5-Week TEFL Course in Toulouse, France
Get certified to teach English anywhere in the world, with training and job support from TEFL Toulouse, our experienced partner in France.



Why Take This Course?
You’ll get a fully accredited certificate
IATQuO accredited certificate, recognised worldwide and meeting international standards.
You’ll teach real students
You’ll complete at least 6 hours of classroom teaching practice, something employers look for.
You’ll get job support during and after the course
We'll help you find work in France or elsewhere.
What this course qualifies you for - and what it asks of you
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 to launch your TEFL career. Whether you stay in France after the course or head elsewhere, this qualification sets you up to teach English around the world.
Our accredited, 5-week TEFL course includes real teaching practice, expert feedback, and lifetime job support – to help you find work wherever you choose to go.
This is a full-time, intensive course that requires real commitment. It’s challenging, but most trainees say it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done. You’ll come out of it with practical classroom skills, new confidence, and a qualification that’s respected worldwide.
Want a closer look at the day-to-day? Go to What to Expect.
What You’ll Get When You Enrol
Training
- 140-hour (+/-), 5-week intensive course (Summer 2025 courses are 4 weeks)
- 6 hours of classroom teaching practice
- 4 hours or more observing experienced teachers
Support
- Pre-course support and visa guidance
- Help finding accommodation
- Job placement support during and after the course
Extras from School of TEFL
- FREE Grammar Course
- FREE 6-month lesson plan subscription
- Save €100 with our June offer
Who Delivers the Course?
We partner with TEFL Toulouse to deliver your course – a fully accredited and internationally recognised program, backed by first-class local expertise.
You’ll train full-time at their centre in Toulouse, gaining practical classroom skills and real teaching experience.
TEFL Toulouse has a strong reputation, with outstanding ratings from two of the leading independent review sites for TEFL courses:
4.8/5 on TEFL Course Review
9.5/10 on GoAbroad.com
(based on reviews as of May 2025)
You can check out their reviews online for extra peace of mind.
Where Will I Take the Course?
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.
What Will I Learn?
You’ll learn how to plan and deliver effective English lessons. The course covers:
- Language awareness — grammar, vocabulary, phonology, and how English works
- Lesson planning, classroom management, and error correction
- Teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Applying a range of teaching methods in group and one-to-one settings
- Using technology, games, and adaptable resources in the classroom
- Teaching children, business English, and online lessons
- Assessing learners and supporting exam preparation
- Cultural awareness and adapting to different classroom dynamics
- Finding TEFL jobs and presenting yourself confidently to employers
You’ll leave with a solid foundation and the practical tools to start teaching right away – whether in France, online or elsewhere.
What to Expect
Before the course
Once you’ve enrolled and paid your deposit, we’ll notify TEFL Toulouse, who will review your application before confirming your place. 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 they can’t offer you a place, your deposit will be fully refunded.)
You’ll stay in regular contact with both the School of TEFL team and TEFL Toulouse in the lead-up to the course. You’ll get guidance on visas and documentation, help with arranging your accommodation, and support with any questions you have.
The remaining course fee is paid directly to TEFL Toulouse around 60 days before the course starts – though if you enrol later, that’s no problem.
At the start of the course, you’ll be invited to a welcome drinks evening – a relaxed way to meet your fellow trainees and settle in before your training begins.
Day to day on the course
Theory
Throughout the 5 weeks of the course you’ll gain a solid foundation in English language teaching theory. You’ll have input sessions and workshops from Tuesday 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 five 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 five 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 5 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.
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 and studio flats cost around 400-700 euros per month, and studio apartments start at around 700 euros per month. TEFL Toulouse 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!
TEFL Toulouse can also help you with accommodation for after the course, should you choose to stay in the city.
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. Many past graduates have found teaching opportunities within a week or two of finishing the course, often building up to a full schedule within the following month. How quickly you find work will depend on where you’re based, your availability, and how actively you pursue opportunities.
TEFL Toulouse provides hands-on job search support, including help with crafting a CV tailored to the French job market, guidance on contacting language schools (there are over 30 in and around Toulouse alone), and assistance with setting 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. Some experienced teachers go on to work at universities, which typically offer higher hourly rates. These positions often require at least a year or two of teaching experience.
If you decide to leave France, your TEFL certificate opens up opportunities to teach in dozens of countries worldwide.
Again, the School of TEFL team and the specialist staff at TEFL Toulouse will provide you with advice and support. We offer guidance on creating a CV tailored to the French job market and provide support in identifying potential opportunities with language schools and private students.
Eligibility
To take the course
Minimum 18 years of age.
Proficient in all aspects of English. (Non-native speakers may need to provide a writing sample of about 400 words to check your writing ability.)
Secondary education to pre-university level and able to complete an intensive university-level course.
To work in France
Legal right to work in France (EU citizenship or appropriate visa). See the FAQ below for options if you're not an EU citizen.
Upcoming Course Dates
23rd Jun – 18th Jul 2025 | Fully booked |
---|---|
18th Aug – 12th Sep 2025 | Limited places |
29th Sep – 31st Oct 2025 | Available |
17th Nov – 19th Dec 2025 | Available |
9th Feb – 13th Mar 2026 | Available |
23rd Mar – 24th Apr 2026 | Available |
11th May – 12th Jun 2026 | Available |
22nd Jun – 24th Jul 2026 | Available |
FAQ
Course and Accreditation
Who is the course accredited by?
Our course is accredited and moderated 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 or 5 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 5-week, 140+ hour course (Summer courses are 4-weeks)
– 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
– Deposit refund guarantee
– Add-on Grammar Course
– Lesson plan subscriptionHow 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 5 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 language 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.
Enrolment and Practicalities
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 add-on Grammar Course (free when you enrol). You’ll learn grammar on the course, but this will give you a head start.
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 offers comprehensive job search support. They’ll help you create a CV tailored to the French job market, provide guidance on approaching language schools, and support you in setting up as a freelance teacher. You’ll also receive advice on finding jobs both in France and internationally, with continued access to their knowledgeable team after the course. The partner centre regularly receives job openings from schools in the southwest of France and shares these with trainees and graduates who are actively seeking work. You’ll also take part in input sessions during the course focused on finding work and navigating the local job market.
In addition to the support offered by the partner centre, School of TEFL provides ongoing career guidance. Before, during, and after the course, we’re here to help with CV preparation, job applications, interview techniques, and long-term TEFL planning. You’re welcome to contact us by email or phone whenever you need advice – we’re here to support you.
What else can TEFL Toulouse 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!
Teaching in France
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?
You don’t need to be an EU citizen, but you do need the legal right to work in France. EU/EEA citizens can work freely, while non-EU citizens must hold a visa that allows employment, such as a student visa. Most private language schools in France don’t offer visa sponsorship, especially for entry-level roles. (See below for options…)
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 freelance 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. Our partner centre provides guidance on how to apply for this visa and supports you during the process. 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 provides guidance on how to apply for this visa and supports you during the process.
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.
What types of teaching jobs are available in France, and where are they?
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 each month for the number of hours you’ve worked. The advantage of this is that you can work for more than one language 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! University roles can pay up to around 60 euros per hour, though these positions usually require experience and may pay in arrears. Many teachers working full schedules report earning between 1500 and 2500 euros per month, depending on the mix of school work and private lessons. (Rates and demand vary by region and time of year.)
What is the cost of living like in Toulouse / France?
The cost of living in Toulouse is comparable to that of a mid-sized city in the UK or USA, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Just a heads-up:
Job availability, visa policies, and employer requirements can change.
Our support for Room to Read
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 2025, we're donating £5 to Room to Read via Work for Good.