| administration. This is common place and there are | | | | 5) Private lessons - If you plan to give private lessons |
| several language schools offering workshops to | | | | in your spare time (they are in great demand) in |
| different companies. (They are definitely in need of | | | | addition to your main job, you can ask for about 20-25 |
| more EFL teachers so this may be an interesting | | | | Euros per hour. I was lucky in that I lived with a family |
| avenue to explore!) | | | | and in exchange for food and accommodation, I gave |
| The following are a few things which I wish I had | | | | their 3 children English lessons every week. |
| known before I left to France: | | | | 6) Travel - Make the most of France when you're |
| 1) Taxes - I will not attempt to explain the French tax | | | | there, it's an unbelievably beautiful and varied country! |
| system to you (as it would be practically impossible!) | | | | Trains are relatively cheap and frequent. You get |
| About 23% of my salary was deducted in taxes | | | | cheaper deals when you travel at certain times and |
| which includes health and pension. I believe 1,300 euros | | | | days so keep that in mind when planning a journey. If |
| is roughly the minimum gross salary per month so you | | | | you're in the North of France near Paris you could also |
| can use that as a measure of how well you're earning. | | | | hop over to Brussels (2 hours) or Amsterdam (4 |
| (Wages in Paris will of course be higher.) | | | | hours). You should definitely try to visit the Southern |
| 2) Medical - you will probably have to have a medical | | | | region of Ardesche. It's a popular tourist destination, but |
| check up to ascertain that you're fit to work. Once you | | | | well worth the visit especially in summer. |
| are working you will be entitled to health benefits | | | | The French (despite how people may stereotype |
| although you will have to pay upfront and be | | | | them) are really friendly and know how to enjoy life. |
| reimbursed later. | | | | Working there will be an unforgettable experience |
| 3) Cost of living - It is generally cheaper than the UK, | | | | professionally, socially and gastronomically! |
| possibly between 25%-35% according to some | | | | Good luck! |
| sources. Food is very reasonable and the French will | | | | |