Teaching English in France

by Rachele
(Minneapolis, MN, USA)

I just read your article on teaching English in France. I've been thinking of preparing myself to get qualified to do that. I am 36 and I'm not getting any younger! I am an artist and have a degree in Art History... you mention becoming a student as well. Do you know of art schools that might be a possibility? I'm not sure if I'd want to do that, but if I end up teaching, I'd like to have time to paint and be an artist... sounds like it would be hard in the beginning. Are there any regions that might be best for an artist... somewhere near Paris? I'm also a paralegal and went to law school for a year, not sure if that would be an asset for perhaps teaching adults. Hope to hear from you and what a great website!

Answer:

Rachele, it seems you have plenty of possibilities! In terms of teaching English in France, I'd go post as many questions as you have to Dave's ESL Cafe, which has a really active forum and plenty of helpful members.

As for art schools, the following, selected at random, should at least get you started. They tend to bewhich are geared to foreign students (you don't say whether you speak French, but if you do, you should have no problem finding web listings for French-language art schools):
Study Abroad Links
Atelier Alupi
France Today
The Saatchi Gallery
Studio Escalier

You'll find many of the art schools in Paris, although the south, Provence, is a traditional haven for artists, if only because of the milder weather and glorious colors!

As for being a paralegal, it's hard to say how helpful that would be - although it might well be of use if you choose to teach in a corporate setting, not necessarily legal but anything connected with business where you'll need a more formal grasp of the language. All the best in your travels to France!

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