Teaching Assistant Internships in France
Program Overview
Languages Canada is currently recruiting Canadian candidates for teaching assistant internships in partner schools across France.
These schools offer immersive English-language programs for primary and secondary students, introducing English through language classes, workshops and subjects such as science, physical education, music and art.
Teaching assistants work alongside French teachers, helping students encounter English naturally throughout the school day.
The program aims to:
- Increase students’ exposure to spoken English
- Strengthen their English comprehension and communication skills
- Introduce English through engaging academic and cultural activities
- Build students’ confidence and interest in languages
- Encourage intercultural exchange in French schools
Internship overview
- Position: English Teaching Assistant
- Location: Partner schools across France
- Recruitment period: Rolling recruitment for 2026-2027
- Duration: Three to six months, with most placements lasting approximately six months
- Schedule: 35 hours per week, except during French school holidays
- Participants: Primarily students aged 3 to 11, with occasional opportunities involving students aged 12 to 17
Possible placement periods include:
- September to April
- November to May
- September to December
- January to April or July
Placements may be available in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Rennes and other French cities and towns. Dates and locations depend on school needs and availability. Candidate preferences will be considered whenever possible but cannot be guaranteed.
Role and responsibilities
Teaching assistants may be responsible for:
- Teaching or co-teaching activities in English alongside a French classroom teacher
- Supporting English classes and subjects taught partly in English, including art, music, science and physical education
- Leading conversation, cultural and language-learning activities
- Preparing lessons, materials and classroom activities
- Helping create an engaging and encouraging English-language environment
- Assisting with student supervision during break or lunchtime, where required
- Participating in regular training, follow-up and evaluation meetings
- Representing the program professionally within the school community
Teaching assistants play an important role in shaping students’ confidence, curiosity and relationship with English and other languages.
Weekly schedule
The full-time schedule consists of approximately:
- 24 hours: Classroom teaching and co-teaching
- 11 hours: Training, supported preparation and lesson planning
The internship schedule follows the French school calendar. Activities generally pause during school holidays.
Candidate profile
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Native or near-native English proficiency
- Basic working knowledge of French
- A genuine interest in working with children and young people
- Reliability, adaptability and independence
- A positive, energetic and professional approach
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- An interest in education, languages and intercultural exchange
Previous experience working with children, teaching, tutoring, coaching, summer camps or youth programs is an asset but is not mandatory.
Applicants may also need to meet internship-agreement and immigration requirements applicable to their placement. Languages Canada will provide further information during the application process.
Ideal candidates should be:
- Eligible for the internship/study visa for France — mandatory
- Current students or recent graduates able to have their Canadian university sign the internship agreement (see sample agreement) — mandatory
- Native or near-native English speakers
- Able to communicate in French at a basic working level
- Interested in working with children and young learners
- Motivated, reliable, adaptable, and autonomous
- Positive, dynamic, and comfortable in a classroom environment
- Available for the full placement period
Compensation and practical information
Internship allowance: Paid according to the applicable French legal internship rate. For 2026, the minimum rate is €4.50 per hour. The amount received each month depends on the participant’s hours of presence and the applicable legal framework.
Local transportation: The host organization reimburses 50% of the participant’s eligible monthly local public transportation pass.
Accommodation: Participants are generally responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation. Guidance and local housing resources may be available depending on the placement location.
Immigration support: Guidance is provided regarding the immigration or visa process applicable to the selected candidate. Eligibility and requirements will be assessed individually.
Participants should budget carefully for airfare, accommodation, food, insurance, local transportation and other living expenses in France.
Application and selection process
- Submit a CV here and brief cover letter to Languages Canada.
- Languages Canada reviews the applicant’s general eligibility and interest.
- Suitable applications are referred to the placement partner in France.
- Selected candidates participate in an interview and placement assessment.
- Candidates are matched with a partner school based on their profile, availability and school needs.
- The required internship agreement and placement documentation are completed.
- Languages Canada supports the participant with preparation for their work-abroad experience.
Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview or placement. Final candidate selection and school matching are completed by the placement organization in France.
This program is a good fit if you want to
- Gain international classroom experience
- Live and work in France
- Build your teaching, communication, and intercultural skills
- Share Canadian culture with students abroad
- Support English language learning
- Explore a future career in education, languages, international relations, or global mobility
- Experience French school and community life firsthand
- Work abroad even if you do not currently speak French