by Anonymous
(Sydney Australia)
Paris in February – Carnavale
I am looking at getting a working visa for Paris. However I do not speak a word of french! What is the likelyhood of me finding employment in Paris. FYI: I don’t care what i do!
Is it possible for an English-speaking person to work in Paris?
Hi there,
Thanks for your great question – I’m from Sydney, too.
Many moons ago I did manage to get work in Paris with an English-speaking author who needed someone to type his manuscripts, then I was offered work in an advertising agency where everyone had to speak English.
These days it’s much easier to find work in foreign cities by using the internet and Craigslist where you can search for jobs, accommodation etc.
Getting a working Visa is of course another matter.
France currently has working holiday agreements whereby Canadian, Australian and New Zealander citizens aged between 18 and 30 years can undertake paid employment for up to one year.
If you’d like to teach English as a second or foreign language TESL or TEFL you should do the course to get the Certificate, and you may have better luck finding teaching positions.
Freelancers and professionals with the TESL certificate could also try approaching business schools to teach subjects they are qualified in for example marketing, accountancy, engineering. You could also try international schools where you could teach subjects other than English – but in English – such as mathematics, history or geography.
Having a specialty means that you have much less competition from other English-speakers and you could earn more money.
More info on Working Visa in Paris
French Consulate in Australia provides lots of information on the different types of Visas available – if you’re between 18 and 30 years old you could get a Study Visa:
Working holiday visa guidelines (for Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders): www.anyworkanywhere.com/visas_fr.html
Visas for Americans:
www.ambafrance-us.org/visitingfrance/usvisas.asp#1
Speaking French
OK – you may not speak French today, but it would be marvellous for you to start to learn a little bit. If you can speak a small amount of French before you arrive, it will make your stay much easier.
Start with simple words and phrases, watch French movies, learn from CDs, attend a French class for beginners in Sydney, go to Meetup.com and look for groups who practice their French. There are lots of opportunities – and if you do join a group in Sydney, you may find out lots of tips about getting a Visa and working in Paris.
I wish you the best of luck!
Cheers
Teena
LET'S CHAT