Work Visa in Paris / working on a Student Visa in Paris
Replies: 7 - Last Post: Nov 30, 2012 9:58 AM Last Post By: MTL
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Work Visa in Paris / working on a Student Visa in Paris
I will be going to Paris shortly and I'm looking at a couple of options.The first option is to enroll in a TEFL course and once certified, to look for work in Paris and apply for a Work Visa. The websites I have found mention that there is no guarantee in either of these regards so I'm asking to see if anyone's gone through the procedure in Paris and what is the likelihood of success.
The second option is to apply for a Student Visa and then study French in Paris. This allows one to work part-time so my intention, once I am fluent enough in the language is to apply for work in a cafe. I have extensive experience in the cafe industry in the US so I'm asking to see if anyone's already been through this situation and how likely it is to find work.
I have the funds to cover my expenses while I explore and attempt to integrate into the Paris community and from my research it seems that everything can work out. So my question is more towards someone who has already been through these situations, particularly obtaining a Work Visa to teach English in Paris and finding part-time work in a cafe. I'm American so any information from a fellow American is especially appreciated. Thanks.
1
Sorry to have to say this, but the big problem you have is that you will be competing for jobs with Europeans (EU passport holders) who don't need work visas... employers will plump for the easier option with less paperwork.Doesn't mean to say it can't be done, and I wouldn't give up your dream if I were you, but it is a big hurdle.
3
Working on a student visa allows you to work 50% of a regular work week, i.e. 17 1/2 hours. You will have a hard time living in Paris on what you earn in that time working in a café, if you do find a job.5
No employer will want to do all the paperwork to get you a work permit just for teaching English. Much easier to employ a British or Irish native speaker. But if you are a specialist in American Business English, it will be different. You have to stand out and offer special skills. Good luck.7
in 6 years in Paris I never met anybody who managed to get a visa based on English teaching skills. I met plenty of anglophones who were teaching English but they were either- EU citizens
- Spouses with a work permit obtained through their partner
- Australians on a WHV.
I do know at least one person who managed to get a visa as an English teacher in Germany though... apparently it's easier there.
