Jobs in France for expats without French

If you’re desperate to leave the UK and France is your favoured destination, not being able to speak French may seem like a major hurdle.

As the UK sinks into the sunset, more and more would-be expats are leaving for fresh fields and pastures new, with France the closest and most convenient location. Not every Brit who aspires to living on the other side of the English Channel is on the verge of a comfortable retirement, nor can the majority of those keen to relocate speak fluent French. Getting a job without being able to communicate in the local language might seem like a tall order but, in certain employment sectors, French is neither needed nor wanted.

Obviously, most expats learn some French simply by being in the country, but working whilst you accumulate a working knowledge of the local lingo is a necessity for many. Female expats who like being around children can easily find work as a nanny or au pair, with no French skills required. It’s a great way to improve your French, as kids will soon let you know if you’re talking ungrammatical nonsense. Parents are keen to have English-speaking nannies as it gives their little darlings a head-start at school.

One thriving job sector with openings for non-French speaking expats is real estate, as the vast majority of clients nowadays are English. France is still a hub for bargain properties, and the exchange rate favours would-be expat buyers. Another easy way to earn without even leaving your apartment is working as a freelance editor or writer. It’s straightforward to register as a self-employed worker through France’s auto-entrepreneur scheme, and companies are keen to have their content understandable for the rest of the planet. Correcting English language texts written by French students is another angle.

Teaching English is an obvious choice, but you may be asked for a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate unless you plan to teach privately. If you’ve a good memory for facts and are a friendly type, being a tour guide can be fun as well as rewarding. For energetic types, seasonal work as a ski instructor is a dream come true, as you get plenty of time to enjoy the slopes on your own or with friends. Those who can’t ski can always get jobs as chalet maids, drivers or handymen.