Toulouse, France
4 week TEFL Course
- Fully accredited
- 6 hours teaching practice
More info
Deposit Refund Guarantee
We're confident in the quality of our training: If you complete the course and don't pass, we'll refund your deposit.
Fully accredited
Fully accredited TEFL certification recognised worldwide, exceeding international standards
What's included?
4 week, 140+ hour course
6 hours of teaching practice
4 hours or more observing experienced teachers
Pre-course support, including visa advice
Expert tuition from MA / DELTA qualified trainers
Lifetime, hands-on job support including guaranteed interviews in Toulouse
Accommodation assistance
Welcome drinks evening and end of course celebrations
Save $100 with our current offer
Lifetime job support (in addition to the partner centre job support)
Deposit refund guarantee
FREE add-on Grammar Course
FREE lesson plan subscription
FREE starter pack of resources
The demand for English teachers in France is booming. Toulouse, with plenty of opportunities in language schools or as a freelance teacher, is the perfect destination for your TEFL course and to launch your teaching career in France or beyond.
Whether you decide to stay in France or not, our accredited, 4-week TEFL course qualifies you for thousands of English teaching jobs worldwide, and comes with expert, lifetime job support.
The course
This is a full-time, intensive course, involving a commitment of time and work. Most trainees find the course immensely rewarding and attest to an enormous sense of achievement when they complete it. Please read What can I expect? and our FAQ below to learn more about what’s involved.The training centre
The training centre is centrally located in one of the most beautiful parts of Toulouse, directly opposite the Jardin des Plantes and about a 20 minute walk from the Place du Capitole, the magnificent main square of Toulouse. There are metro and tram stops within a 10 minute walk, and several buses go right past the training centre.Class size
The maximum number of students on the course is 10. Courses tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early.Schedule
The course runs for 140+ hours over 4 weeks. You can expect to be in class, or observing, planning and teaching lessons from 9am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday (with a break for lunch!) The practical component of around 10 hours teaching practice and observations is spread over the 4 weeks. Weekends are free, but with the expectation of some work completing assignments and assessments. Please see What can I expect? for more detail about the “day to day” of the course.Known as “La Ville Rose”, for the radiant glow of its red brick buildings at sunset, Toulouse is the fastest growing city in France but is untouched by mass tourism. It seamlessly blends the enchantment of its rich history with the energy of modernity – the historic centre has a feel reminiscent of Florence or Siena, while the influence of the Airbus industry gives it international appeal.
It is friendly and warm, dynamic yet refreshingly relaxed. It has sensational food, bustling markets, almost year-round sunshine and a vibrant student atmosphere (there are 100,000 here).
Take a bike ride or picnic on the banks of the Garonne, wander the streets and picturesque squares and be transported through time, play petanque at sunset, and then experience the vibrant cultural scene and nightlife. Live music – especially jazz – cinema and renowned theatres are everywhere, and there’s always something unexpected going on in the place Capitole.
Toulouse is a city that will capture your heart and envelop you in its unique atmosphere. Take your TEFL course here and you may never want to leave!
What can I expect?
Before the course
Once you’ve enrolled, we’ll get in touch with our partner centre, who will look at your application before confirming your place on the course. If you’re a non-native speaker, you may be asked to provide a writing sample of about 400 words, and/or invited for a Zoom chat.
(If for any reason we or the partner centre are unable to offer you a place on the course, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit payment.)
The School of TEFL team and partner centre will keep in close contact with you until the course starts, providing information and advice about visas and documentation, arranging your accommodation and other practicalities, and answering any questions you have.
You’ll pay the balance payment directly to our partner centre approximately 60 days before the course starts. (If you enrol closer to the start date though, that’s no problem).
At the start of the course, our partner centre will invite you for a welcome drinks evening, to help you get to know the people you will spend a month with during the course.
Day to day on the course
Theory
Throughout the 4 weeks of the course you’ll gain a solid foundation in English language teaching theory. You’ll have input sessions and workshops from Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.45pm (as well as the first few afternoons), covering a range of topics. You’ll learn about the language itself, teaching skills and techniques, classroom management strategies, lesson planning and much more. By the end of the four weeks, you’ll have a strong grasp of the theory behind Teaching English as a Second Language.Practice
The practical part of the course also takes place across the four weeks, and you’ll leave the course with invaluable hands-on experience. You’ll have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers giving real classes, and you’ll jump straight into planning, teaching and evaluating 6 hours of classes with real students as early as day 2 or 3. You’ll have plenty of guidance and support throughout this process, with feedback sessions from your trainer and lesson planning help for an hour and a half every day.Coursework and assessment
During the 4 weeks, you’ll be assessed on the following (there is no final exam):- Teaching practice – You’ll need to show that you can reflect on your own teaching and put feedback into practice.
- Theory – This is made up of:
– One to one project, where you choose a student, diagnose their needs, design, teach and evaluate a lesson, then design a short course for the student
– Two grammar and phonology tests
– Unknown foreign language observation task, where you reflect on two beginner lessons you’ll receive in a langauge you (probably) don’t speak
– Video demo lesson task, where you watch and answer questions about a lesson - Professionalism – This includes things like being present, on-time, communicative, enthusiastic about teaching, open and well-organised.
You’ll also have several one to one tutorials with your trainer to talk about your progress and answer any questions about what you’ve covered on the course.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to confidently pursue a career in English language teaching.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn everything you need to start teaching English: teaching skills, how to manage a class, teaching theory and much more. Here’s a summary of the main areas you’ll cover on the course:
- Language awareness (learning about how the language works, including grammar and phonology)
- Grammar and phonology
- Language learning theory
- Lesson planning and lesson structure
- Different teaching methodologies and how to apply them
- Teaching group classes
- Teaching one-to-one classes
- How to teach grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
- How to teach speaking and writing
- How to teach reading and listening
- Classroom management
- Error correction
- Testing and assessment of learners
- How to find, develop and exploit resources
- Using technology in the classroom
- How to teach children
- How to teach Business English
- How to teach online
- Cultural awareness in English language teaching
- Job finding skills and strategies
Accommodation
The TEFL course in Toulouse comes with a free accommodation finding service. You’ll have a choice of “host family” type accommodation, studio apartments, semi-independent accommodation (one part of a house separated from the rest) and shared apartments. Host family accommodation costs around 400-700 euros for the 4 weeks of the course, and studio apartments start at around 550 euros. Our partner centre has been working with many of the same trusted landlords for years, and all the accommodation is within easy reach of the training centre. If you prefer, you are of course welcome to make your own accommodation arrangements too!
Our partner centre can also help you with accommodation for after the course, should you choose to stay in Toulouse.
After the course
What can I do with my TEFL certificate from School of TEFL in France?
The School of TEFL course trains you to teach in France or anywhere in the world. If you decide to stay in France, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities in Toulouse and beyond. Most of our past graduates have been able to secure some teaching work within a week or two of completing the course, building up to a full timetable within another month or so.
As part of their hands-on job support, our partner centre will help you craft a CV tailored to France’s market conditions, give you extensive help finding work with language schools (there are over 30 in and around Toulouse itself, with similar numbers in other cities in France) and/or help you set up as a freelance teacher. In fact, most language schools prefer to hire teachers on a freelance basis, so this setting-up guidance is extremely valuable.
Many teachers end up working for one or two language schools as well as teaching privately. After a year or two, you may be able to work at a university for a greatly increased hourly rate.
If you decide to leave France, there is quite literally a whole world of possibilities open to you, with teaching jobs in just about every country on every continent.
Again, the School of TEFL team and the specialist staff at our partner centre will provide you with advice and support, and we take this commitment to you very seriously. We’ll help you create a CV tailored to the job market’s requirements and work with you to explore prospects with language schools and other potential employers.
Requirements
Minimum 18 years of age
Proficient in all aspects of English
Secondary education to pre-university level and able to complete an intensive university-level course.
Clean police/criminal record check from your home country
Clear understanding of professional conduct, punctuality, cultural sensitivity and the ability to get along with others.
Upcoming dates
| Dates | Spaces | Deposit | Enrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrol now, choose dates later | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol | |
| 14th Oct - 8th Nov 2024 | Fully booked | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 18th Nov - 13th Dec 2024 | Limited | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 13th Jan - 7th Feb 2025 | Available | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 3rd Mar - 28th Mar 2025 | Available | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 12th May - 6th Jun 2025 | Available | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 23rd Jun - 18th Jul 2025 | Available | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 18th Aug - 12th Sep 2025 | Available | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 29th Sep - 24th Oct 2025 | Available | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
| 17th Nov - 12th Dec 2025 | Available | 500 euros 400 euros | Enrol |
FAQ about the course and France
Course FAQ
Who is the course accredited by?
Our course is accredited, and moderated with monthly visits, by the UK-based body IATQUO (International Accreditation of TESOL Qualifying Organisations). They only accredit TEFL courses, and you may get to meet them in week 4 of your course.
Within l’education nationale in France we are moderated and accredited by national government bodies QUALIOPI, and recognised for government funding by the Pole Emploi.
How much does the course cost?
The course costs 1900 euros. You’ll pay a deposit of 500 euros when you enrol and the balance of 1400 euros directly to the partner centre three weeks before the start of the course.
Please note:
These prices may be lower if you see an offer listed on our site or have a discount code.What's included in the course price?
Included in the price of the course are:
– Pre-course support – visa, insurance and documentation advice
– The 4-week, 140+ hour course
– 6 hours of teaching practice
– 4 hours observing experienced teachers
– Expert tuition from MA / Delta qualified trainers
– Accommodation assistance
– Welcome drinks and end of course celebratory lunch or dinner
– All course materials
– Lifetime job support from the partner centre and from School of TEFL
– Guaranteed job interviews in Toulouse should you want to stay
– Online grammar courseHow easy/difficult is the course?
This is an intensive, university-level course that requires dedication and hard work! It’s not a ‘shortcut’ TEFL course. However, with your commitment, you’ll emerge from it well-prepared and highly motivated to start your teaching journey.
Will I teach actual students on the course?
Yes, you’ll teach actual local ESL students at two different levels for 6 hours (six lessons of one hour each). These students will be in small groups (normally about 4-8) of mixed age and nationality.
Will I learn how to teach both adults and children?
Yes, the course trains you how to teach both adults and young learners. You’ll learn core teaching skills applicable to all age groups, along with specific strategies for teaching young learners.
How will I be assessed?
During the 4 weeks, you’ll be assessed on the following (there is no final exam):
1. Teaching practice – You’ll need to show that you can reflect on your own teaching and put feedback into practice.
2. Theory – This is made up of:
– One to one project, where you choose a student, diagnose their needs, design, teach and evaluate a lesson, then design a short course for the student
– Two grammar and phonology tests
– Unknown foreign language observation task, where you reflect on two beginner lessons you’ll receive in a langauge you (probably) don’t speak
– Video demo lesson task, where you watch and answer questions about a lesson3. Professionalism – This includes things like being present, on-time, communicative, enthusiastic about teaching, open and well-organised.
You’ll also have several one to one tutorials with your trainer to talk about your progress and answer any questions about what you’ve covered on the course.
Who is the course suitable for?
The course is suitable for motivated individuals of all ages and backgrounds who want to teach English in France, around the world or online.
How early should I book?
The course tends to get fully booked up to two months in advance, so it’s best to book as early as you can.
How many other people will be on the course with me?
The maximum number of students on the course is 10, and is usually around 7, allowing for more personalised support and attention.
What should I bring/wear for the course?
A laptop for lesson planning is useful if you have one. When teaching or observing classes, you need to wear professional, business clothing (no jeans, shorts, flip-flops or t-shirts). When not teaching or observing, you can wear casual clothes.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the course?
You don’t need to prepare in any way. However, we would recommend taking our online grammar course (free when you enrol). You’ll learn grammar on the course, but this will give you a headstart.
If you want to read about English teaching before the course, Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener and The Practice of English Language Teaching by Jeremy Harmer are both good options. Again, this is optional, as you’ll learn all you need to know about the theory and practice of teaching on the course itself, but some trainees find it helpful to be familiar with some of the terms and concepts before starting the course.
Do I need to speak French to take the course?
No – TEFL courses show you how to teach without needing to know the language of your students. If you go on to teach in an English speaking country, you’ll probably have classes of mixed nationality/first language, so using the students’ first language isn’t an option anyway!
What kind of job help and support is provided?
Our partner centre will help you create a CV tailored to market demands, give you extensive help in securing positions with language schools, and help you set up as a freelance teacher in France. They will also provide advice and support for finding jobs in France and any other country for as long as you need it after the course. Our partner centre is the reference point for all language schools recruiting in the south west of France, and forward all jobs that they hear about to you if you are looking for work. You’ll have input sessions on finding work during the course, and access to the partner centre’s knowledgeable team throughout.
In addition to the job help provided by the partner centre, School of TEFL provides lifetime job guidance and support. Before, during and after the course we’re on hand with expert advice on preparing your CV, applying for jobs, succeeding at interviews and building your TEFL career, for as long as you need us, and we take this commitment to you very seriously. To access this support, all you need to do is send us an email or give us a call at any time, and we’ll give you one-on-one, personalised support.
What else can the partner centre help with / provide?
Our partner centre can provide assistance with some practicalities – just ask after you enrol and they’ll do their best to help!
France FAQ and practicalities
What are the requirements to teach English in France?
To teach English in France you'll need:
- a TEFL certification
- the legal right to work in the EU. This means either being an EU citizen or, as a non-EU citizen, having a visa or work permit (see the questions beow for more on this)
- to have native level or a highly proficient level of EnglishDo I need a degree to teach English in France?
No, although some employers will ask for one, depending on who they want you to teach.
Do I need to be an EU citizen to teach English in France?
If you are an EU citizen, there are no specific requirements - you can work legally in France.
Can I teach English in France as a British or American citizen?
If you are British or American, you will need to apply for a visa by one of the following two main options:
1. Apply for a long stay visa by setting up as a freelenace English teacher. For this, you'll need to submit a business plan. Your TEFL course in Toulouse will be at the heart of this plan, and our partner centre will guide you through the procedure. For this type of visa you also need to show that you have savings equivalent to living on the French minimum wage.
2. Apply for a student visa. If you enrol for French courses (our course gives you 15% off at the Alliance Francaise) you can legally work up to 20 hours per week. You would stay in Toulouse for a minimum of 5 months, the first month of which is your TEFL course. You would normally study French in the mornings, leaving you free to teach for the rest of the day. The French courses would cost around 500 euros per month, so this option is for those who want to improve their French and have the budget to do so. Please note that this method doesn't guarantee you work, it just allows you to work legally while you are studying. Our partner centre will guide you through the procedure for this type of visa.Can I teach English in France as a Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand citizen?
If you are from Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you can come to France on a Working Holiday Visa for a year. You need to be under 30 (35 for Canadians). This visa allows you to work on a contract with a language school. Canadians can extend it while in France.
Can non-native English speakers teach English in France?
As long as you are an EU citizen or, as a non-EU citizen, have a valid visa, you can work legally in France whether or not you are a native speaker. To take our TEFL course, you must be proficient in all aspects of English.
What is the hiring period for teaching English in France?
Language school hire teachers all year round, according to client demand. The exception is the summer months (mid-July to the end of August, where there is little work available, but schools may use this time to interview for September starts.
Where are the teaching jobs and what kind of jobs are available in France?
There are language schools and universities in towns and cities across France, and you can set up as a freelance teacher anywhere (although you will be more likely to find freelance work in bigger towns and cities).
Most work is with language schools, who will commonly hire a newly qualified teacher for a few hours a week at first on a kind of trial basis, before gradually increasing your hours over the course of a few months once they see that you are a good teacher! Most schools prefer to hire teachers on a freelance (auto-entrepreneur) basis, and our partner centre will show you how to set this up if you want to stay in France. You then bill the language school at the end of eqach month for the number of hours you've worked. The advantage of this is tht you can work for more than one langauge school at once, and teach privately as well, to fill up your weekly schedule.
Language schools sometimes offer short-term contracts (CDD - contrat à durée déterminée) instead of working with you on a freelance basis, and (rarely) long-term contracts (CDI – contrat à durée indéterminée). These are not mutually exclusive - you can be freelanc and have a contract with a language school.
If you have a contract with a school, and at least a year or two of experience, you become eligible to teach at universities, where the pay is about double that of language schools.How much will I earn teaching English in France?
Language schools usually pay between 18 and 35 euros an hour. They usually employ teachers on a freelance (auto-entrepreneur) basis. If you are freelance, you are "free" to charge what you like, but the range that schools and private students are willing to pay is normally within this range! If you secure work with a university, you can earn up to about 60 euros an hour. However, they tend to pay several months in arrears. Most teachers en up earning between 1500 and 2500 euros on a full schedule.
What is the cost of living like in Toulouse / France?
In Toulouse it's about the same as a mid-sized city in the UK or USA.
Our support for Plan International UK
We believe everyone should have access to the education and future opportunities they need to thrive. That's why for every TEFL course we sell in 2024, we're donating £5 to Plan International UK via Work for Good.
