Responses

1. Chahndra says:
   

   February 26th, 2009 at 1:58 pm (#)

   I can highly recommend that you don’t consider Options if you appreciate your self-esteem and free time … and there is also the CCI and various universities via the INPG – but you have to have a primary job so they don’t have to pay social charges…
   Of course, the best place to work is Wall Street but don’t take it from me – come find out!

2. James Dalrymple says:
   

   September 18th, 2009 at 4:47 pm (#)

   updated 18/09/09 !

3. James says:
   

   November 1st, 2009 at 8:03 pm (#)

   Hi James,

   Thanks for all this info. Ive just moved to Grenoble and married a short time ago to a francaise ! I worked last winter and will be working this upcoming winter as well but Im looking for more stable and permanent work.

   I dont have any teaching experience, but have a degree in bus. mgt. Do you know if its still possible to obtain a teaching job or where i can go to become a teacher?

   Any help is appreciated !

   Jimmy

4. James Dalrymple says:
   

   November 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 am (#)

   Hi Jimmy,

   While teaching experience is obviously a big advantage – I know people who were recruited without it. Doing a TEFL of some description (preferably one with practical experience) would be recommended as at least it would give you basic skills you will need; but it’s not always insisted upon.

   I think the best thing is to try as many schools as possible, but preferably when you are alreay in the country and ready to work straight away.

   James

5. James says:
   

   November 2nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm (#)

   Hi James,

   Thanks for your help once again. I will try to get my hands on a TEFL certificate and will apply in the new year. Good to know that they are looking for teachers in Grenoble, might be a good career change.

   Regards
   Jimmy

6. Elsa says:
   

   November 26th, 2009 at 11:06 am (#)

   Thank you James. this is really useful information.

   Elsa

7. James Dalrymple says:
   

   November 26th, 2009 at 10:15 pm (#)

   You’re welcome Elsa!

   James

8. James Dalrymple says:
   

   February 8th, 2010 at 9:52 pm (#)

   updated 8/02/10

9. How to be poor in Grenoble | Grenoble Life says:
   

   February 24th, 2010 at 5:22 pm (#)

   [...] me a while of offering my services to language companies (Grenoble Life already has a useful list here), universities and other places like the Chamber of Commerce and Rectorat before I was employed, [...]

10. sofia says:
    

    May 17th, 2010 at 3:31 pm (#)

    Hi im from England and have now settled here in Grenoble permanently. I would like to give private tuitions to teach English, preferbly under 16 year olds or assist in teaching English. Does anyone have any tips as i am wanting to work asap.

11. James Dalrymple says:
    

    May 17th, 2010 at 7:55 pm (#)

    Hi Sofia,

    You could try a ‘soutien scolaire’ company. There was some info on this here:

    Also Les Petits Bilingues sometimes outsource private tuition for teenagers so it’d be worth getting in touch with them.

    Otherwise putting an ad in your local shop windows could be a good idea.

    James

12. Elisabeth Malandrino says:
    

    June 18th, 2010 at 5:08 pm (#)

    “Graines de Polyglottes” is a linguistic center which welcomes the children from 3 to 11 years old to teach them english.

13. dave and kirsty says:
    

    July 5th, 2010 at 3:44 am (#)

    thanks for all the info james,

    me and my partner are considering a move to grenoble to teach english. Just wondering, roughly how much is rent for a small house/1 bedroom flat?

    thanks in advance

    dave and kirsty

14. James Dalrymple says:
    

    July 5th, 2010 at 10:01 am (#)

    Hi Dave and Kirsty,

    It depends where you want to live really. I imagine roughly between 400 and 800 euro a month depending on the age of the flat and desirability of the are in which you want to live. Expect to pay a couple of months up front. I suggest checking out Leboncoin.fr or Paravendu.fr for a better idea. Normally one bedroom flats are referred to as F2 or T2, which means one bedroom plus living space. Few flats are pre-furnished though, which is another consideration.

    James

15. coco says:
    

    October 10th, 2011 at 10:44 pm (#)

    hi james ,, im expecting to move to Grenoble within two next months and i want to study english language and have a certificate . i ve been searching for private schools for that but all i get is english for business or industry .. if u could help me finding some addresses for such schools i would be so grateful… thx

16. James Dalrymple says:
    

    October 11th, 2011 at 8:46 am (#)

    Hi Coco,

    It depends what kind of certificate you need. Wall Street Institute is very much for private students who want to study English, not just training for people from business and industry.

    Otherwise you could try ‘La Maison des langues et des cultures’ (Stendhal University) or ‘Le Centre des langues vivantes’ (Pierre Mendes France University) on campus. You don’t necessarily have to be enrolled at the faculties to study there.

    Also, I am aware that John Evans Language School (see above) also takes students for private tuition sometimes so it would be worth asking there.

    Best,

    James

17. coco says:
    

    October 11th, 2011 at 6:27 pm (#)

    thx James for taking time to answer my question , that was really helpful.. :)

18. coco says:
    

    October 12th, 2011 at 11:20 am (#)

    hi James … the kind of certificate i need is teaching English as a foreign language .. do u know what should i do or where should i start studying to obtain such certificate??… thanks for all your help …

19. James Dalrymple says:
    

    October 12th, 2011 at 12:21 pm (#)

    Hi Coco,

    Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification courses vary from a few hours online “training” to intensive four week programmes. Consequently, “TEFL cerification” itself does not mean very much. TEFL is not an accredited qualification and does not automatically mean that you have received proper preparation for life in the classroom.

    CELTA, however, is an accredited (by Cambridge) four-week course which is always conducted to a high standard wherever you take it. In France, I’m not sure if you can do this outside Paris: http://www.teaching-esl-to-adults.com/celta-course-locations.html

    Having said this, a number of TEFL and TESOL courses cover similar theoretical and practical training as the CELTA for the same number of hours (and may be cheaper). You would have to check with the hosting institution what kind of accreditation, if any, they have. I would be wary of TEFL courses that market themselves as ‘internationally recognized’. You would be advised to do some research on the course offered before enrolling. There are none in Grenoble. Here are some elsewhere in France: http://www.eslbase.com/courses/france/

    The most important thing is that you do a course with real teaching practice oberved by an experienced professional who can give you constructive feedback. An online TEFL cannot provide this.

    Hope this helps,

    James

20. James Dalrymple says:
    

    October 31st, 2011 at 7:15 pm (#)

    updated 31/10/2011

21. jessi says:
    

    December 6th, 2011 at 11:56 am (#)

    Hi, I shifted to Grenoble this year and would be settling down here, I have good teaching experience in languages In a university back in my country and I was also a Director of the Foreign language institute in my university in New Delhi. I am searchng for a job in english or Japanese teaching, I have sent my CV to as many places as I could think of but I haven’t recieved any reply….Can you tell me what should be done as a next step and what are the options for a person like me who has a good teaching experience in Languages…Your suggestions would be higjly appreciated….

    Regards
    Jessi

22. James Dalrymple says:
    

    December 6th, 2011 at 6:16 pm (#)

    Hi Jessi,

    Did you send CVs/letters in French as well as English?

    Timing can be an issue. Recruitment is normally in time for the September rentrée, or January. It can happen any time though.

    I think the best thing is to visit places personally, CV in hand. I know this has worked for friends of mine. Gets you first in their thoughts, so to speak.

    Good luck,

    James

23. Christina Rebuffet-Broadus says:
    

    January 29th, 2012 at 6:03 pm (#)

    Saw a post mentioning doing the CELTA in Paris, and I just wanted to add that you can also do it in Strasbourg through ESOL Strasbourg (http://www.esolstrasbourg.com/about.htm).

    I’m currently doing the DELTA with them and would highly recommend both the organization and the diploma for anyone who is serious about becoming a better teacher and helping raise industry standards!

24. Ambrosine says:
    

    July 18th, 2012 at 10:32 am (#)

    Hi, I’ve just turn 18 this summer and I’ll be going to university this year. I’m french but my dad is english so I’m bilingual and I’m hoping I could work part time (in a Soutien Scolaire Company for exemple). My english is quite good but I don’t have any teaching experience, so I’m hoping to help kids with homework more then teenage or even adults. Do you know which are the best places in Grenoble to send my CV ? Even if I have no teaching experience, can I still find a job ?
    Thank you :) !

25. James Dalrymple says:
    

    July 18th, 2012 at 11:37 am (#)

    Hello Ambrosine,

    I’m sure you’d have no problem finding this kind of work. I don’t know much about the Soutien Scolaire system, but there is a link to one such organization above and I’m sure a quick search on Google would reveal others. I wouldn’t have thought lack of teaching experience need be an obstacle for this kind of work.

    Good luck!

    James

26. Adrian Penketh says:
    

    August 27th, 2012 at 4:35 pm (#)

    Hello James,
    I’ve been browsing the Grenoble Life site for a while now, really enjoying it. I’ve been living/teaching in France for 7 years now, I finally settled here in Grenoble with my family 3 years ago. I’m also a playwright, I work a lot with BBC Radio 4. Here in Grenoble I work for L’Aviation Civile as an English instructor for Air Traffic Control and am looking for a second job Mondays and Tuesdays. Was thinking of the Engineering or Business Schools, would you be able to give me any pointers as to who I should contact?
    Many thanks, and this is a great site.
    Adrian Penketh

27. James Dalrymple says:
    

    August 28th, 2012 at 8:50 am (#)

    Hi Adrian,

    I’m not sure about the engineering schools but it would definitely be worth contacting Grenoble Ecole de Management as they may have opportunities in the English department for a vacataire. You could also try the business related parts of the university (the IAE, GEA) as they may also need some hours.

    Hope this helps,

    James

28. Adrian Penketh says:
    

    August 28th, 2012 at 11:38 pm (#)

    James
    Thanks so much for your response, I hadn’t thought of the E de M, great tip.
    Very kind of you to get back to me
    Adrian

29. Lilia says:
    

    January 29th, 2013 at 9:35 pm (#)

    Hi James,

    I ve just recently moved to Grenoble from London as my partner resides here. I have a degree in Law and French and I am looking for work as an English teacher.
    I have no certificate for this but I do have exprience in teaching languages (french) as well as interpreting.

    I was wondering if you had information on where to go and what companies would be interested.

    Thanks in advance

30. James Dalrymple says:
    

    January 30th, 2013 at 11:49 am (#)

    Hi Lilia,

    With your teaching experience I’m sure you’ll be able to find work. Being able to speak French will help too!

    You just need to get in touch with the various companies above that offer that kind of work. I wrote this post a while back, and have updated it since, but I can’t be sure it is definitive, as new companies open and old ones change their names etc. But it should start as a guideline. Recruitment can happen at any time of year, so you should start sending your cv out!

    Best of luck,

    James

31. Dave says:
    

    February 10th, 2013 at 7:49 am (#)

    Hi James,

    I am currently doing a TEFL 120 hour course, with 20hrs classroom based training, i was wondering if you knew of any
    schools that offer any training in grenoble for new teachers, or any way in which peer review training can take place in Grenoble, or France.

    I work near Grenoble, and hope to move there later on in the year and look for work, i want to be able to get as much experience as possible beforehand.
    Any tips would be appreciated.
    regards,
    Dave

32. James Dalrymple says:
    

    February 10th, 2013 at 8:50 am (#)

    Hi Dave,

    There was a little discussion about this in the article and thread here:

    http://www.grenoblelife.com/5-things-i-learnt-teaching-english-in-grenoble/

    Basically for formal peer review training you will have to go to Strasbourg, Nice or Paris, off the top of my head. Otherwise we have a local TESOL organisation that arranges swap shops and speakers to come to Grenoble, run by a DELTA-trained teacher. For more info:

    http://www.grenoblelife.com/tesol-france-grenoble-bringing-english-teachers-together/

    Best,

    James

33. Dave says:
    

    February 16th, 2013 at 1:57 pm (#)

    Hi James,

    Thanks for your response, i wil certainly take a look at these links. I have now enrolled on a CELTA level tefl course, and hope to move to Grenoble in August. In your experience do schools in Grenoble ask for a degree as well as the CELTA? , i was just concerned as i dont have a degree, i see a lot of schools ask for degrees now.

    Thanks for help, and great articles.

    Dave

34. Dave says:
    

    February 16th, 2013 at 2:00 pm (#)

    Hi james,

    Thanks for your response.

    I will take at look at the links. I am know taking a CELTA tefl course and will arrive in Grenoble August. In your experince do schools also ask for a degree?.

    Thanks
    Dave

35. James Dalrymple says:
    

    February 16th, 2013 at 2:08 pm (#)

    Hi Dave,

    I can’t speak for all the language schools but I have certainly met a number of teachers here who didn’t have a degree. The CELTA should be a big plus for you, as well as any professional experience you may have.

    Best of luck,

    James

36. dana mulvihill says:
    

    April 4th, 2013 at 12:19 pm (#)

    Hi James

    We are moving to Grenoble in July of this year. My husband and I with our three young children. While there will be a period of settling, I am keen to get into the working community. I have adegree in Economics and Maths, and have been working in the Banking Sector for the last 18 years. I would like to teach English to Professionals. I have done a Tefal course, albeit only a w/end one (two 8 hr days).

    With the above in mind, could you advise on what I should do now !?! Would you recommend another course, and if so what ? We are not moving until July, and I have just finished up work here in Ireland – are you aware of anything that I could do from here ?

    James, I really appreciate any help / advise that you may be able to offer. My French is pretty basic, and this is also a real priority for me. From your experience with expats, would you advise on private one-to-one or group classes.

    much apprciated,

    Dana

37. James Dalrymple says:
    

    April 4th, 2013 at 12:52 pm (#)

    Hi Dana,

    Limited French need not be a major problem to begin with, assuming you are looking to teach English in the kinds of private schools listed here.

    As for training, if you have a TEFL qualification as well as a professional background – this should be enough to find work. Ideally you should have a CELTA or TESOL quality training which is internationally recognized to be prepared for life in the classroom, but this would be for your own benefit and not necessarily a pre-requisite for finding work.

    You should send out CVs asap and chase up companies for interviews upon arrival (though pretty much everything grinds to a halt from mid-July to late August so it might not be easy getting appointments straight away).

    Such schools would most likely require you to do one-to-one classes and/or small groups. That is the general tendency for company training of this kind, and arguably the simplest way for a beginner teacher to gain experience/confidence.

    Hope this helps!

    James

38. charlotte says:
    

    May 10th, 2013 at 8:29 am (#)

    Hi James,
    your article has been really helpful to me. I’m living in Grenoble, I speak good French and I’m looking for a long term career in teaching English. I’m currently tutoring and I love it but would love to work for a business however I have sent my CV’s to lots of schools and heard nothing, so I’m thinking of doing a TEFL or CELTA to boost my CV. I’m English so I don’t have a social security number and I was just wondering if you or anyone knew what I can give in place for example to Pole Emploi. Also, as I’m not succeeding with any of the language schools I was wondering if there’s such a thing here as work experience for me to gain some voluntary teaching experience?
    Thanks again, James!
    Charlotte

39. James Dalrymple says:
    

    May 10th, 2013 at 4:21 pm (#)

    Hi Charlotte,

    Sometimes you receive a temporary social security number in lieu of a real one when you start work in France, but normally the company you work for provide this. I’m afraid I don’t know much more about this.

    Your lack of success finding a job with a school might be due to the time of year you are applying. Things will change for the rentrée if not before. If you are not getting any joy writing to schools I recommend visiting them in person. This can only be to your advantage as you already live in the city and can reiterate your availability while showing some initiative and enthusiasm. Doing a CELTA or equivalent will also boost your employability.

    Good luck,

    James

40. charlotte says:
    

    May 14th, 2013 at 8:48 am (#)

    Thanks James for your advice! I think when it comes around the right time, around September I think- I’ll go around personally with my CV!

    Thank you for your help!!

    Charlotte

41. James Dalrymple says:
    

    May 14th, 2013 at 8:54 am (#)

    Hi Charlotte,

    Don’t leave it too late. Maybe start trying in late August even … of before everyone goes on holiday in mid-July.

    Good luck!

    James

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