A complete guide to working holidays in france
For many people, especially those who can't get enough of discovering new countries and cultures, working holidays abroad are a kind of rite of passage.I'm sure we all know someone (or at least have heard of someone) who has given up everything to drive through sunny Australia or chase mountains in beautiful New Zealand.This must sound like a dream, but have you ever thought about taking a working holiday in France?
It may sound unusual, but there are many working holiday jobs, and who can resist this French charm?!You could walk the banks of the Seine or sip wine in a vineyard in Bordeaux … even better, you could spend your weekends browsing boulangeries for freshly baked baguettes and delicious croissants.
Does this sound heavenly to you?Because I like it safe!All this and more is possible if you do a French working holiday.To learn exactly how, read on!
Working Holiday in France
The working holiday visa for France is the best way to get into the country and work (and play) during the trip.If you are a citizen of an eligible country and are between 18 and 30 (in some cases 35) years old, you can apply for!This type of trip is not limited to gap year students, but is perfect for a variety of people.From young professionals looking for a break to recent college graduates, the sky is the limit!
The French Working Holiday program is ideal for those who want to explore France and experience life abroad long term, if you don't have the funds for a year-long vacation (as I would like). You earn real Euros with a real job, but on your days off you can party in Paris, whizz down the slopes in Chamonix and bask in the sun on the beaches of Cannes.Working Holidays represent a good balance between work and leisure, and if that means you can travel for a whole year, why the heck not?
There are quite a few ways to work in France, such as. B. To be an au pair, teach English lessons, or work at resorts and hotels during ski season!Moving to a new country can be daunting … that's why we're so lucky these days that the blessed internet exists to connect us with some great companies.
Go with Worldpackers
Worldpackers is an online company that connects travelers with foreign volunteer hosts who then work in exchange for lodging.That being said, Worldpackers does more than just connect volunteers with hosts.It offers a wealth of additional resources, a great support network, a blogging platform for collaboration and more.
Sounds pretty crass, doesn't it?But wait, there is more!
According to their mission statement, Worldpackers is "a community based on collaboration and honest relationships, making travel more accessible to those seeking a profound cultural experience".Above all, they value conservation, authenticity, growth and collaboration and go to great lengths to provide the best experience possible.
And even better – Broke Backpacker readers receive a special $10 discount!If you use our special connection, it makes even more sense to pay.Just use this Worldpackers discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and membership will be reduced from $49 per year to $39.
Worldpackers: connecting travelers with meaningful travel experiences.
Go with Global Work and Travel
One of our absolute favorites in terms of working holidays is Global Work and Travel.These guys take care of all the little details and can give you extra support during your trip!
It has a slightly different approach than Worldpackers, but offers just as many amazing options for travelers.
It offers working holidays, teaching abroad, volunteering, au pair and student internship packages.In addition, the agency will plan, sort and assist with visa requirements, connections to local businesses, housing and interviews.
Most products even come with flights and basic health insurance, a 24/7 emergency phone number and payment plans.
Now the working holiday visa for France is not on the table forever, the clocks are ticking!If you're on the fence, just do it!
Top 5 tips for a working holiday in France
Now, what you need to know about working holiday jobs in France?Is it that easy to get off the plane, hit the sidewalk and get a job?Eeeek, if only!
Don't worry.I'll walk you through all the important information for a French working holiday, but first, here are my top 5 tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly and stress-free.
1.Applying for the right visa.This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are only a few different types of visas, and perhaps the working holiday visa for France isn't for you.The first question you should ask yourself is: are you a national of a qualifying country?If yes, you are between 18 and 30 years old?(35 in some cases). If it's another yes, then the working holiday visa is the perfect option for you!
2.Know how long you want to be away for.If you only want to stay in France for a short time before visiting the rest of Europe, it may not be worth it to find a job, find a long-term place to stay, etc.In this case, you only need a tourist visa, which saves you fees, time and gathering a lot of documents.It's also good to know how long you plan to be out so you can organize your obligations at home.
3.Finding the right job.What's the big deal, it's just a job, or?Incorrect.You'll be living AND working in France, so having a job you like or at least can tolerate will make those work days (in between some fantastic weekends of adventure, of course) much more fun!
4.Finding shelter.France and Paris in particular are not cheap.It's good to have a clear idea of where you want to work so you can budget enough money for your first few weeks of housing before you find a job.Don't forget about commuting either, sometimes it's better to pay a little more to stay closer to the city center than to have to commute 40 minutes every day!There are so many incredible cities and accommodations in France, it is not only about Paris.
5.Get around on your days off.By far the best way to get around France is by train.The routes can be scenic, you get to your destination fairly quickly, and the trains are comfortable.If money is a bit of an issue, the country has an extensive bus system that travels to other countries in Europe as well.If you want complete freedom and have the money to rent (or buy) a car, then driving is possible as long as you have a driver's license.You may want to double check that you need an international driver's license, but most drivers do not.France also has rules about certain items you must keep in your car, so it's best to get some up-to-date information on that.
Working Holiday Visa for France
The availability of a working holiday visa depends on your home country.As always, all the important information is coming, but you may want to check the official website of France again for updated information!
However, as of now there are 15 qualifying countries.These are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, Taiwan and Uruguay.
There are some conditions for the visa, mainly that your reason for going to France is tourism and discovering French culture.However, you have the right to work to supplement your income.Again, you must be between 18 and 30 years old, with the exception of visitors from Argentina, Australia and Canada, who can apply up to the age of 35 years.People who have this visa are allowed to live and work in France for up to one year, with no option to extend, except for Canadian citizens who have a special working holiday arrangement.
To apply for the working holiday visa, you must apply for a temporary long-stay visa or a VLS-T.Australian, Canadian and Colombian citizens can submit their visa application to a visa center of their choice, but applicants from the other 12 countries must submit their application to a visa center in their home country or national territory.
The beauty of Working Holidays in France is that visa holders do not have to complete any formalities on arrival.You read that right!No paperwork, no residence permits at local city halls, no arrival notification, etc.You don't even need a work permit unless you are a New Zealand or Russian citizen.
To obtain a working vacation visa, you will need proof of a return flight, sufficient funds to start your stay (you may need to check the exact amount with your local embassy), have not been on a working vacation in France and must not be accompanied by dependents, including children.
At this point, hopefully you realize how great and easy a French working holiday can be.If you are absolutely ready to go, but are a little worried about the whole "visa sorting" thing, then opting for outside help from an agency or company might be the way to go.Visa First is a great option for people who just want to sit back and let someone else do the boring stuff so they can focus on the fun planning part of the trip.Sounds great, doesn't it?
Insurance for a working holiday in France
As always, I need to do my due diligence and at least mention travel insurance.I can tell you from my own experience that travel insurance is always a good idea.In fact, for non-EEA citizens, you must prove that you have health insurance for the entire duration of your stay – YIKES.If the world of travel insurance is right over your head, WorldNomads is a good place to start.They are super reliable and affordable, so you are in good hands.
It's good to get lost sometimes, but it's also good not to get too lost.There are people who want you to get home in one piece.
There's one travel insurance provider The Broke Backpacker trusts with all his wildest shenanigans … World Nomads!
Click the button below to get a quote for your insurance, or read our in-depth review of World Nomads coverage.And then … let the shenanigans begin. 😉
Working Holiday in France Budget
Unfortunately, most of us aren't made of money, and a rough budget is at the top of our to-do list when it comes to any kind of travel.So, you must have "sufficient funds" at the beginning of your stay, as specified in each country's working holiday agreement with France.This is usually between 2 depending on the country.250 and 4.000 USD (more is of course always better!).
Now this may seem like a lot of money, especially on top of your return flight, but trust me, you'll definitely be glad of this buffer if it takes you longer to find a job OR if you want to spend your first few weeks in exploring France.
Still, it's good to have an idea of what the cost of living in France is so you can create a monthly budget and make sure your money lasts.This also helps you decide if your job is enough to support you, depending on where you live.Paris is notoriously expensive, in case you didn't know ..
It's not all bad news though, there are some parts of France that are super affordable, and Paris (as great as it is) isn't the only place where you can have a great time.While big cities like Lyon, Nantes, Marseille, and Bordeaux can still be a bit pricey, they are cheaper on your wallet than the capital city!
For example, if we compare Paris and Nantes, a centrally located one bedroom apartment in Paris will cost you 1.150 USD per month, compared to 570 USD per month in Nantes.Jobs like au pair include free accommodation (with your host family). So if you've decided on a more expensive destination, this might be the job for you!
Working Holiday in France Expense Costs in USD$
| Rent (rural vs. central) | $450 – $1200 |
| go out to eat | $200 |
| Food | $250 |
| Car/public transport | $35 – $175 |
| TOTAL | $935 – $2760 |
Earning money with a working holiday visa
One of the most important aspects of working holidays abroad is, of course, making money!I've already talked about how you don't really have to do any paperwork when you arrive in France for your working holiday, so you're just left with finding a job (and some other important things).
I'm talking about taxes here, and this is where it can get a little confusing… you'll probably pay your taxes through the PAYE system, so your employer will sort that out for you.Non-residents pay a flat tax rate of 20% on income up to 27.519 EUR.
Another thing to remember and crucial to getting paid is to have a local bank account.Most local banks should accept new customers, even if you are a foreigner, as long as you have the proper documentation.You will need to bring your passport and proof of address in France (this can be an electricity bill or a copy of your rental agreement).
The next step you need to consider is transferring your money to your new bank account.Foreign wire transfers can sometimes incur high fees, depending on your bank.I personally always use Wise (formerly known as Transferwise) to transfer money between international accounts.The prices are super good and the service is easy to use.If you want to do a little shopping around at other companies, Payoneer is another good choice!
Pre-planned working holiday jobs with Global Work and Travel
Sometimes moving can be a bit nerve-wracking, so it's a good idea to work with an agency that specializes in great study abroad experiences and working holiday jobs.This is where Global Work and Travel comes in, these guys are the keepers of the information.
Some of the most popular working holiday jobs in France are au pair stays with a local family, teaching English, or working at a resort during the ski or summer season.All this will give you an incredible life experience and teach you a new set of skills.
Au Pair in France
Au pairs are something like a live-in nanny who not only helps with childcare, but can also do a number of household chores such as light cleaning and helping in the kitchen.This job is great for people who love kids and want a fully immersive experience.You stay WITH the family in their house, with free food and meals.The best: You get paid!
Au pairs are entitled to one and a half days off per week and usually have one week off every 6 months.Generally you will work about 30 hours per week, but you may want to check with your host family to see if it could be a little more or less.
Since you'll be with the family virtually 24/7, it's really important to find the "perfect partner".You should think about where you want to be, what age of kids you are comfortable with, and how you feel about extras they may ask of you.
There are many au pair opportunities in France, and it IS possible to find your own job.You can either contact some local agencies or visit the classifieds / online forums.However, if you are in France on a working holiday visa, you must have your contract signed before your arrival at.
The best way to organize an au pair working vacation is to connect with an agency, as they will do everything for you.Global Work and Travel has a special working holiday program for au pairs that offers a TON of added extras.your internships last between 3 and 6 months and you must be between 18 and 30 years old to apply.
They will match you with a local host family, and you can contact them before you arrive to make sure it's the right choice!Your dedicated travel coordinator will make sure everything goes smoothly, answer all your questions and help you organize the paperwork.
Au pairs with Global Work and Travel receive between 80 and 100 EUR per week (90-112 USD) depending on their host family.Get a week of paid vacation every 6 months.
Tutoring in France
Teaching or tutoring has to be one of the most popular activities during a working vacation abroad, and France is no exception.There are two main routes to teach English in France.You have the regular ESL teaching option, for which you need a bachelor's degree, at least two years of professional experience teaching English, and an ESL teaching certificate from somewhere like CELTA or TESOL, or you might consider becoming an English teacher France.
Being an English teacher is great for someone who doesn't meet the criteria of an ESL English teacher, plus it's a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to really dive deep into French culture and lifestyle.Tutors can stay with host families and teach English to both adults and children for a few hours a week in exchange for room and board (some families may even give you a little pocket money).
Most potential host families can be found in and around Paris or southern France (not too shabby, or?). You could do the whole experience yourself and search the classifieds for families looking for tutors or search online forums and sites, but we completely understand if this doesn't sound ideal for you.
If you're interested in being an English teacher during your working vacation, but are a little worried about the potential downsides of doing it yourself (hello host family from hell), then doing it with a trusted agency that fully checks families out way for you might be the right thing to do.I'm talking of course about Global Work and Travel (these guys are kind of awesome if you haven't noticed), and they have 10/10 tutoring jobs in France.
You must be between 18 and 35 years old to apply, and from an eligible country.Your placements will last between 1 and 3 months and they will take care of matching you with a local family who will welcome you into their home and provide you with some "tres bon" food!You'll have a personal travel coordinator to help you arrange visas, interview arrangements and coordinate your arrival with your host family, who will pick you up from the nearest major airport.
This working holiday program also offers MEGA perks, from an online tutoring course to improve your teaching skills, five nights in a hostel if you want to explore the country a bit, PLUS your choice of the two best parties Europe has to offer – Ibiza or Wiesn!
DIY Working Holiday in France
I've already talked a bit about how you can arrange your own working holiday in France, and while it may be a bit of extra work, for all you free spirits out there, it could be the ticket!One thing to remember is that if you don't speak French (it doesn't sound too bad, though), your job search will be limited to big cities and tourist hotspots.
You are responsible for arranging your own visa and return flights and making sure you have enough cash to a) qualify for the working holiday visa to France and b) see you through your time there.Most working holiday jobs in France are in low-skilled professions such as retail and hospitality.If you're thinking of working in the ski or summer season, check the job boards before you arrive, as these times are particularly competitive.
If you want to do something other than your typical working holiday in France, you might consider saving money during your trip by working in exchange for free room and board.Sites like WWOOF, Worldpackers, and Workaway are PERFECT for this, and you'll find plenty of next-level options in more rural areas if you look for it.
Final thoughts
I don't know about you, but I am about to take advantage of this fantastic working holiday visa to France.Nothing sounds better to me than living in one of the most romantic countries in the world and earning some money to see the sights at the same time!
Working Holidays abroad not only give you the chance to take a long term vacation (hello gap life), they also teach you a whole new set of skills and put you in a situation that will challenge you and help you grow.You might even come back with a few scraps of French – oh la la!
One thing is for sure though, whether you DIY or work with a trusted agency, a working vacation in France will be the best decision you will ever make.Nothing beats really learning about a culture, learning about yourself, and making great memories!Oh, and the wine there is pretty good, I hear …
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