France is one of the most popular countries in Europe and the world to work abroad. You can find short term and seasonal positions for summer and winter which are popular with students, or apply for full time professional careers. Companies hire English speakers and foreigners in places like Paris, Lyon, Nice and Bordeaux.
Jobs in France
Au Pair in France
• 9-12 months
• Prices from £1,195
Tutor in France
• 3 months
• Prices from £1,195
France Facts
• Population: 60,875,000 (est 2006)
• Principal Language(s): French
• Capital: Paris
• Other major cities: Lyon, Marseille
• Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 cents
• Internet domain: .fr
• International dialling code: +33
About France
France today is a modern country with a colourful history and a rich cultural heritage. It is a major player in international affairs, and is a founding member of the European Economic Community (now European Union). It is a member of NATO, and has a permanent seat on the UN’s Security Council. It has the world’s sixth largest economy, and is a member of the G8 group of nations, and is an acknowledged nuclear power.
France’s colonial past is a major factor in its multicultural population today, and the country is home to the largest Muslim population in Europe. French contribution to world literature has been immense with writers such as Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas (both pére and fils) and Honoré de Balzac, to name a few. French thinkers such as Descartes, Voltaire and Sartre, and French artists such as Renoir, Monet and Cezanne are universally known.
Jobs in France for Foreigners & English Speakers
If you want to move to France then you are more than likely going to need to find work to pay for your new life. France is one of the strongest economies in Europe with global brands having headquarters and offices here.
If emigrating from the EU you won’t have much trouble entering France due to France being a member of the European Union. From outside the EU you will need a visa which is usually obtained by getting hired and a company. helping with the application process.
However, you are at an immediate disadvantage if you are looking for work and currently reside outside of the country due to the language barrier. Just like moving to another country that speaks a foreign language it is highly recommended that you put in the effort to learn.
Unlike in many nations, France is more difficult for an English speaker to fit in as the local population prefer to speak French, and regard those who don’t learn it as lazy. In effect, without learning French then it is highly likely that you won’t succeed in landing a job unless in the travel and tourism or education industries.
The most common jobs found in France are similar to those found in the UK and other European countries. If you have learnt the language up to a basic level then consider taking language classes in France.
If you do get to the interview stage then be prepared for some very personal questions. The French like to learn as much about you as possible. Due to it being very difficult to dismiss someone, a potential employer likes to be certain that you are indeed the best person for the job.
Some of the easiest ways to gain employment as a foreigner is by taking a TEFL course and teaching in France.
Seasonal Jobs in France
Are you looking for seasonal work in Europe? There are more tourist based jobs in the south of the country and service jobs are most common in the towns and cities. Thousands of people apply for summer and winter positions at holiday resorts, campsites, summer camps, au pairing, teaching English, ski resorts and hotels and hospitality. These jobs are very popular with students and graduates.
A Guide to Working in France
Pay and Conditions
Average wages in France are similar to those found in the UK. France abides by the EU ruling on maximum working hours. Conditions also depend on the job. Workers in France have the right to paid time off in the following cases: Marriage (15 days off), Maternity leave (up to six weeks) there are also 11 national holidays. Workers also have the right to 5 weeks of paid holiday.
Top Tips for Finding Work
• Learn the language!
• Be prepared to work in worse jobs than you’re used to. Competition is fierce.
• Make sure your C.V is written in French.
• Apply for internships in France if you are lacking experience.
• Have money in reserve, it may take a long time to find work.
• Consider working from home, it might be far easier than learning the language.
Finding Work
The best way to find work in France is to look in local newspapers and use the internet. Employment agencies are often used but most jobs are granted mainly due to relationships and contacts. Nepotism is alive and kicking in France. Often vacant positions are not advertised publicly, but filled by people who have contacts within the company.
It’s a good idea to take advantage of every possible contact that you have, from friends, colleagues and classmates. Even the most casual acquaintances can sometimes point you towards a potential job lead. Persistence and confidence are vital ingredients to a successful job search. Another options is voluntary work in France, although unpaid can help boost your network and possible lead to employment.
The French administration has a large network of agencies for employment. The most important are:
Pôle emploi
The national agency for employment. It has a large number of offices across the country. They offer manual and unskilled jobs.
APEC
The French national agency for employment of professionals and executives (Agence pour l’Emploi de Cadres).
Money
If you’re thinking of emigrating to France you will have to know what type of currency the country uses. In the case of France the country uses the Euro or the single currency. The Euro is the second most traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar, before you emigrate it is a good idea to seek advice from a trusted currency broker, a good one to use would be TorFX.
Banks
There are many banks in France with eight in particular being the most popular as well as the multinationals found in most countries. Surprisingly the largest bank in terms of number of customers and branches is the French post office called La Banque Postale. The other seven major banks are as follows; BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole (CA), Société Générale, Caisse d‘Epargne (CE), Banque Populaire (BP), Crédit Mutuel, LCL.
Cost of Living
Thanks to the weakness of the Euro the price of everyday items is comparatively cheaper than those found in the UK/USA. Paris is the most expensive city to move to with prices for accommodation at a premium here.
Cards
Visa or MasterCard are generally accepted everywhere. American Express and Diners Club cards are not accepted everywhere, but tend to be OK in upmarket hotels and restaurants or shops in touristy areas. French cards are usually valid for two years and sometimes have a charge of €15-45/year. Some banks offer special tariffs for young people or the issue of a second card on an account.
The simplest card is a Carte blue (CB), which works as a cash or debit card and can be used everywhere in France for payment and withdrawing cash. They usually cost €15-25/year, but have the downside of not working outside of France. If you lose your card or cheque book then you can call a 24hour helpline to report the theft or loss.
